The Montana Rancher's Bride (New Montana Brides)

by Susan Leigh Carlton

  “Dear Sir,

  Please reveal my name to Number 920. I thank you for your assistance in my quest. Sincerely, Miss Carrie Robbins.

  chapter Nine

  I Am Carrie Robbins

  Dear Case,

  It is so nice to put a name to the image I have conjured up for you. Thank you for revealing your name. It makes me feel as if I actually know you. I have asked the editor to reveal my name also.

  I live in the small town of Oxford, Ohio, about thirty-five miles from Cincinnati and the Ohio River. It would seem to be approximately the same size as Helena, albeit, much older.

  Oxford Female College, which I attended is here and is well known. The town's economy is centered on Miami and Oxford Colleges. Papa teaches at Miami College. Most of the surrounding land is used for growing of wheat.

  Your being so forthright in the hazards of your area impresses me. I am pleased you were unharmed in your recent conflict with the Sioux. Also, I hope your sheriff will be able to tame the lawless element in Helena.

  My mother has continued to insist I marry… anyone. I fear she worries about what is to become of me when they pass on. I talked to Papa about my feelings and told him I intended to share a friend’s living space. He talked to Mama about it, but nothing has changed. I have moved in with my friend, Sue Ann Hicks, who also teaches at the academy. It is a much calmer situation than I had at home.

  I would like to hear about life on a ranch. What do you eat? Do you grow your own vegetables? I would imagine beef is a staple of your diet. Do you have water in your house?

  There is so much I don’t know and so much I want to know. How large is your church? It was nice to hear the schools are progressive. I was born into an academic environment and education is important to me.

  Please write soon. Since we can now communicate directly with each other, it should significantly reduce the time involved.

  I remain, sincerely,

  Carrie Robbins

  * * *

  Sue Ann had come home with Carrie, and was helping her pack her belongings in preparation for her move. Carrie heard a noise, and looked to the door where her mother stood, a scowl on her face.

  “So it’s come to this,” her mother said. “I wish you well. I do love you, and I want you to know I have your well-being in mind.”

  “I know you do, Mama, and I will always love you and Papa. It’s better this way, before we hurt each other any further. I will still visit.”

  Carrie shared the same interests as Sue Ann. Both enjoyed the opportunity of having someone to share their problems and dreams.

  “I haven’t told anyone about this, not even Mama, but I’ve been writing to a man in the Montana Territory. We have exchanged several letters.” She had a book borrowed from the school library, and opened it to a map of the United States and its territories.

  She pointed to a place on the map. “He owns a ranch, near Helena. He’s twenty-five and has seven cowboys to help.”

  “That is exciting,” Sue Ann said. “How did you come to write someone that far away?”

  “I found a newspaper called The Matrimonial Bulletin in the school library. It contains ads placed by men and women seeking someone interested in marriage. Apparently, there is a shortage of unmarried women there, equal to the shortage of men here.”

  “So you are interested in marrying someone you have never met, in a place on the other side of the country?’ Sue Ann asked.

  “Don’t say it like that. Look around, since the war, how many men our age do you see?”

  “Not many,” admitted Sue Ann.

  “Case, his name is Case Jamison, said in his church on a recent Sunday, there were less than ten unmarried women. He admits to being lonely and the preacher’s wife told him about one of their members who was a mail order bride. That’s what they call them, by the way. He put an ad in the paper; I saw it, and responded.

  “The paper keeps your name and address secret until you authorize them to release it. You send letters to the paper and they forward them to the other party. Case asked them to reveal his name with his last letter, and I did the same in my answer. It took at least a month for a letter to make its way before, but now that should be a lot less.”

  “Now you have me interested. I can hardly wait to see how this plays out,” Sue Ann said.

  “Me too,” Carrie replied.

  * * *

  Dear Carrie,

  Your letter came so quickly, it surprised me. When I was picking up supplies, Silas handed it to me. He asked why I was getting so much mail all of a sudden. He’s known me almost all of my life so his curiosity was understandable.

  It is nice to have a name instead of a number isn’t it? You asked about life on a ranch. The day starts before it is light. I have breakfast in the bunkhouse and then it’s off to whatever needs to be done. On most days, time is spent keeping track of the herd. We have open range, which means there are no fences, so they stray, and we have to bring them back to the herd. This means we drive them from horseback. We must make sure they don’t overgraze, so we move them from one area to another. We watch for signs of wolves, since they seem to like beef as much as humans do.

  Mama ran the house, and helped Papa keep track of the books on ranch operations. She made all of Papa’s and my clothes as well as her own.

  There was always pie in the kitchen, so I assume she cooked a lot.

  She was the one that looked after the health of all of us, and kept basic medical supplies in case of an accident.

  This must sound boring to you when compared to that of a teacher’s life, and I suppose it is, but it’s the only life I’ve known.

  I was sorry to hear about the unhappiness caused by your mother’s efforts to find a husband for you. I know Mama was always worried what might become of me, but there were no prospects for her to push at me. I’m not sure that was good or bad. It has resulted in a lonely life, that’s for certain.

  When I placed the ad in the paper, I said I was looking for a lady with whom I could correspond, and with marriage a possibility. Would this be something you have an interest in pursuing? If so, at some time, we should meet. I would be pleased to provide transportation for that purpose. Should you come to Montana and find I’m not what you expected, I would provide return transportation.. Please let me know your feelings on the subject.

  I am sure you have concerns regarding my person and my reputation. I assure you, I have been truthful in my writings. Prior to posting this, I am going to ask Jack Owens, the preacher and his wife, Letty, to vouch for me. I do enjoy your letters and am waiting anxiously for the next one.

  Sincerely,

  Case

  * * *

  “Letty, I am going to ask a favor of you. If it isn’t too much trouble, would you please write a letter to Carrie Robbins vouching for me? She’s the one whose letter you read. I want to ask her to come to Montana to be my wife. It would be scary to think of a life with someone you don’t know, and in such a faraway place as Montana, so I want to ease that fear.

  “I would appreciate it, and will pay for the postage.”

  “I would be happy to do that. I think it is a good idea, and thoughtful of you to suggest it. I’ll talk to Jack, and do it today.”

  “Thanks, Letty. I’m going to put this in the mail and get back to the ranch. You and Jack are the best friends I have and I appreciate your help.”

  “It’s what friends do, Case.”

  chapter Ten

  He Wants To Meet Me!

  It certainly is quicker now that we can write directly; Carrie thought when she found two letters waiting for her at the post office.

  Oh good, he answered my questions about life on the ranch. Am I interested in marriage? Yes, I most certainly am. Would I be interesting in meeting? That one is easy to answer. I am. It is generous of him to offer return transportation if we find are not compatible after we meet. It hardly seems fair that he would be expected to pay under those circumstances. It goes to sh
ow the type of person he is. I know how I am going to answer this letter. To everything, it’s a big yes.

  She picked up the second letter. It was from Letty Owens, the preacher’s wife he mentioned.

  Dear Miss Robbins,

  I am the wife of the pastor of the Christian Church Case Jamison attends. He asked me to write to you as a reference of his good character.

  Case and his family have attended the Christian Church in Helena since before Jack and I were called to serve. Since his parent’s unfortunate death, he has continued to attend, missing only when the press of his responsibilities at the Lazy J prevents it.

  Case is a kind and gentle young man. He is honest to a fault. The Lazy J is a large ranch and he lives alone, save for his ranch hands. It is a prospering ranch.

  Case is a salt-of-the-earth person and I would not hesitate to trust him with my life. If you have any reservations about him, you can rest easy. I believe he will make some fortunate girl a fine husband You could not do better if marriage is your intention.

  Should you choose to come to Helena, I will offer you the hospitality of our home until you marry, if that is your choice, or until you return to your home. I hope to meet you soon.

  Yours truly,

  Letty Owens

  “Sue Ann, I have another letter from Case. He wants to know if I am interested in meeting. Read this other letter. He asked his pastor to write, vouching for his character.

  “I would like to know if he has any brothers,” Sue Ann said.

  “Just don’t get any ideas about this one. I’m claiming him.”

  “So you’re going to go through with this, all of the way to Montana?”

  “If he asks me to, I am going,” Carrie said.

  “I admire your courage. I don’t envy you when you tell your mama.”

  “It won’t be easy, but I’m up to it. Papa is the one I hate to tell. Since I was his first born, I’ve always been the special one. I sort of feel as if I’m deserting him.”

  Carrie answered the most recent letter from Case.

  Dear Case,

  I received your letter today and will not waste any time. I am interested in marriage, and I would like to come meet you. How’s that for decisiveness?

  In the same mail, I had the nicest letter from Letty Owens. I am really looking forward to meeting her. She is a strong supporter of yours. It was not necessary to provide me with references. When I tell Mama, I am leaving, I will show her the letter from Mrs. Owens. Maybe it will make it easier for her to accept what I am doing.

  I have something to look forward to now. I am most anxious for your reply.

  I am yours truly,

  Carrie

  chapter Eleven

  Carrie Accepts!

  Case received the letter with her acceptance and immediately went to the bank and withdrew ample funds to pay for her trip. Next, he went to Western Union and wired the money to the Oxford Western Union. He paid extra to include a message that said, “Get best transportation possible, wire arrival date, and I will meet you.” Case.

  He walked to the church. “Well, I did it. I just sent money for the tickets, and she’s supposed to send me a telegram with her time.”

  “Jack shook his hand vigorously. I don’t think you will regret this.”

  “I don’t either,” Case said. “It will be nice to have someone to talk to on the lonely, winter nights.”

  Letty said, “I’m so happy for you, Case. I’m glad she liked my letter. I am looking forward to meeting her.”

  Two days later, a rider delivered the telegram Case was expecting. Carrie would arrive two weeks hence. It was going to be a long two weeks.

  At last the appointed day arrived. Wearing his best church going clothes, his freshly cleaned boots, and a new Stetson hat, Case was in front of the International Hotel when the driver of the stagecoach pulled back on the reins, and calling out, “Whoa, there you varmints, whoa.” The cloud of dust, with no wind to disperse it, hovered above the street.

  The driver tied the reins to the brake handle, then he, and his rifle toting guard clambered down. He spat a stream of tobacco juice into the dirt of the street. He opened the door and stood aside as a drummer stepped from the coach. Holding out his hand, he assisted a woman, as she stepped out. She brushed her hair back and looked around. She smiled as a handsome young cowboy detached himself from the wall he had leaned against for the past hour and stepped forward.

  “Carrie Robbins? “he asked in the Texas drawl he had never lost.

  “I’m Carrie,” she said and smiled again. Later, Case would swear the day had brightened at that moment. “Are you Case?”

  “Yes.” He became tongue tied. He didn’t know what to do with his hands. “Uhhh, I mean I’m Case Jamison. Welcome to Helena. Let me get your trunk. Do you have a trunk?”

  “I have a small trunk and a carpet bag. Those two,” she said, and pointed them out on the boarded sidewalk.

  “I’ll get the wagon and load them up.” He hoisted the trunk to his shoulder with what seemed to Carrie, a minimum of effort. He started toward the stable.

  “Case,” she called out, “do you mind if I walk with you. I’m stiff from being cramped in the coach.”

  “Excuse me.” Case said. “I’m not accustomed to being around a lady, except for Letty, and she’s like a big sister.

  “You were on the stage for what, four days? I imagine that’s a lot like being on a roundup. In the saddle all day, then using it as a pillow, sleeping on the ground.”

  “I don’t think it was that bad,” she said. “Is that what you do?” she asked.

  “We have a roundup in the spring and in the fall. And, we do sleep on the ground. That’s our… my wagon,” he said.

  “Our wagon sounded fine to me,” she said softly.

  Case had to make an effort to slow down. His usual pace, marked by long strides would not work walking with a lady. She would soon be left behind.

  “I thought I would introduce you to Jack and Letty Owens. In fact, if I don’t, she will kill me.”

  “I have been looking forward to meeting her. Did you read the letter she sent?”

  “I didn’t. I asked her if she could, then posted mine and headed back to the ranch.”

  “I’ll have to let you read it,” Carrie said. “She had some very nice things to say about you.”

  “They’re both special people. The church is just around the corner and their house is right behind it. They’re usually at the church, Letty cleans while Jack works on his sermon.

  “Here we are,” he said and pulled up in front of a white clapboard building. He took her small hand in his paw, and felt a shock that surprised him as it raced through him, all the way to his toes.

  “Jack… Letty? Are you here?” he called out. “Carrie is here.”

  Letty came hurrying from the back, a feather duster in her hand, brushing back the strand of hair that always seemed to be trying to escape from under the headscarf. She wiped her hands on her apron, and said, “I would hug you, but I’m all dusty. We get tons of dust in from the street.”

  “Carrie held out her arms. “You can’t be any dustier than I am. I just climbed down from the stagecoach.” She hugged the young preacher’s wife. “Thank you for the letter. It wasn’t necessary, but it was very kind of you to take the time.”

  “It was no trouble. Case is like the little brother I never had.”

  Carrie laughed. “He said the same thing about you except he said sister.”

  “Jack must have stepped out back. He was working on his Sunday message. Let’s go to the house. He may be there.” She led the way to the small house in back. There, they found Jack, having a glass of lemonade.

  Case made the introduction. “Carrie, this is Jack Owens, the husband of my older sister here. Jack, Carrie Robbins.”

  “Carrie. It is so nice to meet you. I know Case has been anxious, and his anxiety is contagious.”

  “You two are just what I expected. Case wr
ote you were his best friends and the nicest people around.

  “Carrie, Letty, and Jack have fixed a room, where you can stay until we can get acquainted and you decide what you want to do.”

  “That’s nice of you, but, I’ve made up my mind, unless you need more time,” Carrie said.

  Case’s surprise showed on his face. Carrie took the look on Case’s face to mean he was unsure, but Letty jumped in to save the day. “I have one of my usual brilliant ideas. Why don’t you both stay here tonight, then Case can show you the ranch tomorrow.”

  “Good idea honey,” Jack echoed his approval of her idea. “Come on, Case, I’ll help you get the things from the wagon.” They went outside.

  “I think you hurt her feeling in there, buddy,” Jack said.

  “What do you mean? I didn’t say anything.”

  “No, but you had a surprised look on your face, and it bothered her. She committed herself and your look soured it.”

  “I was surprised,” Case said. We met less than an hour ago and I expected she would want to get to know me better before she decided.”

  “You seriously underestimated this girl. She left her home and family and traveled half way across the country to meet you. That’s about as committed as you can get. You need to make this right. I’m sure Letty will tell you the same thing.”

  “Okay. I see your point. I expected to have to convince her to stay. Let’s go back in.”

  In the house…

  “Carrie, would you like take a walk with me?” he asked.

  “Yes, I think I would enjoy that,” she said.

  Outside, Case said, “Jack told me I may have hurt your feeling in there. I didn’t mean to. I thought I was going to have to convince you to stay here. You surprised me.”

  “I could tell that. I did think you weren’t sure. Your letters and the one of your friends convinced me I was making the right decision before I left Oxford.”

  “You can’t know how relieved I am to hear you say that. I haven’t had an easy minute since I asked you. They stopped, and looked off in the direction of the mountains.