EMMA (Mail-Order Brides Club, #1)

by Ashley Merrick

  Emma smiled, sensing the mood shift to acceptance, "Yes, and maybe some of them are eager for wives, too."

  "I still think you're crazy to do this—my best friend, a mail-order bride! But I understand, and I'll be praying for you, for safe travels and that this Ethan is a good and kind man." Julia's voice broke a little and Emma felt her eyes start to water again. It had been an emotional morning.

  "I'll write you both as soon as I'm settled and I'll expect you to write often as well, and fill me in on how everyone is doing."

  "I'll write every week," Katie promised. She was the writer of the bunch, always scribbling away in her journal, and Emma looked forward to her stories.

  "When do you leave?" Julia dabbed at her eyes as she looked away toward the Charles.

  "Next Tuesday, at nine a.m. Ethan's brother and sister-in-law will be meeting me at the station when I arrive in Bozeman."

  "Ethan won't be meeting you?" Julia looked puzzled.

  "His letter explained that his brother has a store in town, and that it would be easier for them to collect me and then bring me out to his farm."

  "Hmmm, that seems a bit odd. Is his farm far from town?" Katie asked.

  "I don't know. It seemed reasonable the way Mrs. Richardson explained it." Emma frowned then as a wave of doubt that she was making the right decision washed over her.

  "I'm sure it will be fine, and maybe even a bit less awkward if you meet some of his family first." Julia pulled her in for a hug and Katie joined in as well. Emma felt her fears ease away and promised to let them both know she'd made it there safely and to keep them posted on her new life.

  CHAPTER THREE

  The thrill of the train ride wore off by the third day. By the end of the third week, Emma had never felt so grimy before. She couldn't wait to take a bath and hoped that she would have a chance to do so before she met Ethan. She was so dirty that he would smell her well before he even saw her and she didn't want that to be his first impression.

  It was just past three p.m. when the train arrived in Bozeman. Emma walked off the train with her one bag that carried everything that she owned, which wasn't much. She just had a few simple dresses and other clothing and personal items, shoes and several books, which she'd read more than once during the trip. She set her bag down and took a good look around. A tall, blond man and a woman with long, wavy brown hair looked around uncertainly as if they were hoping to recognize someone, and since there were no other couples in the area, Emma started walking towards them, hoping it was Ethan's brother and his wife, Hannah.

  "Are you Emma?" the woman asked as Emma drew near. Her voice was soft and she wore a friendly smile.

  "Yes, and you must be Hannah?" Emma breathed a sigh of relief.

  "This is my husband, Joshua." Hannah introduced Ethan's brother and he smiled and held out his hand.

  "Everyone calls me Josh. It's a pleasure to meet you, Emma. Do you have any other luggage with you?" He reached for her bag and picked it up as if it were as light as a feather.

  "No, this is it." They walked a short distance to where two horses and a wagon waited and Josh placed her bag in the back.

  "I'll run the two of you to our house while my assistant, Bill watches the store for a bit. I'll need to head back here to close up for the day."

  "I thought you might want a hot bath as soon as you arrived," Hannah explained. "Ethan will be coming for dinner and you'll meet him then."

  Emma was grateful that she'd have a chance to freshen up before meeting Ethan. "Will I be going home with Ethan, then, after dinner?" she asked a bit nervously.

  Hannah and Josh exchanged glances and then Josh spoke. "It might be best if you stay with us for a week or so, to give you and Ethan a chance to get to know each other first."

  Emma was instantly relieved, but also a bit confused. Something seemed off. She looked at Hannah, who glanced at her husband again. Josh sighed and then admitted, "This came as a bit of a shock to Ethan. He didn't write to Mrs. Richardson for a wife. We did."

  "He didn't know I was coming?" Emma was horrified.

  "We told him as soon as we heard from Mrs. Richardson that you were on the way. We did it for his benefit, but he didn't see it that way. Not at first."

  "Is he okay with it now?" Emma asked. What if he refused to marry her? And she had to return to Boston?

  "He's not happy with us. But, he did admit that he should marry again and he knows he needs help with Emily. He agreed to meet you and see how the two of you got along."

  "What if he doesn't like me?" Emma was almost afraid to ask the question but knew that she had to mentally start preparing for plan B, and was grateful that she had some money saved for just this kind of emergency. Though she'd hoped not to need to use it.

  "This is our fault. We invited you here. So, we're hopeful that you and Ethan will find each other compatible," Hannah assured her.

  "I also reminded Ethan that he has eight single brothers and now that I've met you, I can say with confidence that if he's not interested, you'll likely have your pick of the others."

  Emma blushed at that and didn't quite know what to say, so she said nothing. It was all a bit overwhelming and she was suddenly feeling exhausted. She was looking forward to resting after her bath, if possible, before dinner, and knew she'd sleep well that night.

  Twenty minutes later, Josh turned the wagon onto a long driveway and a moment later a two story wooden home came into view. Hannah led the way inside and Josh brought her bag upstairs and into their extra bedroom. He then left to head back to the store.

  "Sit down and relax," Hannah ordered her as she set about in the kitchen, putting a teakettle of water on the stove to boil. "I don't know about you, but I could use a nice cup of tea. It should be ready in just a few minutes and I'll go get started heating up some water for your bath as well."

  "Can I help with anything?" Emma offered.

  "Yes. As soon as you hear that teakettle whistle, go ahead and pour for us both. I've set out two cups and there's a jar of honey on the counter if you want to sweeten it up a bit."

  While Hannah was off getting water to be heated for her bath, Emma sat at the kitchen table and glanced around the house. It was very different from the Beacon Hill mansion she'd lived at for the past few years, but it was neat and clean and there was no Gerald. That made it far superior as far as Emma was concerned. When the teakettle whistled, Emma jumped up and poured hot water into the cups that Hannah had set out. She was just adding a touch of honey to her tea when Hannah was back with a large bin of water that she set on the top of the woodstove.

  "By the time we finish our tea, it should be ready. Let's have a seat and chat a bit."

  They both sat at the kitchen table and Hannah asked, "So what is it like in Boston? It must seem like another world, coming here?"

  "It is very different," Emma agreed. "It's an exciting city. I love it there, but it's a difficult place for young women, unless they are married. There are not enough jobs to go around."

  "Did you ever consider getting married there?" Hannah asked.

  "I would have loved to," Emma admitted. "But with the hours we work, there was no opportunity to meet any eligible young men."

  "You're very brave to come here. It must seem like quite an adventure."

  "It is an adventure and I will admit to being nervous. I think I am equally excited and terrified, to be honest," Emma said, and then after a moment of debating whether or not to ask, she went ahead and asked what she was dying to know. "What is he like, Ethan?"

  Hannah smiled and thought for a moment. "He's a good man. Josh is the oldest and Ethan is next after him. He's always seemed a bit serious to me, very focused. He's a good father. His little girl, Emily, adores him. She's three, and has blonde curls just like her mother did." She grew quiet then and Emma guessed that she was thinking of Susan.

  "Susan and I were great friends," Hannah confirmed. "We all grew up here together and she and Ethan were childhood sweethearts. It was tragic
what happened to her. But, it's a real risk that every woman faces when she has children."

  "It sounds like I have some big shoes to fill." Emma worried that she'd never measure up.

  Hannah sighed at that. "It's been just over a year. Ethan needs to move on, for his sake and for Emily's."

  "I suppose," Emma agreed.

  "You'll meet both of them tonight at dinner. Everyone, actually, including Naomi and Jed."

  "They're all coming?" The nerves came rushing back. Emma found the thought of meeting Ethan and his whole family at once a bit intimidating.

  "They're all dying to meet you. Naomi, especially." Hannah glanced over at the stove and steam was starting to rise. "Well, it looks like your water is about hot enough. Are you ready for your bath?" When Emma nodded, Hannah got up and Emma jumped up to help her. Together, they carried the basin of hot water into the bathroom and filled the tub. Hannah had already put some water in earlier and adding the steaming hot water to it made for a perfect, warm temperature. Hannah left, and within seconds, Emma slid into the tub and sank into its soothing warmth. The heat felt wonderful, and after she'd soaked for a bit, she reached for the bar of soap and washcloth that Hannah had set out for her and proceeded to wash every last bit of the last three weeks grime off her. Once she'd scrubbed herself nearly raw, she sank down again and stayed there until the water grew cool. Then, reluctantly, she eased herself out and patted herself dry. Hannah had told her to take her time and that she'd probably be able to squeeze in a short nap or rest before dinner.

  Emma dressed and then went into the guest bedroom, shutting the door behind her. The bed looked inviting and she was feeling so relaxed from the bath. Hannah had suggested that she try and squeeze in a nap and though Emma had never been one for a nap, she figured it might be nice to just lay down and rest her eyes for a bit.

  ***

  Emma drifted off to sleep almost immediately and slept soundly until she was woken by the sound of voices and people walking around downstairs. She wondered how long she'd been sleeping and worried that it had been too long. She sat up in bed just as there was a soft knock on the door and when she said, "Come in," Hannah opened the door a few inches and peeked in.

  "I don't want to disturb you, but just wanted to let you know that we're going to sit down to eat in about a half hour. So make your way down when you're ready. Take your time." Hannah shut the door again and Emma was tempted to lie back down, but knew she'd probably be out for the rest of the night, so didn't dare. Instead, she eased herself off the bed and looked in the mirror that was hanging on the wall. Her hair was a rumpled mess, but other than that, her skin was glowing and she was wearing her favorite pink dress, which brought out the rosy color in her cheeks. She found her brush and set about straightening her unruly hair. That only took a few minutes and then she sat still for another ten, trying to get her courage up to go downstairs and face a roomful of strangers, one of whom might end up as her husband, if he found her suitable. She sighed and finally decided to get it over with it. He'd either like her or not and if he didn't like her, maybe one of his brothers would. The thought both excited and depressed her, but the idea of going back to Boston, alone and with no job to go to, was even more depressing. She took a deep breath, stood up and went down the stairs.

  The crowd below was loud and lively until they noticed Emma enter the room, and suddenly everyone went silent. Hannah spotted her and came rushing to her rescue. She took hold of Emma's hand and led her into the middle of the room.

  "Everyone, this is Emma. Emma, this is everyone!" There were a few chuckles at that and then Hannah went around the room and introduced everyone. All the brothers were there, Charlie, John, Michael, David, Paul, Justin, Jamie, Liam, their sister Elizabeth, parents Jed, and Naomi and lastly, Ethan, and little Emily. Emily immediately walked over to Emma and tugged on her dress to get her attention. "Are you my new mommy?" she demanded.

  Naomi chuckled at that. "She's little but she doesn't miss much. She must have overheard us talking."

  Ethan spoke up then and looked both embarrassed and annoyed. "Emily, come back here."

  "Let's all sit down to eat, dinner's ready," Hannah said, saving the awkward moment. They all gathered around the long, oval dining room table and Hannah sat Emma between her and Ethan. Dinner was fried chicken, mashed potatoes and freshly baked biscuits with butter and honey. It was delicious, and the best meal Emma had eaten in weeks. Naomi kept the conversation flowing around the table and had lots of questions for Emma, wanting to know all about Boston and what her life had been like in the orphanage and working in Beacon Hill.

  "Your parents were Irish?" Naomi asked at one point and Emma confirmed it.

  "I knew it. You have the look of the Irish about you. You'll fit right in here." She spoke as if it was a sure thing, Emma marrying into the family, and she just wondered if she thought she'd fit with Ethan, too. He’d barely said a word to her, except to pass the bread. Though to be fair, most of his attention was focused on Emily, who sat on his other side and needed his help cutting her food.

  "What kind of work did you do in Boston?" Liam asked. He was about her age, Hannah had told her earlier, though it was hard to keep them all straight. They were all handsome men, all with dark blonde or reddish-brown hair and light eyes. Liam was probably the most classically good looking and had intelligent, blue eyes that sparkled as he spoke. He was friendly and charming and Emma immediately liked him and sensed that they could be good friends.

  "I worked in the kitchen, mostly, helping Miss O’Brien with the cooking and baking, and on the nanny’s day off, I filled in watching the children."

  "So you have some experience with children?" That caught Ethan's attention as he surprised her by finally speaking.

  "Yes, I love children. The Chapmans had two little ones, a boy and a girl, ages two and four."

  "And you know how to cook, too?" Naomi sounded hopeful.

  "I do. The Chapmans entertained quite a bit, so I learned to make a lot of different dishes, and I make a pretty good birthday cake, too." She caught Emily's eye then and smiled at the little girl, whose eyes lit up when she mentioned birthday cakes.

  "We don't do much entertaining," Ethan said gruffly.

  "No, of course not. I wouldn't expect that you did," Emma said.

  "Well, I think it's wonderful that you have that experience," Naomi said and shot her son a dark look. "Those are very useful skills and we can definitely use your help for the holidays or any special occasions. Feeding this crowd is a big job. Your entertaining skills will be well used." The mood lightened then, as Hannah started to clear the table. Naomi then brought out a platter and set it in the middle of the table.

  "Speaking of cake, I made this earlier today for our dessert and to welcome you." She cut slices for everyone and Emily beamed.

  "We don't have cake very often," Ethan said and smiled awkwardly, as if trying to make up for being less than friendly earlier. Emma's breath caught when he smiled, as it lit up his whole face. He was a nice-looking man, but when he smiled, it softened his face and made his eyes stand out, too. They were a deep, rich green and for a moment, his eyes met hers and then he looked away and stopped smiling.

  "It's getting late. I should get Emily home to bed soon," he said.

  "We should all head out very soon and let Emma get her rest." Naomi turned to Emma. "I bet you will sleep well tonight, my dear. Traveling cross country is exhausting."

  "Ethan, we'll see you and Emily back for dinner tomorrow night?" Hannah reminded him as everyone finished their cake and slowly started heading for the door.

  "We'll be here," he confirmed and nodded goodnight to Emma as he and Emily followed the others out. Hannah had explained earlier while they were having tea that the Donovans all lived relatively nearby. Ethan and Emily and a few of the older brothers had their own farms and the rest of the family lived with Naomi and Jed on their ranch. Once the boys were old enough, each would move to their own place and part of the ra
nch, which was the largest in the area.

  Once everyone had left, Emma helped Hannah to wash and dry the dishes and as soon as they finished, she was ready to fall into bed herself. Hannah must have seen the exhaustion on her face, because she insisted that she go to bed and told her to sleep in as late as she liked, and there was nothing going on the next morning that she had to be up early for.

  Emma was grateful for the offer to sleep in and almost as soon as her head hit the pillow, she fell fast asleep.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  "She's pretty, Daddy. I think she could be a good mommy. She knows how to make cakes." Emily said as Ethan set a plate of scrambled eggs in front of her the next morning. She ignored the eggs and waited for her father to answer her, with a very serious expression on her face. Ethan could tell she'd been thinking about the possibility of a new mother ever since she'd overheard Josh and Hannah explaining what they'd done. He was still furious with them for meddling, but knew their intentions were good and he had to admit, Emma was certainly a good candidate—she was very pretty, good with children and she said she could cook.

  Intellectually, the idea made perfect sense. It was his heart that was the problem. Even though it had been a little over a year, he was still grieving for Susan. They had married young and he'd expected that they'd grow old together. Her first childbirth had gone smoothly. But the second had been very different. Susan was much sicker throughout her pregnancy and when the doctor finally arrived, he discovered that the baby was in the breech position, feet first, and those were always difficult. Susan had been in labor for hours before the doctor arrived and once he got to work, the baby still wouldn't turn and when she was finally delivered stillborn, Susan didn't have any energy left to fight for her own life. She had lost too much blood, gone into shock and soon after, slipped quietly away.

  Ethan had gone into a shock-like state himself. It had been so unexpected, and to lose both of them was overwhelming. He was numb for months, and just went through the motions keeping himself together, mostly for Emily's sake because he had to be there for his daughter. He felt empty inside for a very long time and more than anything, he just missed Susan—missed her company, her gentleness and sense of humor. Even though he had Emily, he recognized that he was lonely. But, he wasn't convinced that the answer was a stranger from Boston. How could he replace Susan that way? It didn't seem right. But still, Emma was here, and he'd promised Josh and Hannah that he would give her a chance. Get to know her and see if there was a way to make it work.