Harvey stretched his arms of his head and turned toward the house. He was done with work for the day and thankful for that. It was Max’s last night with them and he would be heading out in the morning. This last night they wouldn’t deal with contracts or agreements but instead, Harvey wanted to spend some time with Max as a friend.
It was actually something he’d taken from May. She seemed to embrace the man on a personal level and, though she wasn’t the one to barter a deal with him, she had gotten information from him that Harvey never would have been able to because he was focused on what he wanted. So much so that he ignored other, more important things at times. He could learn a lot from May.
His stomach clenched. She wasn’t the woman he was to marry though.
Groaning, he ran a hand over his face. Genevieve was nothing like the woman he would have seen himself marrying. In fact, May filled every one of his desires for a wife and more. But he’d all but committed to Genevieve. It was a conundrum he’d have to deal with later.
“Harvey, my boy,” Max said, when he came into the sitting room.
“Howdy,” he replied.
Genevieve was off to one side at a writing desk. She didn’t even look up, and May was playing a game with Max at the small game table. She smiled up at him and his heart pounded faster in his chest. Even her smile warmed him from the inside out. He never felt that way toward Genevieve.
“I believe it’s almost time for dinner,” May said, in anticipation of Harvey’s next question.
He nodded and soon they all went to dinner. As had become usual, Genevieve hardly spoke and Max did most of the talking. Harvey listened and enjoyed the fact that May was confident enough to answer even in her mistress’s company. Having the attention of the wealthy businessman likely had something to do with it, but he was proud of her nonetheless.
At the end of the meal Harvey looked toward the women. “Ladies, we’ll bid you goodnight.”
They nodded and then he directed Max to the back porch where they enjoyed cigars and conversation while enjoying the view of the sunset behind the mountains.
“Have you had a good visit?” Harvey asked when the crickets began to chirp and the suns glow had all but faded.
“I have, son.” Max swirled his drink before taking a sip. “You’ve got a nice place here. I may have to bring Martha on my next visit. She’s really got to meet that May of yours.”
The way he said “of yours” made Harvey’s heart pound. She wasn’t his.
“It’s not quite like that,” he finally admitted.
“What do you mean?”
“I’m to marry Genevieve.”
Max took his time answering. “Are you sure that’s the right thing to do?”
Harvey knew his answer should be yes but he couldn’t form the words. They wouldn’t come. But he knew he had to say them—if only to prove it to himself.
“Yes.” He sounded more resolved than he felt. “I have to marry her.”
Chapter 6
May covered her mouth with her hand. She’d made her way to the back porch to see if either of the men wanted a slice of the pie she’d made earlier that day but she’d halted just outside the open door when she’d realized they were talking about her.
She’d really only heard Harvey say he had to marry Genevieve and then she’d backed away quickly. Of course she knew this already—she was his intended—and yet part of her had started to hope. She hadn’t realized how big a part of her until just now with the realization that there was no way Harvey would ever see her as anything other than Genevieve’s maid.
Nearly tripping over herself she backed away and ran to the small alcove near the stairs. She dropped to the bench seat and covered her face with her hands. How could she have been so foolish as to think that Harvey would consider marrying her? How had she allowed herself to hope?
From the sound of it, he’d resigned himself to marry Genevieve so that meant she was nearly free. Then again, Genevieve hadn’t said she wanted to let May go when she married, but did May want to stay? The thought of tending to Genevieve’s every whim while still seeing Harvey seemed almost unbearable.
No, she had to think of something else. Some other means of escape…
Closing her eyes, she began to pray, lifting up her burdens to the Lord. It was the only peace she could gain—the peace of knowing that, no matter what, the Lord would guide her even if her heart broke in the process. She knew He could mend it.
May wasn’t sure how long she sat there, but soon footsteps came down the hall and she sniffed, rubbing tears from her cheeks.
“What’s this now?” Max’s decidedly Texan accent broke into her thoughts. She felt embarrassed having him find her like this.
“It’s nothing,” she said, swiping again at the tears. Then a thought occurred to her. “Max, were you serious when you said I could come work for you?”
He looked startled, as if he’d expected anything but this from her. “I was. Why, darlin’ are you looking for a new job?”
She nodded, standing up with renewed purpose. “I am. Could I go with you?”
His eyebrows narrowed and he looked as if he was going to protest but instead he nodded. “Of course. I’d be happy to have you. Martha would be thrilled I’m sure.”
She nodded once, suddenly thinking of all that she’d have to prepare to leave in the morning. “Thank you.”
He narrowed his eyes, reaching for one of her hands and holding it between his own. “Just make sure you’re not running away from something you should stay and fight for.”
She swallowed. “I’m not,” she assured him. And she wasn’t, she was making a smart choice for her future.
***
Harvey woke before the dawn, his thoughts troubling him. He’d told Max he had to marry Genevieve and yet, with the morning’s light it seemed absolutely foolish. He was forcing himself to marry a woman he didn’t love. In fact, he hardly even cared for her company on a good day.
No, when he thought of who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with May’s face was always the one that filled his thoughts.
But what would she think about that?
He pushed out of bed and dressed quickly. He needed to be outside to clear his head. Max wasn’t leaving until midmorning so he had time. He knew Genevieve wouldn’t be awake either. She hardly ever got up until mid-morning anyway. He sighed—of course he couldn't marry her.
Shaking his head, Harvey nearly laughed at the thought. How had he been so blind? He’d wanted to marry a woman who could help his business and yet here he was, not seeing the truth behind it all. As much as May would help him in business—she had a head for it—the fact that she was someone he wanted to spend time with was infinitely more important. He felt foolish for only now realizing that.
The cool morning air greeted him and he let out a contented sigh, stepping from the porch and walking toward the garden area near the house. He thought of the many adventures he had been on that week with Max and May. They got along so well it was humors to watch, like father and daughter.
Just as he was rounding the corner to where his favorite bench was he stopped in his tracks. May was there, sitting on the bench. She had a thick shawl draped around her shoulders and a bag at her feet.
“May?” he said, hating to disturb her.
She started, her eyes growing wide on his. “Harvey?”
“Looks like we both had the same idea,” he said, sitting down next to her, “Though I didn’t bring my satchel. What’s that for?” he asked with a laugh.
She looked uncomfortably at him then turned her gaze toward the mountains. “I'm leaving. With Max.”
His heart thudded to a halt. “What?”
“I'm leaving. Today.”
“You can’t go,” he said lamely.
“I can’t stay and watch—” she halted her words, color filling her cheeks. “I can’t stay.”
He wanted to know what she had started to say. Couldn’t stay and watch what? Hi
m marry Genevieve?
Was it too much to hope that she had feelings for him as well? His heart picked back up again, this time racing ahead. He had to say something, even if that meant that he made a fool of himself, he needed to be honest with her about his feelings. About everything.
“May,” he boldly took one of her hands in both of his and met her gaze without hesitation. “I haven’t been completely honesty with you.”
Her brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“I initially sent for Genevieve to come out West because I thought it would be a smart business move. I wanted a wife that would help me look stable for potential business partners. Max being one such partner.” He felt ashamed admitting this to her and yet her gentle gaze held no judgment which spurred him to continue. “But I’ve realized that she’s not the type of woman that I want to marry.”
May’s breath caught. “She isn’t?”
“No.” He shook his head emphatically. “I—I see you and how you fit here on the ranch and I can’t imagine Genevieve ever truly fitting in here.”
May’s cheeks flushed again and she dropped her gaze but he wanted—no, needed—to look into her eyes for what he would say next.
He gently lifted her chin until she looked at him. “I’ve realized that you are the woman I want to marry.”
She shook her head. “Do you really mean that?”
“I do,” he said, gently tightening his grip on her hand. “I’m going to tell Genevieve. Today!”
He felt wild with excitement at the mere fact that he was free. The thought of marrying Genevieve had felt like a lead weight to his soul but with May in front of him anything seemed possible.
“Will you marry me?”
She gave him a coy smile that was at once sweet and playful but nothing like Genevieve’s flirtation. “I don’t know. I’ve already accepted a position to work for Max.”
He laughed, daring near to her. “Do you think he’ll let you go back on your word if I promise to have him and Martha back to the ranch as guests?”
She pretended to consider then leaned closer to him as well. “I think that sounds like a fair trade.”
Then the world slowed as the sun rose above the mountains, its first golden rays reaching to where they sat, and Harvey closed the distance between them, sealing his promise with a kiss.
The worries of telling Genevieve and the thoughts of growing his business faded as his lips met hers. There would always be things he’d need to take care of, but in this moment there was only two hearts that had found one another through the most bizarre of circumstances—united in a way only God could do.
THE END.
Included with this purchase is a collection of Christian Michael Mail Order Bride short stories. I do hope you take the time to read them! Enjoy!
Butler Love
Mail Order Bride
CHRISTIAN MICHAEL
Chapter 1 – It’s Duty
“Thank you, Brahms, that will be all.”
Charles Brahms bowed and closed the door behind him. He had finally reached the top of the line. He was the butler in his own mansion. Well, in his master’s mansion. He was the butler for one of the wealthiest families in the countryside, and it felt great.
Most of the time, anyway. There were still times when Charlie felt as though there were other things in life he would rather have. Today he helped Sir Hanes to dress for his wedding ceremony. Charles had been friends with Sir Hanes as a boy, and now they were both grown, and Sir Hanes was getting married.
Charlie liked the girl his friend and employer was marrying. She was kind, pretty, and new how to handle herself well. She was just the kind of girl Charles hoped to marry himself. But of course someone that was going to marry Sir Hanes was not the kind of girl that was going to marry a servant.
Sir Hanes was the heir to a great mansion. He had more money than anyone else in the entire region, and he had the favor of countless more. Sir Hanes was attractive, wealthy, and charming.
Brahms, on the other hand, was charming. Only charming. Some might say that he was also attractive, but any of his good looks faded out when he donned his butler apparel. Though he was as kind as his friend, and as charming as any of the fine young men in the countryside, he was constantly looked over because of his occupation in life.
The best he could hope for was that a kind young woman would gain her own employment in the house, and that he might fall in love with her, and she with him. The only trouble was, he wasn’t around the new recruits. When there was someone new in the house, it fell to the maids to train them.
Even the young men that started were trained and instructed under the women, after all, he was the butler, and as such it was his duty to mind the mansion and the family that lived in it, and not be hindered by the servants and their petty jobs.
“Ah, I say there, Brahms! Is Sir Hanes ready?”
Charles stopped to speak with Gregory. He was Sir Hanes’ uncle, and the only one standing in between Hanes and his fortune. Sir Hanes got along with his uncle well enough, but Gregory wasn’t pleased with Hanes choice of a bride. He wanted his nephew to marry a young woman with a fortune of her own, not a young woman that could take his fortune from him.
Charles didn’t care for Gregory. He thought Gregory was greedy, and two faced. He feared that there would be issues with Gregory once Hanes had a son, but as the butler Brahms knew it wasn’t his place to say such things, even though Sir Hanes was his friend. He smiled and nodded, then retired to the back room.
Charles watched the proceedings of the wedding out the window. The bride looked beautiful, and his friend looked pleased to see her walk up the aisle to him. Charles thought they made a smart match, and was genuinely happy to hear them announced as husband and wife, but he felt a pang of solitude as he motioned for the maids to make the reception hall ready.
There was something missing in his life, and he knew what it was. He wanted a wife. He wanted someone that he could love and hold and cherish, but that wasn’t going to happen here. He was a butler, and he was destined to stay a butler for all of his days. Charles glanced back out the window before he placed all of his attention back to the reception hall.
Outside, he could see his friend Sir Hanes holding his new bride, and talking to her. Though Charles couldn’t hear anything anyway, he knew that nobody outside could hear what they were saying. He wanted that, too.
Here, he had to share what he was thinking with most. Here, he had to follow rules and ensure that others did, too. Here, he wasn’t going to get a bride. Here, he was doomed to the life he thought he wanted. And right now, he was afraid he was going to be stuck in that life for good.
And he would be.
Unless something changed.
Suddenly, Charles stopped. Did he really think what he thought he was thinking? Was it possible he wanted to leave here and go out into the world to find his own way in life? Should he really take the chance of working his own home with his own wife and his own responsibilities?
“Sir Brahms! The bride is going to come in here soon, we must make ready the cake!”
One of the maids hurriedly pushed the doors of the kitchen open, then disappeared back behind them as quickly as she had been there. Charles snapped back to work. He could let his thoughts wander later on, right now he had his duty to attend to.
After all, brides weren’t something that he should be worried about. Right now, he was at the top of his world. A butler in a fine house, and now he was in charge of the wedding reception for his master. If he were to ever have his own wedding, it was going to have to wait. Right now his mind was on one thing, and one thing only, and that was his duty.
Chapter 2 – It’s Made for a Maid
“Don’t be silly, you are going to wear pink! It goes perfectly with my sash.”
Fanny sighed and held out her arms, while Miss Jasmine piled the dresses high on top of her. They were gathering the dresses for the bride’s maids, and Fanny was given the role as th
e most important.
It wasn’t a surprise to her, she had been a favorite of Miss Jasmine’s since she had started working for her father, and she had accompanied Miss Jasmine on many of these shopping trips. Fanny often wondered what it would be like. Not just having such money to spend on anything, but to be loved by a man, and know that you were going to spend your whole life with him.
Miss Jasmine never said much about love, she only talked about the trips she and her new husband were going to take, and the parties they were going to have, and the people they were going to impress. There were times when Fanny wondered if Miss Jasmine even loved the man she was marrying, or if she was in love with the rich life.
Miss Jasmine had chosen an elaborate gown, with a soft pink sash about the waist. It was her dream to be attended by a group of girls that were all dressed to match her own, and she felt she had found just the dresses.
The two girls had been all over town this morning, in and out of various stores, discussing various dresses with various tailors. Miss Jasmine was trying to find the perfect set of dresses, but it seemed that nobody had what she wanted. Until they had come into this store.
Fanny didn’t mind shopping with Miss Jasmine. She liked to see all of the different things that were for sale on the racks, but today it was getting old. They had been in and out of so many stores, and Fanny had seen so many things she wished she might be able to buy but knew she couldn’t.
Yet here they were in this next store, and Miss Jasmine was pulling out fancier and fancier dresses.
Fanny, on the other hand, wasn’t so sure she wanted to be up there with Miss Jasmine. Miss Jasmine liked everything to be perfect, and she wasn’t good at making everything perfect. Fanny had turned to the service part of work when she failed at being a seamstress as well as a waitress.
[2016] A Wanting Bride Page 3
