Scarlett, a Summer Bride

by Hildie McQueen

  The family owed her nothing and yet the kindness of the woman before her had ensured she’d had a home and anything needed for the past year.

  Scarlett covered the woman’s hand with hers. “I am so very grateful that you gave me the opportunity to get to know my father. You are a gracious and kind woman. Please don’t worry about me. I will be fine.” Straightening her shoulders, Scarlett smiled at the woman. “Now, you must get some rest.”

  Once inside her temporary bedroom, Scarlett went to the window and peered out to a view of the street. Where would she go? If the sale of the house was complete, it would only be a matter of weeks before she would be without a place to live.

  As usual, Lady Price’s maid Bettina greeted Scarlett at the door. “Good day to you. Lady Price awaits you in the sitting room.”

  The maid didn’t escort her as she knew the way and Scarlett was glad for it. She so enjoyed the privilege of studying in the opulent home. Getting to know Lady Price was a blessing she’d never have had if not for her father.

  Although it was obvious a wealthy person lived in the beautiful house, it was not an uncomfortable home. Instead, every room felt inviting and soothing.

  The front parlor was her favorite. Oil paintings depicting floral still life art adorned the walls, each one breathtakingly beautiful.

  “Scarlett, how are you today?” Lady Price appeared through a doorway in a pastel green gown. “I see you like that particular floral one the best. I always find you studying it.”

  “I do. It’s so vivid.” Scarlett glanced to her friend before looking back up at the painting.

  Lady Price came to stand beside her. “It’s my favorite as well. The artist lives in Italy, as so many of the great ones do.”

  As they made their way to the parlor, Lady Price looked to Scarlett. “Has it been decided what you’re going to do now? Will you remain with your stepmother?”

  Scarlett informed her of the conversation with her stepmother, glad to have someone to talk to. “If you happen to know of someone who has an apartment to rent, I will be searching. Since I don’t know the area very well, I hope to ask for your help. Perhaps Bettina knows of an affordable place.”

  “Don’t you worry,” Lady Price told her. “You are more than welcome to stay here until we help find you a suitable place to live.”

  “Oh no!” Scarlett’s eyes widened and her hands fluttered up to cover her mouth. “I could never infringe on your friendship in such a way. I am about to cry because of your kindness.” She sniffed and wiped an errant tear. “I will be fine.”

  Lady Price waited until they settled into chairs and tea was poured before saying anything else. “You will not be fine and we both know it. The amount you were left is barely enough to live comfortably for a few months at the most after paying for rent.”

  It was the truth and it being said out loud made her tremble. “I will find work. I can sew and tutors are always needed.”

  “There is another option.”

  For two weeks now Scarlett had been at Lady Price’s house and that morning she perused the newspaper with a pen in hand searching for an efficiency to rent. Although her gracious hostess would never ask her to leave until she was situated, Scarlett was not about to take advantage of Lady Price’s hospitality.

  The kitchen was warm as they baked a ham for dinner. On the kitchen table, dough rested under a towel.

  Scarlett had made it a habit to come to the kitchen and help out. It made her feel better to do something to repay Lady Price’s generosity.

  “I’m going to take the mistress some tea,” Bettina announced walking in only to stop when seeing only Scarlett was in the room. “Where’s Nettie?” she asked, referring to the cook.

  Scarlett stood and went to the stove to move the teakettle onto the burner. “She went to the market, should be back momentarily.”

  “Ah well.” Bettina went to a cupboard and retrieved a pretty tray. Petit roses were etched on the edges and the handles were intricately carved. “I suppose there are no sweet biscuits about are there?”

  It was hard not to laugh recalling Bettina had eaten the last few. “No, which is why Nettie went to the market. She plans to stop at the bakery and purchase some.”

  “Very good then.” Bettina set two cups and saucers on the tray. Next she sliced leftover bread in small squares, toasted them lightly and drizzled berry jam over them. “This will do.”

  As Scarlett poured the heated water into a floral teapot, Bettina sat and lifted her feet. “I’m going to soak my poor sore feet tonight.”

  “Stay and rest,” Scarlett instructed. “I will take the tea.”

  Bettina shook her head. “No Miss will not. Lady Price insists you are not a housemaid and doesn’t wish to allow you to do more than help Nettie for a bit in the afternoons.”

  “How about I wish to discuss something with Lady Price and was heading that way?”

  “Very well. Ensure you make that clear to her.” Bettina sat back into the chair with a satisfied smile. “I think I’ll make myself tea and toast as well.”

  The walk from the kitchen to the front room was a bit slow as Scarlett was careful to hold the tray as straight as possible.

  She stopped at hearing Lady Price conversing with someone. Unsure of the proper thing to do, she looked over her shoulder considering whether to return and ask Bettina.

  “I strongly suggest you choose a husband based on first instinct followed by what is listed that he wishes for in a woman. Many men out west depend on their wives not only to complete domestic chores, but also to help with the land, with gardening and tending to small livestock and such,” Lady Price explained.

  Intrigued, Scarlett moved into the doorway. Inside the study, Lady Price entertained a young woman who looked to be of an elevated social status.

  The young woman ignored Scarlett, much too engrossed in the conversation. “I would like to head to Montana or Wyoming right away. I require a husband and want to start a new life. I am willing to do what it takes. Please help me.”

  Deciding she shouldn’t eavesdrop any longer, Scarlett cleared her throat and walked in. “I brought tea to you since I was already heading this way.”

  Ignoring Lady Price’s raised eyebrow, Scarlett commenced pouring tea. “Would you like sugar, miss?” she asked the young woman who nodded.

  “Please.”

  Upon closer inspection, Scarlett noted that although very well made, the woman’s clothing was frayed and faded. Whatever would force a woman to find a new life was something she could relate to.

  Lady Price motioned for Scarlett to sit. “Please join us as I think you will want to hear what I have to say to Therese.” Lady Price smiled at Scarlett. “Therese Anderson, may I present Scarlett Franklin, a dear friend.”

  Therese met Scarlett’s gaze. “Very nice to meet you.”

  “Now,” Lady Price said and stood. She leaned back in the chair her gaze moving from Therese to Scarlett.

  “The Matrimonial Gazette, my publication, is an effort to find wives for men of good standing in both Montana and Wyoming. My dear friend, who lives on the border of both states, helps investigate the men to ensure they do not misrepresent themselves. So far, the women who’ve gone there based on her recommendations have married well and are happy. Some even deeply in love.” Lady Price smiled.

  “Therese, I will help you find a husband, and you will be leaving immediately as your situation seems most dire. Of the two men you’ve chosen, I recommend the one in Wyoming, as he seems better suited in personality to you.”

  Therese blinked and nodded. “Wyoming...yes of course, I trust your judgment Lady Price.”

  Unsure what exactly they discussed Scarlett swallowed. “Are you speaking about mail order brides?” Her mouth fell open as she waited for a reply.

  “Yes,” Lady Price said, meeting her gaze. “I help women find husbands. A sort of charitable cause in a way.”

  The young woman, Therese let out a sigh. “I find myself i
n need of a husband. Without any other recourse, I found Lady Price. Thank God.” Therese wiped at her eyes.

  Why did Lady Price think she needed to hear all of this? It made no sense to Scarlett. She stood and smiled at Therese. “Best of luck to you. I should go see if Nettie has returned. She is teaching me to make bread.”

  Lady Price caught her hand as she went to take a step. “Think about it Scarlett, it may be a good solution for you. To find a good husband who will take care of you and keep you from having to fend for yourself. It’s not easy out there.” Lady Price looked through the window to the sunny day.

  Scarlett followed her line of sight to the picturesque garden with beautiful flowers, green trees, and birds flitting from branch to branch. It was true. The world outside the front door of the house was nothing like a garden.

  That evening Scarlett found Lady Price by the fireplace, the ever-present cup of tea at her elbow. In her lap was a cat that seemed to appear in the evenings only after the woman settled into the chair in the small parlor.

  “Lady Price,” Scarlett began. “I am intrigued about your mail order bride business.”

  The woman smiled and motioned to the chair next to hers. “I know it’s out of the ordinary, quite extraordinary actually. However since beginning this venture, I have found that many ladies in situations, much like yours, end up settled and happy. Several of them deeply in love.”

  Scarlett hadn’t considered any emotion in the past months. Other than trying to find her way after her mother’s death, the only thing she’d felt was sadness and loneliness.

  “Love...” A sigh escaped. “Do you think I could find a good husband?”

  “Of course, I have no doubt. Every gentleman is thoroughly investigated by my friend out west to ensure they are of good moral character and well settled.”

  “Out west, life is so different. I’ve never heard anything positive about it.” Scarlett looked to the flames in the hearth. What would it be like to have a husband? Up until that point, she’d expected to be alone for the rest of her life.

  She turned to Lady Price. “I thought that if I ever married, my husband would be someone from here. That I’d marry a man who would be introduced to me by my father and stepmother.”

  “Life has a way of turning things around doesn’t it?” By Lady Price’s sad smile, it was obvious she thought about her late husband. She brightened. “It just so happens, I may have the perfect husband for you. A physician. He is a bit older than you, however.”

  “Older?”

  With a wave of a hand, Lady Price dismissed the idea. “Not much older. You are what twenty-two?”

  Scarlett peered down to her lap. “I look much younger than twenty-eight don’t I?”

  “My goodness you do,” Lady Price chuckled. “Then it’s perfect, Emmett Jones is thirty five.”

  Emmett Jones. The name sounded of someone mature and stoic. Scarlett repeated it in her mind. “Where does he live?”

  “Montana. Laurel, Montana.”

  Chapter Four

  Bangs sounded on the front door.

  “What now?” Emmett grumbled and opened it to find the young man who did errands for most of the townsfolk.

  “Telegram for you,” the boy said, handing him the thin paper and rushing away.

  Emmett went to the kitchen and poured coffee. It was lukewarm, but he was much too weary to heat the pot as it would require adding wood to the stove.

  It had been a long day. Patient after patient had streamed into the clinic. Everyone was coming down with some sort of grippe, which was spreading over the area. He’d treated three families so far and was sure more were coming.

  Usually when he got telegrams, it was either his mother demanding he and his brothers return to Boston or from his accountant, also back east.

  Once settled into a chair, he opened the telegram and skimmed it. He sat up straighter, eyebrows lifted.

  Mr. Jones

  In response to your letter.

  Mail Order Bride possible.

  Twenty-eight-year-old Scarlett Franklin,

  in need of husband.

  If you are agreeable

  Respond immediately

  Lady Eugenia Price, Philadelphia

  This was it. Time to make a decision.

  Emmett shook his head and leaned back against the chair closing his eyes. Ignoring the growling of his stomach, he tried to remember what he’d written in the letter.

  His brother Elias had found a wife after placing an ad with a mail order bride publication back east. Actually, Lady Price’s publication to be exact.

  Although his brother was happily married now, at first he and Esther had not gotten along at all. In Emmett’s opinion, they were well suited. Both were too headstrong. However, they did seem happy.

  Both were much too set in their ways and often had spats. According to Elias, the arguments often ended in a very refreshing way.

  Admittedly, other than Isabel, the local preacher’s daughter and schoolmarm, there were no other single women in town.

  The only alternative for finding a wife would be to travel east or to larger towns. Even in bigger areas, women were hard to find. Those that arrived were often quickly courted and married off.

  What did this Scarlett Franklin look like, he wondered? Then thinking more about it, did it even matter? If he were to marry, it would not be because of looks, but because of the need to settle, have a family and not have to do for himself on nights like these when the weariness of the day pressed down so hard, it made every single bone in his body ache.

  Emmett woke with a start when his head fell sideways. He’d fallen asleep in the chair. Sunlight streaked through the front window announcing it was quite late in the day.

  Something had woken him.

  Bang. Bang. Bang.

  It has to be another sick person or messenger at the front door.

  He lifted from the chair slowly as his body protested moving. Not only did his neck hurt, his back ached.

  Outside on the porch stood a woman holding a young child and another by the hand. She looked up at him with sad eyes. “My husband is too ill to come to the clinic. Doctor Jones, can you please come see about him? I’m worried. He is not well at all.”

  “Of course. I’ll be there shortly. Head on back, Mrs. Beard. I’ll be right behind you.”

  The woman, who lived less than a mile away hurried off, tugging the child behind, who barely kept up. Emmett marveled at women’s strength and capabilities when the child tripped and she kept him from falling to the ground without losing speed.

  “Keep up Tommy,” she said while almost running toward home.

  No time to eat breakfast, Emmett went to the kitchen and poured water into the coffee pot. He added kindling to the stove and started up the fire.

  He then washed his face and went to get his bag. If it were the same illness he’d seen as of late, the entire family could be stricken in a matter of days. Emmett feared for the youngest child. The little ones were usually hit the worst.

  Finally a few minutes later, after swallowing hot coffee, he made his way to the Beard’s home.

  Several days later, his brother Evan and his wife Aurora arrived. Aurora, who was as beautiful as she was outspoken, never ceased to entertain Emmett. Admittedly, he’d allowed his sister-in-law to think he didn’t particularly care for her as it made for a more interesting interaction between them.

  Evan announced they’d come to visit for a few days so that Aurora could meet with several wives in town to discuss the opening of a seamstress shop and to see any newly arrived merchandise. After giving Emmett a smile and a light hug, Aurora went directly to the spare bedroom to unpack.

  “I’m glad to see you brother. There is grippe that is affecting entire families. Haven’t seen anything like it in years.”

  His brother, who’d served as Laurel’s doctor for years prior to Emmett arriving, frowned at the news. “I remember the same thing happened several years back. A new fami
ly arrived bringing it with them. They were so ill, I had to keep people away from the clinic for several weeks. The youngest member of that family, a girl, died.”

  “I’m afraid of that. This latest family has a young child.”

  “How are you feeling?” Evan studied him with the practiced eyes of a physician. “You seem sallow.”

  Emmett shrugged. “Lack of rest and when I do lie down, it’s never long enough.”

  Someone knocked at the door and he motioned to it. “Do you miss it?”

  His brother chuckled. “Actually at times I do.” He went to the door before Emmett could and opened it.

  The same boy from the day before stood at the door looking up at Evan. “Dr. Jones?” It was obvious the kid expected Emmett.

  “What’s the message Billy?” Evan said patiently.

  “My sister fell down. She’s screamin’ and can’t move,” the boy said pointing to the left. “She fell out of the tree.”

  Evan blew out a breath. “Does your Mama know you’re out there climbing that tree again?”

  “No sir.” Billy took a sudden interest in his shoes.

  After grabbing the medical bag that was always by the door on a narrow table, Evan motioned for Emmett to stay. “Come on Billy, show me where your sister is. And then you’re going to run as fast as you can and find your Mama.”

  Emmett watched out the window as Evan and Billy climbed onto the bench at the front of the wagon and hurried off.

  “Where is he going?” Aurora appeared at his side. “We just got here and already he’s got something to do.” She frowned for a long moment watching her husband disappear and then turned to him. “I hope you have tea.”

  “Billy’s sister fell out of a tree. Yes ma’am I have tea,” Emmett replied.