Mama Was A Mail Order Bride (Mail Order Bride Series Book 14)

by Susan Leigh Carlton

Doug didn’t have enough time to walk her to most of her classes, but he always saw her to the first one, and then ran to avoid being late for his.

  The three of them went home during Christmas break. They were met at the train station by their parents, who were standing together when the train rolled to a stop. Abby was the first, followed by Doug. He turned, and held Laurie’s hand as she stepped to the platform. Hand in hand, they went to their parents.

  “When did this happen?” Jennie asked, and shook the cinders from her hair, as they approached.

  The shrill whistle of the train pierced the air, as it built up steam and began moving on to the next stop..

  “I have no idea,” Amanda said, and embraced both her daughters. “Doug, it’s good to see you again.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Kendall. You too. Mr. Kendall… He shook hands with Rance, and then hugged his mama.

  In the Lazy K kitchen…

  “Things are all right between you and Doug?” Amanda asked.

  Laurie nodded her head, her mouth too full of pie to talk, “Uh huh,” she said, as she swallowed. “Consuela, that was so good.

  “He asked if he could sit with me on the train going up. He apologized and I accepted.

  “He’s much more mature, now.”

  “You think he’s the one matured?” Amanda asked.

  “Is there any pie left? Abby asked.

  Another bite in her mouth, Laurie pointed to the cabinet.

  “In ere,” she said.

  “Abby, don’t you think Doug has changed?”

  “I do. I think he’s in love.”

  Laurie spluttered. “Doug?”

  “Come on. That’s crazy.”

  “All I know is what I see. He’s not the only one,” Abby said.

  “I’m going to take a nap before I lose Consuela’s pie,” Laurie said, put her dish in the sink and left the room.

  “You should see them. Doug walks her to class then has to run to keep from being late for his. They hold hands all of the time.”

  “My little girl’s growing up,” Amanda said. “I wish you had someone.”

  “I don’t have time for anyone,” Abby said.

  “Everybody needs someone,” her mother said. “It makes the nights warmer.”

  “I’ll put a brick on the stove,” Abby said.

  “A brick can’t give you a back rub.”

  “I’m fine, Mother. I’m going to practice. Listen in if you want.”

  “I will, but I’ve got some baking to do. I can hear it from here.”

  Christmas Day…

  For Rance, Christmas day started the same as every other day. There were chores that had to be done. He lit the fire in the kitchen stove, and put the coffee on. He and Michael left the house to tend the livestock and meet with the foreman. When they returned an hour later, Consuela and Amanda had his breakfast ready. The girls were still in bed. They sat around the table sipping coffee.

  “I guess Laurie and Doug have made up,” Rance said.

  “Well, if what Abby tells me is true, they are closer than before,” Amanda said.

  “I’m glad. Doug is a good boy. He really takes after Cal, and Cal’s the best man around.”

  “Present company excepted,” Amanda said.

  “That’s the nicest compliment I’ve had in a long time.”

  “I wonder if they’ll wind up getting married.” Amanda asked.

  “Who’s getting married?” Laurie asked, yawning as she walked in.”

  “You look nice this morning, baby girl,” Rance said.

  “Are you saying I don’t always?” she asked.

  “No, not at all. I should have said especially nice.”

  “That’s a beautiful robe honey. I haven’t seen it before,” Amanda said as she felt the sleeve.”

  “It’s velour,” Laurie said. “Doug gave it to me last night.”

  “It’s so soft and that shade of blue really sets off your eyes,” Amanda said.

  “Thanks, Mama. I really like it. It’s comfortable and warm.”

  “’Morning everyone,” Abby said. “I’m the last one up, I see. I slept like the dead. I can’t seem to get caught up.

  “I like your robe, Laurie. Doug?”

  “Yes.”

  Consuela put a plate of scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, in front of each girl.

  Abby groaned. “I’m still stuffed from dinner.”

  “Eat,” Consuela said. “If you don’t eat it Michael will.”

  Rance laughed, “Not eating is not an option when Consuela is around.”

  He stood, and went into the living room. Amanda joined him as he sat in front of the fireplace. The girls came in when they finished their breakfast.

  Consuela had made hot chocolate and poured a mug of the steaming milk for each. She had added a cinnamon stick and marshmallow to each cup.

  The Kendall family followed their Christmas tradition of many years

  The youngest, Michael, read the traditional passage from Luke 2 in the Bible. After the reading, Rance said a prayer.

  The wrapped gifts piled under the tree were distributed, and opened.

  “It’s been a good year,” Rance said, “May we all continue to be blessed in the coming year,”

  “Amen,” said Amanda.

  Part four

  Chapter 3

  Laurie Kendall 3

  June 1913… Graduation Day

  The Kendall’s and the Pierce’s took the same train to Laramie for Laurie and Doug’s graduation. A sad day, since it marked the completion of a major phase in their lives.

  Rance and Amanda hosted a dinner for them at the Plains Hotel in Cheyenne.

  After everyone had finished dinner and the table was cleared, Doug tapped his glass with a spoon.

  “I have an announcement to make.” he said. “I’ve asked Laurie to be my wife and she has accepted. We don’t have a date set, but we wanted to share it with all of you at once.”

  Amanda and Jennie’s eyes brimmed with tears. Rance came around to shake Doug’s hand. Cal did the same. They shook each other’s hand.

  Rance lifted his glass. “I propose a toast. Here’s to these fine young people having as happy and abundant life as Amanda and I’ve enjoyed.”

  Calls of ‘Hear! Hear!’ echoed around the table.

  Amanda embraced her daughter, “I’m so happy darling. I’ve waited for this day for a long time.”

  “Thank you, Mama.”

  Jenny hugged Laurie. “We’ve always considered you a part of our family. This makes it official.”

  Thank you,” Laurie said. “I’ve felt the same.

  * * *

  “What kind of wedding would you like,” Amanda asked.

  “One with Doug,” Laurie said. “Sorry Mama, I couldn’t resist that one. I would like a church wedding. I’ll want to invite some of our friends from school here, and in Laramie.”

  “If it’s possible, I’d like a white gown, with a train.”

  “We may have a problem finding one here. If the Emporium doesn’t have anything you like, we may have to go to Denver. Shopping in Denver might be fun anyway. Jennie would probably like to go,”

  “What about having one made here?” Laurie asked.

  “They probably won’t have a good selection of fabrics. Besides, I’d like to go to Denver,” Amanda said.

  As they had predicted, the Emporium had only two dresses in Laurie’s size and she didn’t care for either.

  “Before we go home, let’s go by Jennie’s.”

  “Okay,” Laurie said.

  Circle CP Ranch…

  “What have you two been up to?” Jennie asked.

  “We’ve been dress shopping. The Emporium didn’t have anything Laurie liked, so I think we’ll be going to Denver. Want to come with us? I want to get a new dress for the wedding anyway.”

  “I would love to. I need some new things anyway. When?”

  “Let’s go the first of next week.” She turned to Laurie. “Are y
ou okay with that?”

  “I’ll have to check my social calendar,” Laurie said. “Just joking, I’m clear.”

  “Is that good for you,” she asked Jennie.

  “It works for me.

  “I have another question. How would you like to honeymoon in Paris?” Jennie asked.

  “You’re kidding, right?” Laurie said.

  “No, actually I’m not. We haven’t said anything to Doug about it yet. Talk to him and decide.”

  “I don’t believe it,” Laurie said.

  “Wonder what Abby’s concert schedule is? Maybe you could time it where you could meet her,” Amanda said.

  “Wouldn’t that be fabulous?” Laurie said.

  “I’ve got the schedule at home. We’ll look at it when we get back.”

  “See if you can find your papa. We’d better get going. See you in church,” Amanda said. They hugged each other.

  Laurie found her father and Cal at the corral. “Hello, Mr. Pierce. How are you?

  Papa, Mama says we’re ready to go?”

  “Be with you in five minutes,” he said.

  Later…

  “Rance, Laurie, Jennie and I are going to Denver to look at wedding dresses. You would be bored to death and don’t need to go unless you want to,” Amanda said.

  “I’d feel better if one of us went with you.” he said.

  “I guess I don’t need to remind you, you would have had me come all the way from Elmira by myself, if I hadn’t been afraid to do so,” she said.

  “Point taken,” he said. “Times are different now.”

  “How so,” she asked.

  “Denver’s a lot bigger than it was twenty-five years ago,” he said. “Up to you. You’re going to get some dresses for yourself aren’t you?”

  “If we have time.”

  They went by themselves.

  “This is the longest we’ve been apart since Cal and I have been married,” Jennie said.

  “Same for us. What are we going to do if they decide they like sleeping alone?” Amanda asked.

  “Fat chance,” Jennie said and laughed.

  “I think you’re probably right.”

  Denver…

  The second apparel store they entered had a bridal department. It was here Laurie found the dress of her dreams. The fit was good enough, for Amanda to make any alterations needed.

  “Now all we have to do is find something appropriate for the bride and groom’s mother, Amanda said.

  “Shouldn’t be a problem for me. I’ve heard all the groom’s mother has to do is wear beige and keep quiet,” Jennie said.

  “Where on earth did you hear that?” Amanda asked.

  “I don’t remember, but I’m not wearing beige,” Jennie said. “This is a celebration for us, and I intend to take advantage. We may have to sell a hundred head of cattle to pay for what I buy. I haven’t had a bought dress in ages.”

  “I bought some for our trip to New York when Abby went to audition for Jouilliard., That was nearly three years ago. I’ve made everything since then.”

  “I don’t want to buy much, if anything. I’ll buy my clothes in Paris,” Laurie said with a faux haughty air. Both mothers laughed.

  The rest of the day was spent shopping, then dinner in the hotel restaurant. They were on the morning train back to Cheyenne.

  Rance and Cal met them at the train station. Rance hugged his wife and daughter. “I missed you.” Then he saw the packages. “I knew I should have brought the big wagon. “I may have to rent a freight wagon.”

  “I told you they would buy out the place”, Cal said.

  Later…

  “Mama, here’s the concert schedule. Paris is her last concert of the tour, and that’s in three and a half months,” Laura said. It will take us three days to get to New York and then I would guess a week from there to Paris. That gives us a about three months to pull this off. Is that enough time for you?”

  “Oh my yes, but we’d better pick a date so Cal can get the reservations.”

  “You and Doug pick a date. I’ll let Clem know and reserve the church. “We’ll host a reception at the Plains. We will also need to order invitations, so you’d better make sure Doug makes his guest list out.”

  “That shouldn’t be a problem. Most of his friends would be on my list. How many do you think?”

  “Probably one hundred-fifty. Of course, not all invited will come, but the church can barely hold that many. I don’t know about the ballroom at the Plains. I’ve never seen it.

  “I’ll get started on all of that right away. Let’s tell your papa,”

  Part Five

  The Wedding

  Laurie and Doug selected Sunday, August 2, 1914 for their wedding and would leave on their honeymoon the next morning.

  The ceremony would follow the regular services, with the reception immediately after services,

  The phone rang on the morning of July 28. Rance picked it up and talked briefly. He turned to Amanda and said, “War started in Europe!”

  “Amanda said, “No! What part?”

  “Austria. Where is Abby?” he asked.

  “I don’t really know,” she said. “She was scheduled for Paris the second week in August.”

  “I hope things stay calm,” he said. “This could be dangerous.”

  “How will this affect Laurie and Doug?” she asked.

  “Well, America isn’t in it yet, but we will be. Neither is England. That could change,” he said.

  “Oh dear. Laurie is going to be really upset,” Amanda said.

  “Laurie is going to be upset over what,” asked a sleepy Laurie as she walked into the room.

  “War started in Europe this morning,” her father said.

  Her first thoughts were for her sister. “Is Abby close to where it started?”

  Rance answered, “We don’t know. It’s a little early to call the east coast. The news came by telegraph this morning. I’ll call in another hour or so.”

  “I guess our trip to Paris is off,” Laurie said.

  “I think that would be smart,” her father said.

  “I’m going to call Doug,” she said. “They may not know yet.”

  After she hung up the phone, she said, “They didn’t know. Doug agrees we need to cancel the trip.”

  Her mother embraced her. “Oh honey, I’m so sorry.” She said.

  “We’ll survive,” Laurie said. “Right now, I’m worried about Abby.”

  Later that morning…

  “I got through,” Rance said. “The tour was cancelled, when whatever it was happened in Austria. They should be in New York today or tomorrow.

  “Thank God,” Amanda said.

  Later that day…

  Amanda answered the phone. “It’s really you? We’ve been so worried.”

  “It was really scary for a while. It’s good to be back in New York. I’m leaving for home tomorrow morning and arrive Saturday afternoon.”

  “You don’t know how wonderful that is. Laurie and Doug are getting married Sunday afternoon.”

  “That is good news. I’m glad they have everything worked out. I’ll be able to be there. That’s fabulous news. How’s Papa?”

  “He’s well and will be really pleased you’re going to be home.

  “I just had an idea. It would delay your coming home until Sunday.

  “What do you have in mind?”

  “Think how surprised Laurie would be if you played at her wedding,” Amanda said.

  “I can do that, but why would it delay my coming home?”

  “If we don’t tell her and she doesn’t know until she starts down the aisle and finds you playing?”

  “You’re sneaky Mama. I like it. Will you make arrangements with the pianist at the church, with the one who’s planning to play, I mean?” Abby asked.

  “I’ll do that. I’ll set up a room for you at the Plains. Will you need for me to bring anything from your room?”

  “No, I’m good. I bought some thin
gs in Paris when I was there.”

  “The work on your place is all complete. You’re going to love it,” Amanda said.

  “I really appreciate you looking after it.”

  “Thank your papa for it. Actually, the architect took care of everything.

  “Thank you for calling, honey. I’m so glad you’re safe. We love you so much, and were so worried.”

  “I love you too, Mama, and I’ll see you Sunday.”

  Sunday, August 2…

  The day dawned, It was a crisp, sunny day. A great day for a wedding.

  The church was packed. Guests arrived from all over the state. Amanda helped Laurie get dressed.

  “You are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen,” Amanda said, her eyes brimming with tears. “Doug is a lucky man.”

  “Thank you, Mama,” Laurie said. “Have you seen him?”

  “No, they weren’t here when I came in. You’re not worried about him showing up, are you?” Amanda asked.

  “Of course not, he wouldn’t dare stand me up,” she said. “He knows Papa would shoot him,” she said, laughing.

  “I’d best get to my seat, I love you more than I can tell you and I’ve always been proud of you. Your papa is going to be the proudest man in the state today.” She kissed her on the cheek and went to the sanctuary.

  Jennie and Rance were seated across the aisle, on the groom’s side.

  Doug came over and hugged her. “You look so handsome, Doug. Are you nervous?”

  “A little,” he admitted. “Is Laurie?”

  “Some. I asked her if she was worried you wouldn’t show up. ‘She said you wouldn’t dare, Rance would shoot you’.”

  “He probably would too. I’ve been waiting for this day for years,” he said, then took his place in the front of the church.

  Abby walked in, and flashed her mother a smile. Jennie and Cal had known she would be there. Jennie waved.

  Abby started playing in a subdued rhythm.

  When she began playing The Wedding March, she switched to her best music-master style.

  Laurie left the room, and took the arm of her father. The pianist is doing a good job and they turned to go down the aisle. All eyes were on her as she moved step… step… step…

  Her grip on her father’s arm tightened. She looked at him. He smiled and nodded. It’s Abby! The radiance of her smile lit the church to a new brilliance. Her vision was blurred by the tears in her eyes.