Mail Order Brides Western Romance Collection ~ 3-Book Bundle (Brides of Virtue Series 1)

by Jill Maguire

  Main Table of Contents

  Protecting Patience

  Finding Faith

  Guarding Grace

  Protecting Patience

  Copyright 2015-2016 © Jill Maguire

  Prairie Wind Publishing

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted by any means - electronic, mechanical, photographic (photocopying), recording, or otherwise without written permission from the author/publisher.

  There’s always something brewin’ at

  Prairie Wind Publishing!

  See What We’re Up To Now…….

  Table of Contents

  Copyright

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Sneak Peek

  Further Reading

  Copyright

  Chapter 1

  It wasn’t outwardly noticeable yet, but Patience knew she was with child. She and Clayton had been waiting years for this blessing and today the sun seemed brighter as its rays splashed through the large windows of the schoolhouse. Patience smiled over her students who were copying sentences she had written on the board. A few little hands held their chalk idly over their slates, gazing out the window or squirming in their seats. Patience walked among the desks hoping to help the distracted children to focus by looking over their shoulders. Today though, she could hardly fault them for their inattentiveness. On this day, Patience felt at least as distracted as her students.

  Patience loved teaching, but today the hours seemed to drag on. She had only been certain of her condition this morning after Clayton had already left to start work and now she could hardly wait to tell him. Patience felt like one of her students on the last day of school before summer break. No, she was even more excited for she had a bundle of life and joy growing inside, a blessing the knowledge of which she yearned to share with her husband. Patience had been content, blissfully happy, in the life she and Clayton had created for themselves here. The small town and quaint schoolhouse suited her very well and Clayton was fulfilling his dream of farming his own land. And now their family and their love would grow.

  Finally, the day came to a close and Patience rang the small bell that sat upon her desk signifying the end of the school day.

  “Thank you for another good day everyone. Have a pleasant weekend and don’t forget to read chapters three through five in your books. Samuel, do put your coat on before you take another step towards that door. Your mother won’t thank me if you catch cold again.”

  The children hurried out, chattering happily and Patience quickly gathered her things and went on her own way. She went home by the short cut, through fields and dells rimmed with trees ablaze in autumn colors of rich reds and oranges. Patience drank in all the beautiful sweetness. A wide smile remained in place all the way home.

  When Patience gained her own dear kitchen she tied an apron around her slim waist and set to making Clayton’s favorite meal, complete with the butter biscuits he was so fond of. She hummed as she plopped potatoes and other vegetables, along with some beef, into a pot on the wood stove. Patience grinned as she remembered the apple tart she had made the day before and pulled it out of the larder. The tart, another of Clayton’s favorites, was perfect for the occasion.

  An hour later Patience had the table set neatly and the stew was simmering away on the wood stove. Her heart thudded when she saw Clayton through the window approaching the house. Patience quickly gave the stew one last stir and removed her apron. She turned to the door with a bright smile as Clayton entered.

  Her husband’s tall frame loomed over her in a moment as he took her into his arms. Patience closed her eyes and breathed him in, wrapping her arms around his neck.

  “Something smells good. And what is this? A tart?” Clayton slowly released Patience and noticed the beautifully laid table. “You darling, what is all this for?” Patience turned primly and ladled stew into a bowl. She placed the bowl and the platter of biscuits before Clayton as he sat down.

  “How is your mother today?” Patience asked, somehow she could not bring herself to simply say the words. Clayton visited his mother, Ruth, every day when work was done and although Ruth lived in another house at the other side of the property with Clayton’s brother, Warren, Patience didn’t see her as often.

  “Ma is just fine,” Clayton took a hold of Patience’s hand across the table and prayed over the meal. When he finished he gave Patience’s hand a squeeze and smiled at her. “Thank you for supper, it looks delicious.” Patience’s heart swelled with love for this man whom God had blessed her with -- always so respectful and loving towards her. He talked as they ate supper, telling Patience about his day. Patience said very little. Her mind was preoccupied with her news and how she should tell him.

  “How was your day?” Clayton finally asked her as they finished the stew and biscuits.

  “I’m going to have a baby.” The words slipped out before Patience could stop them. She clapped her hand to her mouth in surprise and watched as Clayton seemed frozen in place. He didn’t move, he didn’t blink. Trembling slightly, Patience reached over and touched Clayton’s arm. This seemed to jar him out of his reverie. He leaned towards Patience gripping the side of the table and studying her closely.

  “Are you really, darling?” Clayton’s tone seemed bereft of air. His eyes moistened causing tears to pour down Patience’s own cheeks.

  “Yes, I am,” she smiled at her husband, the joy overflowing from her heart. Clayton jumped up and pulled Patience up with him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and spun her around the kitchen laughing. Gently, Clayton lowered Patience to her feet and caressed her cheek.

  “We’re having a baby,” Clayton whispered as if he couldn’t believe the secret. Patience nodded, tears still glistening in her eyes. Cupping Patience’s face in his hands, Clayton leaned down and kissed his wife with all the passion and excitement he felt.

  A knock at the front door interrupted their sweet moment and Clayton reluctantly let Patience go. Patience followed Clayton through the house to the entryway where he opened the door upon his brother. Patience wondered at his coming alone, since he often came of an evening with his mother to pass the time together. She smothered a feeling of disappointment at losing an evening alone with Clayton.

  Chapter 2

  “Clayton, Patience,” Warren removed his hat as he stepped inside.

  “Warren, where’s Ma?” Clayton asked. He too looked less welcoming than he normally was at the appearance of his brother.

  “She’s home with one of her headaches. I’m just here to get some of Patience’s elixir for her. Do you have some around?” Warren looked to Patience who nodded, suppressing a sigh of relief. Of course she was sorry for Ruth’s suffering, but at least she and Clayton could have the evening to themselves after all. Patience went to her cupboard for the elixir as the men discussed the new plow Clayton had broken in earlier that day. Patience returned and handed the dark bottle to Warren.

  “Thank you, I’d better get this back to Ma right away,” Warren tipped his hat and left.

  �
�Did you not tell him the news?” Patience asked wondering how he could keep the words from his lips for even a moment. Clayton made his way back to the kitchen with Patience close behind and they both set to work cleaning the supper dishes.

  “No, I didn’t. I would rather tell him and Ma together. Maybe we can go over there in the morning and see how she is doing,” Clayton suggested.

  Patience nodded and smiled. Clayton glanced sideways at Patience as they worked side by side, his eyes roaming over her face, her hair and settling on her stomach. Patience caught his eye and Clayton smiled like a shy schoolboy.

  When the kitchen was clean again the happy couple retired to the bedroom where they celebrated in joyful, matrimonial bliss. Patience fell asleep with a smile on her face and Clayton’s strong arms wrapped around her.

  In the morning Patience and Clayton set off on foot to Warren’s house. Clayton held a basket of sweet rolls made by Patience on one arm and his wife’s hand on the other. Ruth was in bright spirits that morning after a good night of rest and pleasant dreams about a young child running through the thick blades of green grass.

  Ruth welcomed her son and daughter-in-law cheerfully from her chair in the living room where she sat embroidering. Clayton bent down to kiss his mother’s cheek as Patience took the rolls to the kitchen, dishing them onto plates then returning to a chair next to Clayton.

  “Ma, Warren, we have some news,” Clayton began, his roll untouched. Ruth and Warren looked at him, waiting. “Patience is expecting a child.” Clayton’s whole being radiated light and excitement. He placed an arm around Patience’s shoulders as Ruth let out a cry of delight and nearly dropped her plate. Setting the roll down, Ruth slowly stood and met Clayton and Patience, who had risen to assist her, with hugs and kisses.

  “My dear, you have made me a happy woman today. I have been dreaming of this day for a long time,” Ruth held Patience’s face in both of her hands.

  “As have I, Mama,” Patience smiled. Warren shook his brother’s hand in congratulations but didn’t seem to have a lot to say. He gave Patience a curt nod of his head but nothing more. Warren often acted aloof, which usually annoyed Patience, but she could not give it a second thought today. Instead, she happily sat with Ruth and began discussing details of planning a nursery as Clayton and Warren went out to chop firewood and work on readying the house for winter.

  As the sun waned towards the western horizon, Clayton and Patience took their leave and began the walk back to their own home. Patience let out a sigh of contentment as she watched the sun set over the far hills.

  “That was quite a sigh, Mrs. Shaw,” Clayton teased.

  “Pure happiness,” she explained.

  Clayton cleared his throat and Patience could tell he was nervous to ask her something. “Patience, Warren was worried that I would not be able to go on our hunting trip next weekend due to your condition. I told him I would discuss it with you.”

  “Oh, you should still go. I will be fine,” Patience smiled up at Clayton. She knew how much he enjoyed hunting trips and saw no reason for him to stay home where he would become restless and would be of little help to her.

  “I thought you might say that,” Clayton leaned over to kiss Patience on the cheek. “Thank you darling.”

  The two walked arm in arm as the fading daylight gave way to moonlit shadows. Neither had ever been so happy.

  The next week of school went by rather slowly for Patience. She was always very tired and grew emotional at the smallest incidences. Her students seemed ten times more ornery than usual, when in reality the effects of their slight misdemeanors were merely more acute to Patience. In quieter moments, she continued to marvel in the thought of her little baby.

  Though Patience had given her full support of Clayton’s hunting trip with Warren, she was dreading the weekend at home without him. Patience never felt at peace when Clayton was away overnight. The house felt too empty and their bed was forlorn without his warmth next to her. Patience knew she had plenty of chores to keep herself busy around the house and intended to call on Ruth often while both women were alone. But the gnawing unease inside her did not abate as the weekend drew near.

  Friday morning Clayton and Warren were to set out early and Patience was woken by Clayton’s kisses on her face.

  “My sweet Patience, I will miss you,” Clayton murmured into her hair. Still in the haze of sleep Patience put an arm around his neck. She fought down the tears that threatened to brim over. These heightened emotions were uncalled-for. He had gone on a dozen hunting trips before. But somehow now, since they had learned of the baby, time together felt more precious.

  “I will miss you,” Patience sighed into Clayton’s neck.

  “Take care while I am away, my darling.” Clayton laid a hand tenderly on Patience’s stomach.

  “Be careful.” Patience opened her eyes fully and met his with a look of earnest pleading.

  “Don’t be afraid. I am always careful. I love you,” Clayton smiled down at Patience, giving her one last, lingering kiss before rising to leave.

  All day at school Patience didn’t feel well. Her stomach seemed to be tied in knots and she had the children take turns reading out loud to one another while she sat at her desk in distraction. And the night proved even worse. Patience slept fitfully and fought strange and unsettling dreams the whole night through.

  In the morning, seeking to avoid her empty home, Patience went to her mother-in-law’s house early, letting herself in as the older woman continued to sleep. As Patience busied herself in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for her and Ruth, she repeated Bible verses to herself that had always been a comfort to her. This calmed her agitated spirit after a while and she was able to greet Ruth with warmth when the woman entered the kitchen.

  “This is a nice surprise,” Ruth said as she sat at the table. Patience placed food before her and smiled wryly.

  “I could hardly be alone today, Mama. I feel so uneasy when Clayton is gone. I presume it is because of my condition.”

  “Oh yes, it will make everything seem worse than it really is,” Ruth replied soothingly as she sat to sip some tea. Patience joined her at the table and the women spoke of small, unimportant topics as they tried to pass the time.

  When breakfast was over and the dishes done, the two women went about their day. Patience tried to remain positive in front of Ruth, but she could not dispel the feeling of foreboding that hung around her like a murky fog.

  Chapter 3

  Clayton breathed deeply of the crisp autumn air as he and Warren made their way slowly and quietly through the forest twenty miles from their small town. Clayton always savored these hunting trips with his brother, but this trip was different. Today, as he crept through the woods, the thought of his beautiful wife carrying their much prayed-for blessing, and he felt his heart and his soul grow warm.

  He looked to Warren who met his eye and signaled him. Warren had seen something. Clayton peered through the woods and spotted the large elk between the trees about 20 yards away. Clayton nodded to Warren and raised his rifle to his shoulder. Carefully aiming, Clayton took his shot.

  Excruciating pain spread through Clayton’s face and neck as he was forced onto his back. Warren rushed over, the elk forgotten. Clayton reached out for his brother as Warren knelt by his head. The look on Warren’s face was enough to tell Clayton how bad the injury was. He knew he was losing blood quickly and could feel his consciousness slipping. One thought survived in his addled mind and Clayton grabbed desperately at Warren’s shirt, pulling him closer.

  He wheezed and gulped as he tried to speak. “Promise me.” Clayton forced the words out through the pain. “Promise you’ll look after her. Protect Patience. Promise me you’ll find someone to look after her and the baby.” Clayton looked into his brother’s eyes pleadingly as he laboriously dragged breath in and out.

  Warren sputtered, a terrified look of anguish spread across his face as he surveyed his brother’s injury. “Clayton,” Warren b
egan, his voice trailing away in fear.

  “Promise me,” Clayton insisted. He could feel himself slipping away.

  “I promise. I promise,” Warren agreed hoarsely. He held Clayton tightly as his brother exhaled his last breath.

  Patience worked diligently making a good supper while her mother-in-law rested. Patience had been with Ruth all day working tirelessly at tasks her mother-in-law didn’t have energy to do herself, and although she had chores of her own back at the main house, she could not bring herself to leave. She didn’t wish to spend a moment more in that empty house than she had to.

  Ruth had been in good spirits all day, perhaps in an effort to cheer Patience up and they talked endlessly of the coming baby. Ruth showed Patience the blanket she had already begun to work on for the new little one and Patience was grateful for the distractions, happily allowing Ruth to avert her attention to the excitement of a new baby.

  As Patience kneaded dough to make biscuits she looked out the kitchen window at the waning sunlight. Glancing down the lane Patience noticed a man on a horse galloping quickly toward the house. Her hands stopped, motionless on the soft dough and her blood suddenly ran cold. As the man drew nearer she could see that it was Warren. Alone.

  He stopped short of the back door and leapt from his horse. Numbly, Patience wiped her hands on her apron and turned as Warren walked in. She had never seen Warren look so distraught and grave. His eyes were bloodshot, his face ashen and he could not seem to bring his eyes to meet Patience’s worried face.

  “It’s Clayton.” Warren’s voice broke and he took a deep breath before he continued. “He had an elk in sight. The gun backfired. He’s, he’s gone.”

  Patience felt the earth suddenly shift beneath her and she crumpled to the floor. Everything was out of focus and she felt her stomach whirl and thrash inside her. The moans and sobs of her mother-in-law served as background for Patience’s own inconsolable grief. Silent tears fell, and she felt as if she couldn’t breathe.