Mail Order Vows (Sweet Mail Order Bride Historical Romance Novel)

by Maya Stirling

  Cassie sighed. "But can I do this Julia?"

  "Can you what?"

  "Wear this. Today. This was what I wore when I married Joshua."

  Julia placed a hand on Cassie's shoulder. "Of course you can my dear. The dress is as lovely on you today as it was on that day. I am sure that Joshua would want you to look as beautiful as you were for him on that day. Besides what else have you got to wear? You can hardly wear your work clothes."

  Trust Julia to deflect any seriousness with a little humour. It was one of the things Cassie loved about her friend.

  Cassie put the wedding dress on, and had Julia finish off the tightening of the stays and hooks.

  Cassie stood in front of the mirror and inspected herself. Julia stood behind her. The expression on her reflected face was one of calm appreciation.

  "My oh my! Don't you just look like an angel," she said with a sigh.

  Cassie ran her hands down her hips. "I don't know. It looks a little loose around here," she said, sweeping her hands across her hips.

  Julia moved to the side to get a better view. "Nonsense. It looks perfect. You're just being picky."

  She shifted a few stray hairs away from Cassie's forehead. "It looks lovely. Ethan will fall even more in love with you than he already is."

  "Julia! It's my wedding day. Do you want to have me shaking with nerves. I'm bad enough as it is without you saying things like that."

  "I'm just trying to say that everything is going to be fine, dearest," Julia said." You couldn't look more lovely." She turned and scanned the room. "Now. Where is that bonnet?"

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  With considerable fuss and attention to detail, Julia finally pronounced that Cassie was as ready as she would ever be. Cassie wasn't so sure. As far as she was concerned there was no such thing as being over-prepared for a wedding.

  When Cassie eventually emerged from the cabin the children screamed with excitement. Daniel looked at her, and nodded in appreciation.

  "Aunt Cassie, you look beautiful," little Louise yelled.

  "Indeed you do," confirmed Daniel. He stood to the side of the buckboard and gestured for Cassie to step up onto the seat.

  "If you please Cassie."

  Cassie lifted her dress, and managed to manoeuvre onto the seat despite her fear of ripping the flowing material on the bare metal of the seat.

  Julia, Daniel, Louise and Nathan all crowded onto the buckboard.

  Daniel took the reins and drove them down the trail toward town. The morning was clear and sunny. A good morning for a wedding, Cassie thought. Barely a few days before, she wouldn't have thought such a thing possible.

  But here she was; travelling into Sweetheart Falls on a sunny morning with the people she loved and trusted, on her way to be married to a man she had only met the day before. For a moment Cassie doubted her sanity. How could she be going through with this? It seemed insane to be doing such a thing. The past twenty four hours had been such a whirlwind she had barely had time to really stop and think whether this was what she really wanted.

  It wasn't enough that she justified her decision to marry on the basis of making it possible for her sisters to come West and start a new and safer life.

  Deep down Cassie knew that all of this had to be really for her. It was her own future she had to think of too. She faced the prospect of spending the rest of her life with a man she barely knew.

  But hadn't she done that before? With Joshua. And look how much happiness she had enjoyed in a short time with him.

  She could only hope that her time with Ethan would have a fraction of the joy and contentment she had been blessed with in her time with Joshua.

  The journey to town seemed to pass in a dream. The closer they came to town, the greater the nerves Cassie felt. She had a big collection of butterflies that had taken refuge in her stomach, and nothing she could do would make them go away.

  She tried to distract herself by talking with the children. Daniel made some reassuring remarks, and Julia was mostly silent, probably more aware than anyone of just how Cassie was feeling.

  As the buckboard rolled up the street and pulled up outside the church Cassie was surprised and slightly alarmed to see a large group of people gathered at the front entrance.

  Cassie saw Hettie, Alice and Mabel, all of whom were dressed to the nines. She had a panic inducing thought that even for her own wedding Cassie wasn't quite well dressed enough. Hettie's outfit in particular looked supremely elegant. She'd made a real effort. But then Cassie guessed maybe she deserved to enjoy the day as much as Cassie. Hettie had been responsible for finding Ethan, and Cassie knew it would be mean of her not to be grateful to Hettie for that.

  Cassie also recognised a number of townsfolk who she had known through Joshua. They all looked pleased to see Cassie, which went a long way to calming Cassie's nerves.

  With a start of anxiety, Cassie realized that she couldn't see Ethan. She had expected to see him standing tall and proud at the entrance to the church, waiting for his bride. But then she thought that he must be inside, at the altar, in his proper place. She already guessed that Ethan was a man who liked to follow traditional ways in many things. When it came to his wedding day he would be sure to do what was expected. He'd be at the altar. That was for sure.

  Reverend Baxter stood at the church door with a large bible in his hand.

  Daniel parked the buckboard up, leaped down and raced around, holding a hand up, making it clear that Cassie should wait for his assistance.

  Cassie smiled as Daniel helped her down and extended a bent elbow. Cassie hooked her arm inside his, and Daniel lead her through the gathered residents of Sweetheart Falls.

  Reverend Baxter stepped forward. "Welcome Cassie. God has provided us with a beautiful day for such a wonderful occasion as this."

  "Thank you Reverend Baxter." Cassie was suddenly aware that she was very much the centre of attention of everyone standing around her.

  "If I may have a quiet word with you Cassie, we could allow all the good folks here a chance to make their way inside."

  Everyone filed into the church, and Reverend Baxter led Cassie to one side. When they were alone he smiled warmly.

  "Cassie. I want you to know how pleased I am that today you are to be wed. God is looking down with favor upon this event. I am sure he will bless this union, particularly given the circumstances which you have faced up to with such faith and trust in God. He has truly delivered you into safe hands."

  Cassie nodded. "Thank you Reverend. I feel very fortunate that so many people have felt able to help me. I am truly grateful."

  "That is good to know. Your late husband was a very fine man. I am sure he would approve of your actions. We do not know where the good Lord leads us, but we must have faith and trust that we are being led on the right path. Bless you Cassie."

  "Thank you Reverend."

  "If I may have the privilege of leading you inside?" Reverend Baxter said, extending an arm.

  Cassie hooked her arm inside his and the Reverend guided her into the church.

  Everyone had taken up positions in the pews. Up ahead Cassie saw Ethan. She felt her lower lip drop and her breath stopped for a second.

  Ethan was turned toward her, gazing in her direction, watching her as she made her way up to the altar. His eyes had widened when he saw her, and she was sure that even from here she could see that the color on his face had changed.

  Ethan's smile widened and his eyes brightened. And when he smiled, Cassie felt all the worry and anxiety drop away. His smile changed everything. Cassie found that her feet wouldn't step forward. Reverend Baxter paused and looked at her puzzled.

  "Come now my dear your new husband awaits," he whispered.

  Everyone was watching Cassie. Last minute nerves curled inside her.

  Cassie looked over at Ethan, taking in his welcoming face. She finally stepped forward.

  Reverend Baxter lead her up to Ethan's side, and positioned her gently next to Ethan. He
looked so happy now that Cassie was so near to him. Cassie looked back at the smiling faces of the congregation. This was the right place for her at this moment; there was nowhere else she should be right at this moment. She was with her husband to be and it felt somehow right. It didn't concern her that here she was barely a year after marrying Joshua, by the side of an almost total stranger, about to take her vows. She thought of the sweet words Ethan had said to her, and she was filled with hope for the future.

  Cassie stood at the altar almost in a daze throughout the ceremony. Reverend Baxter's calm voice was so reassuring as he led them both through their vows. Before she knew it Cassie was promising to love, honour and obey. When she heard Ethan whisper those words to her Cassie felt her heart melt, and she was filled with a calm, reassuring feeling that sank all the way down to her toes.

  Reverend Baxter looked straight at Ethan. "Now you may kiss the bride."

  Ethan placed his hands gently on her shoulders and leaned in close. Cassie closed her eyes, and felt Ethan's soft lips caress her own with a brief, warm touch.

  The gathered townsfolk broke into spontaneous applause. Ethan's brow furrowed slightly at the sound of the clapping. He stepped to Cassie's side, and took her arm in his. Cassie felt him adopt a stiff, almost formal pose, as if they were now on display.

  A couple. Cassie looked at him and smiled. They were a couple.

  They walked slowly up the aisle nodding at the happy townsfolk. Cassie recognised many friendly faces from the past year which prompted her to recall Joshua once more. What did they all think of her? Did they really think badly of her? The happiness she felt was tempered by a niggling uncertainty. But with a glance from Ethan it was swept away.

  Ethan led her out into the morning sunshine.

  They stood outside, thanking the well wishers as they all filed out. Julia came up to Cassie. She had tears in her eyes.

  Cassie took her to one side.

  "Julia don't be upset," Cassie whispered.

  "I'm just so happy to see you married."

  "I know you are. If it hadn't been for you, this wouldn't have happened."

  Julia wiped a tear from her cheek. "I know that." Cassie hugged her.

  Hettie had taken it upon herself to arrange a modest reception at the hotel.

  They all made their way over, with the bride and groom leading the way. Even the townsfolk who hadn't been at the wedding paused and looked on at the happy couple and their entourage as they headed for the hotel.

  They entered the dining room to find a number of tables set out, with one at the head of the room obviously prepared for the newly weds.

  The room filled with townsfolk. Food was brought and speeches were made. Hettie looked pleased with the proceedings. There was a small band of fiddle players. Ethan led Cassie in their first dance. Cassie loved how close Ethan held her and the soft look in his eyes.

  Ethan made a heartfelt speech about how wonderful his bride was. Cassie almost hid her face in embarrassment at the wonderful things he said about his bride.

  Hettie made a speech of course, and took the opportunity to announce that even more brides would be coming to Sweetheart Falls very soon. This was greeted with a round of applause.

  There was an awkward moment when Joseph from the mercantile came up to Cassie. The disappointment was clear on his face. He'd expressed such hopes that Cassie could be his wife, that to see her marry Ethan must have been difficult to bear.

  By the end of the reception much drink had been consumed by the various townsfolk. There seemed to be genuine pleasure at the union. Many people Cassie hardly knew came up to her and wished her well. By the end she felt that she was the most special person in town.

  Midway through the proceedings Hettie and Julia announced they had arranged for a photographer to capture a likeness of the newly weds to commemorate their day. Cassie had had her likeness taken before, with Joshua. At first she was taken aback by the idea that how she looked today would be captured forever. But it didn't take much persuasion from Ethan who was enthusiastic.

  Ethan and Cassie made their way across the street to the small room adjoining the mercantile where the photographer had set up his equipment and a makeshift studio. Cassie was fascinated by the huge bulk of wood and metal and the temporary backdrop against which Mr Smith, the photographer asked them to stand. There was much fussing and moving around and a few false starts.

  Ethan and Cassie took up their pose facing the camera. They both adopted formal poses. Cassie began to think the whole thing was quite funny and had to try hard not to giggle as she stood stock still. Ethan looked at her puzzled at first, but then he too saw the funny side of it and, before they knew it, they were both struggling to contain their giggles.

  Mr Smith saw them and called out from inside his contraption.

  "That's lovely. Smile for the camera. Just don't smile too much," Mr Smith disappeared under a blanket draped over the camera. From inside it came his muffled voice.

  "Smile please. Hold very still and look into the lens towards me. Try not to blink."

  They did as instructed, there was a blinding flash, and it seemed like an eternity before Mr Smith reappeared with a satisfied look on his face.

  "Very nice. What a lovely couple you make," he said.

  Mr Smith told them they'd have the photo next day, and Cassie knew she couldn't wait to see what it looked like.

  By the late afternoon it was time to leave. Ethan led Cassie out to the buckboard which had been provided specially. Ethan's bag was on the back and there were flowers and garlands decorating the exterior of the buckboard. If anyone didn't yet know about their wedding, they'd just have to take one look at the buckboard to know there had been a marriage in town that day.

  He gently helped her up onto the seat and took his place next to her. The townsfolk gathered round and applauded as Ethan and Cassie drove off down the street and headed out into the countryside.

  She was going back home. With a new husband.

  CHAPTER NINE

  The afternoon sun was warm on Cassie's face. She listened to the birds sing their beautiful song as the buckboard rolled along the trail. Ethan held the reins tight in his hand, guiding the buckboard expertly toward the farm.

  At first there was silence between them, almost as if they both could not quite believe what they had just been through. Cassie didn't much feel like speaking. On sitting down on the wooden buckboard seat, she had been overcome by a tiredness brought on by the events of the day. She held on to the hard edge of the seat. Ethan drove the buckboard slowly and carefully, fixing his gaze ahead. He seemed to be sensitive to Cassie's need for silence.

  Cassie looked across the rolling hillsides and took a deep breath. She closed her eyes and felt the cool air against her skin.

  "Are you okay Cassie?" Ethan asked, looking at her.

  "Hmm? I'm fine. Just thinking," she replied.

  "What are you thinking about?"

  "I can hardly believe what happened today."

  Ethan nodded. "Yeah. Kind of amazing when you think about it really."

  "I mean, this time last week I would never have believed that, by today, I would be someone's bride."

  "I have to admit it was already on my mind a while ago," Ethan said.

  "It was? I had no clue what Hettie was up to. Funny really, when you think about it. But I have to ask you something Ethan." She looked at him earnestly. "Why did you marry me? Really? What was the real reason. It wasn't sympathy was it?"

  Ethan frowned and shook his head. He was silent for a moment.

  "I didn't feel sorry for you Cassie. Not at all. Anyone who knows you, even a bit, can see that you're not someone to waste pity on. You are one tough, independent lady."

  "So you married me because I am a feisty, independent minded Easterner. If that is the case, why do you care what happens to me?"

  Ethan paused, and his body seemed to tighten as he considered what to say next.

  "I care because anyone so
beautiful should not have to struggle so hard to make their way in this world," Ethan said with a slight crack in his voice.

  Cassie was taken aback by the directness of his statement.

  She pushed some stray hairs away from her face and looked down at her lap.

  He had called her beautiful!

  She had to admit, it felt good to be told that. It had been so long since Joshua had whispered soft words into her ear, so long since she had felt the warmth that came with being spoken to like that. She had missed that part of her life. She had tried to bury her feelings under a mountain of work and activity, but deep down she had hankered for the soft, sweet words that could make a woman feel so wanted, so needed.

  "You... think I am beautiful?" she stuttered.

  "I can hardly believe you would ask me that, Cassie. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. It's that simple."

  He had said it again. Beautiful! Cassie had always been told when she was growing up that she was pretty. Joshua had told her many times. But she had never really believed it. She knew she wasn't a plain looking woman, but she had never really considered herself truly beautiful. And now, here was this handsome, sensitive man praising her beauty. It made the blood rush to her face.

  "Since we are talking about us, then let me ask you this." He fixed his eyes on her, a slight frown creasing his forehead. "Why did you marry me?" he asked.

  Cassie felt awkward. She couldn't tell him about her sisters. Not yet anyway. This wasn't the time, nor the place. She'd tell him later. In any case there had been more to her decision than just helping her sister. Much more. She tried to be flippant.

  "You're just so tall and handsome. Just irresistible really," she declared, cocking her head to the side in mock seriousness.

  Ethan laughed. "Tall and handsome. Really? Only that? It's not my charming wit or my sensitive nature then."

  "None of that, at all," Cassie joked. "Your just a fine looking man. Isn't that enough?"

  Ethan smiled. "I know that's not true. There's got to be more than that. What's the real reason you married me?"