The American Conquest: Christian Western Historical (Window to the Heart Saga Trilogy Book 3)

by Jenna Brandt

  “There it is, Pierre, the West Linn Inn. They have all the comforts of a proper European hotel. I am telling you, you are going to love it.”

  Pierre rolled his shoulders and narrowed his eyes as he stared out at the inn. Nothing had met his expectations in the American west. He did not expect this to be any different.

  “I find your assurance suspect, as you have made such lofty promises before, only for them not to come to fruition.”

  “It is not my fault ever since we left Boulder, you have been in a sour mood. You need to stop wallowing in your misery, Pierre.”

  “Believe me, I have tried.”

  In retaliation against his sorrow, Pierre began to drink frequently, gamble often, and enjoy the company of as many women as possible. But nothing dulled the ache left behind by Lady Margaret, the former Countess of Renwick. He had resigned himself that he would never feel love again. Pierre had decided once he had finished his business in West Linn, he would return to Paris, marry a woman with the right title simply for necessity, and hope that children could fill the void he felt in his aching heart.

  The wondrous aroma of baking bread filled the air outside the French bakery on Main Street. The clinking of the front door ushered in another patron.

  Amelie Leclaire looked up and smiled at her regular customer, the elderly Mrs. Moore, who was approaching the front counter.

  “Good morning, Miss Leclaire.”

  “Good morning, Mrs. Moore. I have your usual two loaves of bread and box of assorted pastries ready.”

  “Thank you, dear,” the kind-eyed woman spoke, as she leaned on the counter while opening her coin purse.

  Picking up the bag of items from off the table behind her, Amelie handed the baked goods over to the woman.

  “How are you doing, dear?”

  It was easy to detect the concerned tone in her voice. Mrs. Moore had been at her parent’s funeral two months prior, along with the rest of the townsfolk. Amelie glanced away, not wanting the observant woman to notice the tears forming in the corner of her eyes.

  “Thank you for asking. I think I’m managing to keep everything running.”

  Barely. She was barely keeping the bakery from closing. She hated what was happening to their family business. The once thriving bakery was quickly declining in sustainability. The bakery had remained closed for nearly two weeks after her parents’ death, and even though Amelie had grown up around the business, she had not been prepared to take on all the responsibilities required.

  Additionally, over the past month, several mishaps had drained the savings her parents had managed to put away for a rainy day. She was still unsure how the flour got mixed up with the sugar, but the mistake had cost her an entire day’s worth of bread and pastries. Added to this was the oven breaking down and supplies going missing from a nighttime burglary; Amelie was worried the bakery would have to close at the end of the month if she didn’t figure out some way to make up the lost revenue.

  Mrs. Moore handed the money for the baked goods to Amelie, who in turn opened the cash register on the counter next to the display case. Quickly, she realized Mrs. Moore overpaid her by nearly five dollars.

  “Mrs. Moore, you gave me the wrong amount. Here let me return this to you.”

  Amelie reached out and tried to place the money back in the woman’s hand but was met with protest.

  “It wasn’t a mistake, Miss Leclaire. I know the situation you are in. My husband is a member of the board for the bank. I know that your loan is past due. Your parents were pillars in this community. I refuse to let the tragic accident that took their lives also take away all they worked so hard to obtain in order to properly provide for you and your sister.”

  This time, Amelie couldn’t restrain the tears. She took the edge of her baking apron and wiped away the stinging drops, which clouded her eyes.

  “You are kind, Mrs. Moore, but I can’t take your money. I’ll find a way to keep up with the demands of the bakery.”

  Being the richest woman in town, Mrs. Moore did not need to run any of her own errands. However, for the past several years, she had chosen to come to the bakery in order to talk to Amelie’s mother. They had grown rather close over the years discussing town politics, church happenings, local news, and their families. It seemed to be the older woman’s social outlet. Mrs. Leclaire was one of the few townspeople who had not been intimidated by Mrs. Moore. Amelie believed she missed her mother, and that was why she continued to come in to the bakery despite the fact her mother had died.

  “But what about your schooling? Aren’t you supposed to be returning to San Francisco to finish your training to be a midwife?”

  “I’ve decided not to return. My sister needs me here and I refuse to let my aunt take her away from all she knows. She is threatening to take Elise back to Paris if I go back to school. She doesn’t think I am capable of taking care of both the bakery and my sister. I have to make this work for Elise’s sake.”

  “Well, your parents would be proud of you for looking after your sister. But they wanted you to follow your heart, dear, and I don’t think they would want you to give up your future like this.”

  “My parents would understand I’m putting family first. Elise is helping me in the afternoons. This place belongs to her as much as me. I can’t just sell it and let my aunt take her across the world where I will never see her again. Besides, we hardly know her. The first time we met our aunt was only two weeks before the funeral.”

  “I understand all of the history. Your mother told me how your aunt came to town to reconcile with her after their father died.”

  “My mother only spoke once to me about her family and the reason they left France. It was a source of deep pain for her.”

  Amelie’s parents had met while her father was the head pastry chef at one of the most famous French bakeries in all of Paris. Her mother was the daughter of the owner of the bakery. Additionally, her family owned several other restaurants and bakeries across France. When Amelie’s parents fell in love, her mother was forbidden from seeing her father. Her grandfather wanted her mother to marry someone more established in society to increase their station. He refused to give his consent for their marriage.

  Secretly, her parents left Paris for America, where they could start a family and open their own bakery, away from the disapproval of her family. They had naïvely taken the harsh passage west on the Oregon Trail, resulting in the death of their baby. They were forced to bury him along the way. The loss of their first and only son took a toll on them. They were never the same after the loss; however, their faith in God had carried them through the pain. It was that same faith they had instilled in Amelie that would help her succeed in filling her parents’ shoes.

  “Your mother missed her family and wished she could’ve reconciled with them. She remained steadfast in not contacting them, out of respect for your father. She worried time had not changed your grandfather’s opinion of the situation and she didn’t want to open old wounds. She was completely taken aback when your aunt arrived and informed her of your grandfather’s passing.”

  “After my parents passed away, my aunt stayed under the pretense that she wanted to help us, but I’m not sure why she insists on remaining here still. She makes it clear she wants to return to her life in Paris; however, she refuses to leave without Elise. She thinks she would be better off there.”

  Shaking her head adamantly, Mrs. Moore stated, “Hogwash, your home is here. We have known you girls since you were born.”

  “Agreed. I always planned on making my home here after I finished school. It just seems my future has changed to running the family bakery now,” Amelie declared as she gestured around the room.

  Mrs. Moore reached out and patted Amelie’s hand. “You always have such a positive perspective on things, my dear.”

  “I am similar to my mother in that way. She taught me to always look at the bright side of any situation. Difficulties will come, but how we handle those obstacles de
fine us.”

  “Just remember, my offer still stands. I want to help you and your sister in any way I can.”

  Nodding, Amelie responded, “I appreciate it, Mrs. Moore. Your care and concern mean a great deal to me.”

  “I best be getting home to make sure the house staff has everything in hand for dinner tonight. Mr. Moore likes his dinner ready when he gets home from the mill.”

  Indeed, he did. Everyone knew Mr. Moore liked everything precise. He had his wife run his home just as he ran his business, the Willemette Falls Mill, with an iron fist.

  “Certainly, Mrs. Moore. I also included a Mille-feuille for Mr. Moore. I know it’s his favorite.” Amelie handed over the bag of baked goods to Mrs. Moore.

  “You are too kind, dear. He will appreciate the thoughtfulness,” Mrs. Moore said, as she headed towards the exit. Pausing at the front door, she added, “I will be in at week’s end, for my usual order.”

  “I’ll have everything ready, Mrs.Moore.”

  “Good day, Miss Leclaire.”

  Also by Jenna Brandt

  The Window to the Heart Saga

  Trilogy

  The English Proposal (Book 1)

  The French Encounter (Book 2)

  The American Conquest (Book 3)

  Spin-offs

  The Oregon Pursuit (Book 1)

  The White Wedding (Book 2)

  The Christmas Bride (Book 3)

  The Viscount’s Wife (Book 4)

  The Lawkeepers Series

  Lawfully Loved

  Lawfully Adored

  Lawfully Wanted

  The Rockwood Springs Series

  Promised to a Soldier

  Courted by a Soldier

  Loved by a Soldier (late summer 2018)

  For more information about Jenna Brandt visit her on any of her websites.

  www.JennaBrandt.com

  Acknowledgments

  First and foremost, I am eternally grateful to Jesus, my lord and savior, who created me with this “writing bug” DNA.

  In addition, many thanks go to:

  My husband, Dustin, and three daughters, Katie, Julie, and Nikki, for loving me and supporting me during all my late-night writing marathons and coffee-infused mornings.

  My mother, Connie, for being my first and most honest critic, now and always. As a little girl, sleeping under your desk during late-night deadlines for the local paper showed me what being a dedicated writer looked like.

  My angels in heaven: my grandmother, who passed away in 2001, my infant son, Dylan, who was taken by SIDS three years ago, and my father, who left us this past year.

  My good friend and fellow indie author, Alexia Purdy, who answered all my questions about this process and showed me the ropes. She also designed the stunning covers for The Window to the Heart Saga.

  Hot Tree Editing and their beta readers for doing such an impeccable job preparing my writing for publication.

  To my ARC Angels for taking the time to read my story and give valuable feedback.

  To the Jenna Brandt Books Street Team, who have pounded the virtual streets on the internet, helping to spread the words about my books. Your dedication means a great deal.

  About the Author

  Jenna Brandt graduated with her BA in English from Bethany College. She is an ongoing contributor for The Mighty website, and her blog has been featured on Yahoo Parenting, The Grief Toolbox, ABC News and Good Morning America websites.

  Writing is her passion, with her focus in the Christian historical genre. Her books span from the Victorian to Western eras with elements of romance, suspense and faith.

  Jenna also enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her three young daughters and husband where they live in the Central Valley of California. Jenna is also active in her local church, including serving on the first impressions team and writing features for the church’s creative team.

  A Note from the Author

  I hope you have enjoyed The American Conquest and plan to continue on this journey with Margaret in the final book of the series. Your opinion and support matters, so I would greatly appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. Without dedicated readers, a storyteller is lost. Thank you for investing in Margaret’s story.