The Mail Order Bride Express (Five Inspirational Western Romances)

By Mary L. Briggs

Five Inspirational Western Romances in one book bundle!

Hannah's Dilemma:

If Hannah doesn't get out of Henson, Missouri fast, she will find herself married to the local banker. A man that sends shudders down her spine at the very sight of him. So, when she reads Inez Pollard's advertisement for The Mail Order Bride Express, she promptly applies and is accepted. On her way to Silver Ridge, Colorado, she is confident that she has left her troubles behind. But has she?

A Love to Trust:

When Annie finds the abandoned infant in Silver Ridge, it is love at first sight. And when the local pastor asks for her hand in marriage, all seems to be going smoothly. But when her intended is accused of all ready being married—to a local saloon girl—everything is up in the air! Read on and find out what happens in Book Two of the Mail Order Bride Express Series!

Love in the Wind:

Josie's pa sent her out west to find a husband. He claimed she had out-ridden, out-roped, and out-shot every cowboy in the county, so her best hope was to head west where they were 'desperate for women'.Josie did as her pa said—but finding 'just any' husband was not on her mind. No. If she married, it would be for love. So, saddle up and ride along with Josie as she finds romance in Silver Ridge!

Love Shines Bright:

Widowed with a small son, Jenny Timmons heads west on The Mail Order Bride Express. But her hopes for a new life are soon crushed when tragedy strikes again. All but giving up on happiness, she makes plans to head back east to live with her sister and teach school. Until the handsome rancher Wes Cooper walks into her life, that is!

Mariah's Dream:

Book Five in the heartwarming Mail Order Bride Express series follows Mariah's dilemma when she receives an unexpected offer of a marriage of convenience to a rich man in San Francisco.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mary L. Briggs
• Release date: Oct 29, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463127865

Mary L. Briggs

Mary L. Briggs is a wife, mother, and registered nurse. She enjoys writing inspirational fiction and is also a free-lance writer. She has had two romance stories and one mini-mystery published in Woman's World Magazine. She enjoys reading, writing, studying American history, cooking, quilting, herb gardening, and crafting. Mary lives in a cordwood home in the Ouachita Mountains with her husband and two daughters. She also enjoys the company of five cats, a German Shepherd/Border Collie dog, and a flock of chickens.

Book preview

Inez Pollard, carrying a tray of coffee cups, stopped at the kitchen door and stared into the dining room. The big blond miner, standing in front of his table, and the smaller bald man she had never seen before tonight, were shouting. Mostly at each other, but a few other men were chiming in, yelling their opinions, as well. It was something to do with the game of dominoes that was on the table in front of them.

But, no doubt, things would be more serious in another bellow or two. She squeezed her eyes almost shut as the Swede was the first to let his fist fly, striking the bald man in the eye. The table that stood between them crashed in a heap, sending dominoes skittering across the floor, along with the bald man. A roar sounded from the rest of the men as they came out of their chairs. The fight was on.

Inez shook her head. How could they keep doing this to her? Stop it, she yelled, setting the tray back on the counter and taking a step into the room. If she had anything to do with it, they were wrecking her restaurant for the last time. A couple of men from Jacob’s Brewery got in on the argument, shouting insults to each other’s faces. More fists began to fly, along with all of her plates and cups, as one man fell against the counter. Thankfully, she had heeded her son Ross’s advice, and served only on metal dishes. They would survive the ordeal. The fate of the furniture and dining area were yet to be determined.

I said ENOUGH! she screamed once more, as a man sailed backwards through the large glass window that looked out on the street. The one that struck him climbed through after him, and others followed, moving the, by now, multiple fights into the street.

She felt a hand take hold of her arm and tug her back inside the kitchen.

We might as well watch from in here, her sister, Lenora stated. By the way, how many windows does that make?

This month or this year, Inez fumed, grabbing the shotgun she kept in the corner. These boys are sure keeping the hardware store and handy men in business, she said, heading out the door and into the muddy street.

One blast was all it took from her rifle to bring the rowdy brawl to a halt. Now, all of you get on home before I send off for the mayor and the sheriff!

Those on the ground stood, and most of them wiped the mud and dirt from their faces. A few gave her sheepish grins as they sauntered away.

Sorry about that, ma’am, the big blond miner apologized, using his sleeve to wipe a streak of blood from his nose. I guess it was mostly my fault. I’ll go ahead and board up the window for you.

That would be real nice of you, Kristopher.

***

With the last bit of glass swept from the rough plank floor, Inez took a seat and stared around her business. What a mess, she said, to no one in particular.

You can say that again. And probably again tomorrow night, her sister answered, coming out of the kitchen with two cups of steaming coffee. She set them on the table in front of Inez, then seated herself across from her.

I’m going to put a stop to this, Lenora.

Her sister smiled and took a sip from her cup. And just how would you do that?

Inez’s eyes narrowed. I’m going to marry them all off to nice girls.

Lenora’s eyebrows shot up. Not in this town, you’re not.

Oh, yes I am. They’ll be too busy with wives and children to spend their evenings in town wrecking my restaurant. When they do show up, it will be with wife and babies in tow. And I’m starting on the plan tomorrow.

Chapter 2

Ross Pollard slammed the door behind him as he entered The Pollard Mine offices. He removed his hands from his coat pockets and blew on them, then rubbed them together. There were times when he missed Tennessee weather. A place where, for the most part, March was more like spring than winter. He took off his coat and hat and hung them on the hooks in the entryway.

Good morning, Mr. Pollard, his secretary, Miss Bard, greeted him. Mr. Millard is in your office, sir.

Ross’s brow crinkled. Hopefully, there was no problem with his mother’s new house. The progress had looked good to him when he had stopped by the site a few days back.

He stepped into his office. Morning, Hiram.

Hiram Millard stood and returned the greeting. I’m sorry to bother you this morning, sir, but something has come up with your mother’s house and I just wanted to let you know.

Ross grinned and took a seat at his desk. She’s the richest woman in town, Millard. She can have whatever she wants.

Hiram Millard cleared his throat. Well, it’s about the bedrooms, sir.

Ross sighed. I went over and over that subject with her, Hiram. I know that ten bedrooms seems a lot to a woman used to not more than two, but I explained to her how important it is to have space for guests. As mine owners, we have to entertain a lot of people.

Millard nodded. But that’s just it, sir. She wants more of them. A lot more.

Ross leaned back in the leather desk chair and stared. He could tell by the man’s expression that there was more to this than he was saying. She asked you for more than ten bedrooms?

The builder nodded.

And did she say why?

Hiram Millard cleared his throat again, a pained expression on his face. For a boarding house, sir. Said she would need a lot of rooms.

Ross’s eyebrows shot up. And when did she tell you this?

Just this morning, sir. Said she’d like the entire top floor to be partitioned off into small bedrooms.

Ross felt his jaw drop and immediately closed his mouth. I see. Well, I’ll go have a talk with her, Hiram. I’ll let you know something soon.

Thank you, sir, the builder nodded, standing to leave. We’ll concentrate on the lower floor for today.

***

Ross stood outside of his office and turned his eyes to the hill above the town. He could see his mother’s magnificent house from where he stood. Bricks hauled in from back east, glowed red in the early morning sun. The magnificent porch, with the large pillars made it a sight to see when one looked up. He sighed. The beautiful home was almost out of place in the dirty and ragged mining town. Sure, buildings were starting to go up daily, and new businesses were started every day, but the place still had a long way to go before it resembled a civilized town.

He shook his head. Inez Pollard could finally have the sort of life that she deserved, and yet she insisted on working herself half to death. As if the restaurant wasn’t enough work for her, now she wanted a boarding house? It was time to have a long talk with her.

***

He’s coming!

Inez, pouring her fifth pan of cornbread, nodded to her sister, busy wiping down the numerous tables in the dining area, but she ignored her statement. She had expected Ross to show up at any moment. After her conversation with Hiram Millard this morning, she had been sure the man would head straight to her son’s office to clear her plans with him.

Carrying the pan to one of her four ovens, she set it inside, and slammed the door. When she turned, Ross was standing in the room with her, his hat in his hands.

Good morning, Mother.

It was never a good sign when he called her Mother. Good morning, son. She would play along, like nothing was wrong. Take off your coat and I’ll get a hot cup of coffee for you. Perfect on a chilly morning, like this.

Ross didn’t bother to move. I didn’t come to drink coffee and chat. I guess you knew that Hiram Millard would come to see me.

I assumed he would, Inez answered, pouring a cup of the black liquid for herself.

What is all this nonsense about a boarding house? You know that Keller, as well as Williams, both have large tents set up right down town that hold a lot of men. They sleep in shifts. They don’t need rooms. We don’t need more places to board men.

She gave him her sweetest smile. I completely agree with you, Ross. And I promise I won’t have any men boarding in my house.

Confusion swept his handsome face. What do you mean?

For a moment she contemplated how very like his father he was. Handsome, strong, intelligent. But stubborn like him, too. It will be a boarding house for women.

WOMEN?

She cringed at the volume in his word.

We don’t have any women here in town, he added, a calmer tone to his voice. At least not the type you’re talking about.

Not yet. But we will when I bring them out here. And don’t worry. My house is only a temporary residence for them. I intend to have a boarding house built down in the town. It should be ready a few weeks after they arrive. When it’s ready, the third floor of my house will go back to the original plan.

He sighed and tossed his hat to the counter. How about I have that cup of coffee and you explain to me what it is you think you’re doing?

***

Ross took a sip of his third cup of hot brew and swallowed. It can’t be done. This town isn’t ready for decent women.

Inez shook her head. Any woman can be a decent woman. She just needs God in her heart and a man to treat her like one. And besides, these are going to be marriageable women that I’m going to advertise for and bring to town. Not show girls.

He grinned. I can just see their faces once they see what a mess this town is.

She shrugged. They’ll have a nice place to live until they find a husband.

Ross snorted. He, whoever the husband might be, won’t be able to keep them like you will.

She shook her head. Why did men have to be so hard-headed? These will be realistic women. They won’t be coming from wealthy families. They will understand that life is hard. That this is a new country, and you have to work your way out of poverty. I certainly learned it and they will, too. I’ll state all of that plain enough in my advertisement and a return letter to answer their query. And there will be a questionnaire, as well. That will determine which ones are chosen to come.

She watched as he rubbed his jaw. That told her he was thinking about what she said. It was a start, if nothing else. And, he had really taken the whole thing better than she had hoped.

She leaned across the table, giving him her sweetest smile. Just think what it could mean for the mines, Ross. The men would be happier, more settled, not coming in to work all beat up and sore. And it would cut down on all the drinking in town, too.

He stared into his coffee. I guess I can see the advantages. Women might give a settled feeling to this town.

Of course they will, she encouraged. They’ll make a difference right from the start, you’ll see. Before long, we’ll have a school. And churches. Lots of shops. It will be a civilized place to live. Surely you want that, too, don’t you, son?

He grinned. You know I do, Ma. It’s just that I don’t see how. . . he sighed. Well, what I mean is, we’ll have to find a way to get them here.

She nodded and swallowed back the excitement that stirred within. He was all ready considering how he might help. I was thinking I might go to meet all of them in Kansas City. I’ll rent a private car for them, and then I can get to know the girls over the couple of days it will take us to get to Silver Ridge.

He laughed and took the last drink of his coffee. I have to hand it to you, Ma, you sure know how to work things out.

Chapter 3

Hannah Stillman pulled the shawl a little tighter around her shoulders and exchanged the weight of the basket to her left arm. Only one more stop, and she would be on her way to Dr. Starnes Boarding Home For the Elderly.

She heaved open the heavy doors of the Henson Hotel. Stopping, she looked around the lobby, making sure that he was not there. Some days, it seemed as if Wesley Stout, the town banker, was everywhere. His eyes always following her, a leering smile on his face. Just the thought of him made her shudder. The room empty, she headed to the desk in the back. The hotel owner, tall and thin, was manning the desk and looked up with a smile.

Good morning, Mr. Henson, she greeted him, hoisting her basket on top of the counter. Do you have any newspapers for me this morning?

He nodded and reached beneath the counter. As a matter of fact, one of the maids found this paper from Chicago, Illinois. Will that do?

Yes! She eagerly took the rolled paper from him and inserted it into the white oak basket. Everyone down at the boarding house will be excited to see this one. It means a lot to them that you send one whenever you have a stray paper left in the rooms.

He smiled. We are privileged to do so. I can imagine that the reading helps while away the hours for those not able to get out and enjoy themselves. Now, you tell Dr. Starnes I said ‘hello’.

I will, she nodded, turning and heading for the door.

Glad to be out in the fresh air, she heard a squeal of delight as she passed the post office. Stopping, she turned to see Mindy Barnes coming out the door. A paper was in her hands, and her face was pink with excitement. Is everything all right, Mindy?

Mindy nodded her dark head. I’m going to be a mail order bride, Hannah! See?

She took the letter from the girl and let her eyes scan the words, landing on the last section. It was definitely a proposal. Oh, Mindy, it’s. . .it’s wonderful! Maybe. What would it be like to marry a man that you’d never met?

Oh, thank you, Hannah. I am so excited. I’ll be taking the train out to Wyoming in another two weeks. I’m sure the Burnett family will be glad to have me gone.

Hannah shook her head, her hair flying in the wind. Mindy had been an orphan since she was twelve, but Mr. and Mrs. Burnett had always seemed very fond of her. I’m sure that’s not true, Mindy. Mrs. Burnett loves having you around the house for companionship, as well as all the help you give with the housework and children. I know that you’ll be sorely missed.

Mindy laughed. Maybe so. But it will be nice to have a home of my own.

***

More water, Mr. White? Hannah held a glass out to the elderly gentleman. He had been rather cranky since breakfast, but seemed to have settled down once he was in his rocker on the porch. Hannah had made sure he was covered in plenty of blankets to shield him from the cool breeze.

He brushed away the offer and kept his eyes on the group of children playing ball down the street. I used to play that game, he said, still watching, as a light breath of wind ruffled the gray hair that showed beneath his knitted hat.

Hannah set the glass on the table beside the man. I’m sure you were very good at it, too, she smiled.

He turned and looked at her, a frown on his lips. How would you know?

She had thought it a nice thing to say. It seemed there was never any pleasing Mr. White. Well, I don’t, sir.

Then no need to say so, he said, his eyes back on the game.

I’m leaving this bell on the table with your water, she said, as she headed back inside. Ring if you need anything. I’ll be back to check on you later, she said, smiling a nod of thanks at Mr. Allen as he held the door for her on his way out to the porch. Maybe his visit with Mr. White would manage to cheer the old curmudgeon.

With the door closed behind her, she breathed a sigh of relief. Mr. White was the most difficult person she knew. If not for Dr. Starnes constant encouragement, she would have given up on the man long ago.

In the kitchen, she began to ready the mid-morning tea and biscuits that most of the boarders enjoyed. With only six of them in residence, there wasn’t as much care as usual. And Mr. Allen would be leaving with his daughter next week, to live with her on a farm in Kansas. That would leave only five of them for her to cook for and look after.

Watching the water come to a boil, she reflected on her walk to work earlier. Mostly on Mindy Barnes. She was happy for the girl. It was hard to imagine leaving everything you knew to go be a part of someone else’s family. Still, the thought of getting away, leaving everything behind had some appeal, she had to admit.

Like Mindy, she was an orphan. Her elderly aunt had raised her from a small child. But the woman had been gone three years now. With no other family, and only a small stipend income from Aunt Harriet’s investments, her life consisted mainly of spending time there at the house helping Dr. Starnes with his permanent borders. He was out most of the day, seeing patients that needed his help.

If nothing else, the job was a good way to keep Mr. Stout out of her life. The local banker was insistent that she marry him, insistent that her aunt would have wanted it. She snorted and poured the water into the tea pot. If only Mr. Stout knew her aunt’s true opinion of him when she was living, the man would slink away in shame. A scoundrel and a womanizer had been the perceptive woman’s opinion.

Sadly, he was the only man interested in her. Only last week, Mrs. Potts, one of the lady boarders, had told her that someday a young, handsome man would come along and take her away from her days of spending time with only the old ones here at the house.

Hannah smiled. She enjoyed her time with all of them, but the idea of a family sent such a feeling of peace through her. Making supper for her husband, rocking babies, caring for her own home. Is it possible, Lord?

***

In the front room, three of the women were already seated at the small table. Mrs. Bellmore, ever the loner, was in the corner rocker, busy with her knitting. A sweater for her son, she had told them yesterday. Where her son was, Hannah had no idea. The woman had been a resident here for over five years, and as of yet, no son had appeared.

Tea is ready, ladies. She smiled, as she set the tray of cups, cream, sugar, jam, and biscuits on the table. I’ll be right back with the teapot."

Bring in an extra cup for yourself, Mrs. Stott called after her.

***

Once they were settled at the table, Hannah realized that all eyes were on her. What? she smiled. She looked down at her apron to see if she was covered in flour, or had managed to spill some of the raspberry jam on her dress.

Mrs. Makins giggled. You’d best show it to her, Gloria, she said, glancing at Mrs. Potts.

Gloria Potts pulled a piece of cut out paper from her large apron pocket. There was another paper rolled up in the Chicago paper you brought. We found this. We thought you ought to have it. It could be the answer to your prayers, Hannah!

Hannah reached over and took the folded paper from her. The Matrimonial News, it read at the top of the tattered page. She stared at the words of the large advertisement.

Seeking Women of Courage and High Moral Character

The small mining community of Silver Ridge, Colorado is seeking ladies of marriageable age, 18-55. Silver Ridge is an up and coming small city, still in the rough stages of becoming the shining gem She will one day be. If you seek marriage, employment, or business opportunities, please apply by mailing a letter of your qualifications to the address below.

All women will be escorted by Inez Pollard, from Kansas City, Kansas, by private rail car. Free room and board will be available while making choices for their life in Silver Ridge. Your inquiry will be answered in a timely fashion.

Inez Pollard,

President of The Mail Order Bride Express

***

Hannah finished washing and drying the few dishes it took for her supper. The meal had consisted of the last of the beef stew she made yesterday. It had been tasty, but cooking for one was no fun. Which led her to wonder what they were having for supper at the boarding house in Silver Ridge, Colorado.

Hannah! She shook her head. What was she thinking? It was silly to be drawn to such a fantastic idea. Imagine, leaving everything behind. Why. . . .why, her life was fine. Her life was just the way it should be. Her life was. . .was. . .in truth, her life was lonely. Not lonely enough to consider marriage to Wesley Stout. But maybe enough so to make her consider a drastic plan to take her away from the pesky banker.

The advertisement had mentioned not only marriage, but jobs. She could teach school, or work in an office. Even wash dishes in a restaurant, if it came to that. And it would be her life, one of her own choosing. She had heard rumors of women out west, how they were independent, able to make their own decisions, able to manage their own establishments, run their own ranches, even.

If only I was brave enough to do it, Lord. Give me courage, if it’s what You want me to do. After a moment she laughed aloud. What harm could it do to answer? It would be weeks, maybe months before she heard back from this Inez Pollard woman. By that time, it was possible her life would have changed for the better and being a mail order bride would just seem like a passing fancy.

Calm washed over her as she reached for pen and paper. Whatever her future, God had a plan, and He would reveal it in His own time.

Chapter 4

Good afternoon, Miss Stillman.

Hannah, busy in her own thoughts, came to a halt and looked up into the weasel eyes of Wesley Stout. Short and thick-set, his name fit him well. How had she not noticed him walking toward her on the sidewalk? She forced a slight smile to her lips. Good afternoon, sir.

He threw back his head and released a raucous laugh. His light blue eyes squinted almost shut, and his large jowls jiggled. What is all this ‘sir’ greeting? You know that good friends like us shouldn’t be so stilted in our speaking.

Hannah gritted her teeth for an instant. She barely knew the man, aside from a few banking transactions and an occasional meeting on the streets of town. And that was more than she could stand of his company. We are mere acquaintances, Mr. Stout. Nothing more. She felt her heart sink as his expression changed. He was a man known for his sour temper and she had never before been so brave as to speak to him as she just had.

He leaned in toward her, his hot, stinking breath on her face as he spoke. We’ll just see about that, Miss Stillman. I believe your next mortgage payment is due in another month. And it may interest you to know that your aunt signed an agreement that allows me to demand payment of the balance at any time.

Hannah felt her cheeks blanch. It was true. Her aunt had mentioned it to her on more than one occasion. She forced herself to stand straighter before she spoke. And are you demanding it now, Mr. Stout?

A sly smile quivered on his lips. I believe we may be able to make a satisfactory arrangement. One that could benefit your life and financial situation, he winked. And you know how much your aunt wanted a pleasing arrangement between the two of us.

She took a deep breath. I remember no such thing. An involuntary shudder raced down her back. She would rather sleep out on the muddy road, than be any part of this man’s life.

His face darkened as he straightened back to his full height. "You can’t insult me like this, Hannah Stillman. We will come to an understanding. Or else you will be forced into a life fit for no decent woman."

She swallowed back the bile in her throat as he walked away from her. It was true that her aunt’s savings, as well as the small monthly income based on said savings, was shrinking by the month. But the thought of marrying a man like him was just too much to stomach. There had to be another way.

***

Hannah stared at the envelope in her hand. It was white with gold edging and a fancy scroll that ran along the top. When the post master handed it to her late this afternoon, her hand had trembled when she saw the postmark from Colorado. And now, sitting alone at the table, she was going to have to work up the courage to open it. Probably a rejection, she told herself. Surely, there had been so many replies that hers had come too late for any hope of a positive answer.

She brightened for a moment. A cup of coffee; that was what she needed. If she drank a cup of the dark brew, it would give her the courage she needed to open the pretty envelope. Courage to face the fact that she was destined to a life of drudgery, here in this small Missouri town.

An hour later, coffee cold, it was time. She took the letter opener from her small desk and slit the pasted closure. Pulling the paper from its hiding place, she unfolded the pages.

Dear Miss Stillman, I am happy to accept your application to The Mail Order Bride Express. Enclosed, you will find a train ticket to Kansas City. You must arrive at the train station by April 16. I will be there to greet all accepted applicants. We will ride in a private car to Brantley, Colorado, where we will disembark and take a company wagon to the city of Silver Ridge. I am looking forward to meeting you in Kansas City.

Sincerely,

Inez Pollard

Hannah smiled. Thank you, Lord.

Chapter 5

Hannah clutched the handle of her bag, her heart skipping a beat as the train lurched to a stop. For better or worse, she was finally here. She took a deep breath and tried to calm the swarm of bees buzzing in her stomach. It was almost noon and she was to meet Inez Pollard at three o’clock.

The older gentleman that had slept the trip away in the seat next to her was busy gathering his bag and coat. She waited patiently for him to step into the aisle so that she could follow. Once she was off of this train, her new life would begin.

Outside the window, she could see crowds of people on the platform. Ladies in large hats, gentlemen carrying bags, porters pushing large carts of luggage. A little black dog, its hair tangled and dirty, slunk around near one of the doorways wagging a muddy tail whenever someone passed. Probably waiting for people to feed him, she thought, sorry she had only her one sandwich in her bag.

***

Hannah stepped inside of the station and stared at the bustle around her. The high ceiling gave shaded light from the warm sun, and a bit of a cool breeze wafted through the building. The train had been stuffy during the last half hour and she was ready for the wide open space.

Glad to be out of the train, she explored the space for a few moments. A mailing box caught her eye, and she pulled an envelope from her reticule and stared at it, as if she could still see the words that were folded inside. It was a letter to Wesley Stout, informing him that she was turning the house back to the bank. There would be no more payments from her. And, of course, there was no mention of where she was going.

Thankfully, she had found good homes for most of her aunt’s nicer things during the last couple of weeks. The bank could do as it liked with what was left in the house.

Finding an empty bench against a side wall, she sat and made herself comfortable. She would eat the sandwich she had packed that morning, then find some cool water at the food counter she had noticed when she first stepped inside.

Another young woman took a seat at the far end of the bench. Hannah nodded and the woman gave a brief smile before she turned her attention to her own wrapped packet of food.

Hannah tried to concentrate on her meal, but her eyes kept drifting to her bench companion. The young woman was dressed in a beautiful blue dress, covered by a traveling duster. The green hat she wore on her head was exquisite, with a thread of embroidery running around the rim and small flowers sewn as edging. The prettiest that Hannah had seen. It made her own look cheap and worn.

Hannah stole another glance in her direction, but the woman was busy eating. Hannah let her eyes drift down to the bag at the woman’s feet. The crisp corner of an envelope stuck from the top. An envelope with a gold edge and gold scrolling. Her heart gave a small skip. Could it be possible that this woman. . .? Excuse me, Miss.

The young woman turned her pretty face more toward Hannah. Are you speaking to me?

I’m sorry, I know it’s rude of me, but I couldn’t help noticing the part of the envelope that is sticking out of your bag. Is it possible that you are here to meet Mrs. Inez Pollard?

The girl’s beautiful green eyes widened. She folded the paper over what was left of her sandwich. Yes, I am. Are you Mrs. Pollard?

A smile broke across Hannah’s face. Her wait would be much more pleasant with another Mail Order Bride Express girl. No, I’m not. But I’m here to meet her, too. And I suspect that there will be more of our group along soon. My name is Hannah Stillman. I’m from Henson, Missouri.

The dark headed woman’s lips parted in a genuine smile. I’m Olivia Barnhart. I’m from Chicago. I’ve been here at the station for almost two hours. She glanced around the station. Do you really think there are more of us?

There is only one way for us to find out, Hannah grinned, reaching for the handle of her bag. Why don’t we have some lemonade from the refreshment stand in the back. Maybe we will see more women back there.

By the time that Hannah was finished with her lemonade, she knew that Olivia Barnhart was twenty-two, an only child of an elderly clergyman, and was a very skilled milliner. One look at the girl’s hat and there was no doubting her abilities.

And what about marriage? Is that what you want, or would you rather have your own business?

Olivia smiled and took the last sip of her drink. I’m hoping to do both. I love making hats, but I want a husband and babies, as well.

Hannah nodded. I’m hoping to find a husband, too, but if not, I’m able to teach school, or work in an office. I kept the paper work for the local doctor back in Henson.

I’ve heard that miners are desperate for wives, Olivia said. I never thought I would be brave enough to go west, but Inez Pollard’s offer seemed too good to pass by.

Hannah nodded. The advertisement had seemed an answer to prayer for herself. And she would soon know if it really was, or if she had let her enthusiasm get the best of her better judgment.

A young woman, wearing a dark calico dress covered by a traveling coat, passed by them, bag in hand. She appeared to be alone. Hannah watched as she went to the counter and ordered a cup of tea. What do you think? she smiled at Olivia.

She nodded her auburn head. I think we should ask her.

***

Soon, there were four at their table. Hannah, Olivia, and two new women, Emma Jasper, and a sad looking girl named Annie Flanagan. Three young women, seated across the room from them pushed back their chairs and stood, attracting Hannah’s attention.

I didn’t notice them. Do you think that they are part of our group? Hannah glanced up at the large clock. Two-thirty.

It’s about time to go to the platform.

Platform B, if I remember right, Olivia added.

***

Inez Pollard, dressed in blue silk trimmed in lace, was tall and blond. Her dress matched the color of her eyes. Hannah marveled at how young the woman looked. Close up, shaking her hand and introducing herself, she could see that Mrs. Pollard was older than she’d first thought, but still handsome and full of youthful exuberance. And her eyes had a way of holding a person, making them feel as if she was in a private room, talking only to them, despite the group around them. Hannah liked her immediately.

Good afternoon, ladies, Inez Pollard greeted the group, as they began boarding their car.

Together, there were twenty-five women, Hannah had counted, as she had made her way into the private Pullman railway car. On the outside, they had all seen the letters emblazoned on the side of the car that read Mail Order Bride Express. It seemed odd to know that everyone watching the train go by would know that they were brides headed west.

I hope everyone can make themselves comfortable, Inez Pollard spoke from the front of the car. "In a few days, you will all be in your new temporary home in Silver Ridge. Once we leave the train, we will ride special wagons that will take us up the mountain to our destination. There will be some discomforts along the way, as there always is with travel, but I think you will all be well pleased, once we are there.

"I am happy that all of you will be staying as guests in my own home, in rooms I had installed especially for you women. Once it is finished, you will all move to a private boarding house in town, built especially for you, and all the women that will, hopefully, come after you. I will tell you right now that the men of Silver Ridge are anxiously looking forward to meeting all of you. Once there, you will have several days to rest, before you begin