Shamed Mail Order Brides and Babies (A Western Romance Book)

By Faye Sonja

Three inspirational stories of women who risked everything for love and traveled thousands of miles to the western frontier.

Part 1: The Cowboy's Fallen Bride & Baby

Nessie Bowler is grieving the loss of her older sister when the unthinkable happens… Her mother asks her to marry her late sister Doris's elderly husband.

But Nessie can't bear the thought. She remembers well how Doris was abused by her husband while she was alive. Nessie is desperate to escape!

But Mr. Richardson already considers her his property, and if he has it his way, her escape won't be easy…

Part 2: The Indian's Shunned Bride & Child

Octavia Cullenshire and her two-year-old son are in danger. . . Crossing war territory is never easy, but just when she thinks they've both met their end, her prince rides in to save the day- An

American Indian Native.

So… without knowing anything about the man, she asks him to chaperon her west for a payout when they arrive. Little does Octavia know that it's going to cost a little more than money to get west: It'll cost her hand in marriage. 

Part 3: The Cowboy's Shamed Bride & Her Baby

Sallie Earle is the youngest daughter of one of Chicago's wealthiest families. But that wealth won't protect her from her unloving and abusive family when she becomes pregnant and then abandoned.

With no other option . . . Sallie runs away to a home for unwed mothers. But the home won't allow any girls to keep their babies after birth.

Sallie is desperate to keep her baby. And so she becomes a mail order bride…

3 parts of heartwarming mail order brides tales of love, romance, and triumph over adversity in one book.

Love on the western frontier was a rare treasure. Follow these inspirational women who risked everything to travel to the untamed West in the hopes of finding love and starting a new family.

If you're a fan of clean western romance, you will love this book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Faye Sonja
• Release date: Feb 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393693291

Faye Sonja

Faye Sonja is a multi-voiced writer who aspires to use different voices in telling her stories, seeing characters coming alive through the multi-faceted writing styles give her great satisfaction. As a young girl, Faye Sonja has been fascinated with stories of the Old West, especially the theme of Mail Order Bride where a woman will find the courage to leave her homeland, take the plunge to seek out the love of her life out there in the unknown land. Such an act requires bravery, such an act requires faith. It takes a woman with strong Christian faith to step out on such a pursuit for her love. It is Faye's desire that readers will once again have the courage to believe in love again from reading her books, to be inspired through the characters in her story who through perseverance, in the face of obstacles, overcame the hurdles using that simple faith and belief of theirs. 

Book preview

PART 1

The Cowboy’s Fallen Bride & Baby

1

*   *   *

Chicago, Illinois. Winter of 1891.

Where are you taking me, mama? Madeline Waltermire whimpered as the horse drawn carriage clattered through the back streets on that freezing cold winter night. She didn't even have a blanket over her for warmth, and she worried that such exposure to the cold could harm the baby that was growing inside her.

The baby that her mother knew nothing about. She couldn’t have known, otherwise there was no way her mama would have torn Madeline from her bed that night and thrown her into the back of a carriage.

The baby was a secret kept from everyone. The baby was all Madeline had left, and she wouldn't allow any harm to come to him or her. Please mama, will we be stopping soon? Madeline pleaded, a protective arm over her belly. She was still in her nightclothes and thoughts of pneumonia and infection began to run through Madeline's mind. When can we turn around and go home? Where are we going?

Madeline was twenty years old and living with her parents again after tragedy had struck. But they were getting further and further away from the Waltermire's large estate which lay just on the outskirts of the Chicago City limits.

Fear began to freeze Madeline. She could no longer feel the chill of the winter Chicago air, and the snow that was beginning to flutter down didn't even touch her. But the fear was something else. It chilled her right to the bone.

Madeline had to grab onto a handrail as she was flung sideways, the horse taking a sudden turn down a road that was little more than a dirt path.

They were far away from the city now. Madeline could no longer judge how far.

She caught her mother’s eagle-like eyes staring at the way Madeline protectively held her belly, and Madeline yanked her hand away.

Does she know?

Madeline was now too scared to ask when they were stopping, or how far they were traveling. Or when they were going home.

She knew deep down that they likely weren't going back home.

* * *

Even in the dark of night Madeline could tell that the three story building in front of her was grey. It was made of wood, and it reminded Madeline of the witch's homes from the fairytales her governess had read to her when she was younger. The kind of stories that Madeline one day hoped to read to her own son or daughter. Madeline vowed that she would read to her baby herself, not that she wouldn't leave the task to a governess once in a while like her own mama and papa had done.

What is this place?

Madeline's mama stomped ahead on short pudgy legs.

It's a home, she said simply. For women like you.

Women like me? Madeline whimpered? What... what do you mean, mama?

She reached down holding her belly as she held her breath.

You know what I mean perfectly well, Madeline Elizabeth Waltermire.

Mama, please, let me explain... Madeline chased after the woman as she hurried towards the door of the witch's castle. Mama please. I'm sorry I kept it a secret from you. I was only worried... oh please mama, please just stop. At that moment Madeline assumed that she was being punished simply for the crime of keeping her baby a secret from the family. She had no idea just how deep the deception went.

Her mama spun around and glared at Madeline. I'm glad you kept it a secret, she hissed. It will be the only thing that saves you in the end.

Mama what do you mean? Madeline almost tripped on a fallen branch as she raced after her mother. They were close to the entrance now. It felt like there would be no turning back once that line was crossed.

I can't go inside that house.

Mama, just tell me what I have to do to make things right.

Her mama paused just as she was about to push the door open. It's far too late for that my dear. Your pa and I were willing to take you back after you disgraced us and married that man. We agreed to put it behind us all and allow you to make a fresh start. To pretend the whole sordid affair never happened. But how can we go on pretending when you are carrying his child?

Madeline was stunned into silence. She knew that her mama had never approved of Madeline's marriage to Joseph, and had even refused to attend the wedding. But Joseph was dead now. How could her mother speak so cruelly about him?

Madeline opened her mouth to speak but her lips only quivered and no sound came out.

You shamed all of us when you married that man.

Madeline gasped. Joseph was a good, kind man mama. Just because he didn't live up to your expectations... just because he wasn't as wealthy as our family, doesn’t mean that he deserves to be disrespected in death! How can you say these things? Madeline burst into tears while her mother simply rolled her eyes and turned to open the door. You're coming inside with me.

The inside of the home was barely any warmer than the outside. Madeline said she would rather freeze out on the streets than spend a night in this place.

And what about your baby? her mother spat.

A large fat woman with a stern, humorless face, came down the stairs and set her eyes on Madeline. She introduced herself as Miss. Snok.

A spinster, Madeline thought, wiping her tears away. This woman would never understand what it was like to be a mother. Please let me come home, she whispered to her mother, grabbing her sleeves and begging now. Please mama, I will raise this baby on my own and never ask for a thing from you or papa.

For just a moment a look of sympathy came over her mother’s face. Madeline, I am doing this for your own good. I know you can't see it now but it is the truth. If you can just stay here for a few months, and behave yourself and be good, then you may return home after that. There was a flicker of kindness behind her mother’s stern exterior, and for a moment Madeline felt a glimmer of hope.

I can come home, in a few months? Madeline clasped her hands together, a girlish action, uncharacteristic of the young woman who had had to grow up so quickly. And one who would have to grow up even further in the coming months. And then you will accept me back, with my baby?

Her mama's face grew stony. She shot a glance at Miss. Snok before turning back to Madeline. Of course not with your baby, she whispered angrily. Don't be silly my child! Why do you think you're here?

Madeline trembled as she turned around to look at the decaying building. Miss. Snok was examining her with cruel eyes. I don't know mama.

You're here... Miss. Snok broke in, so that we can take care of this little predicament you have found yourself in. She shot Madeline a disgusted look as she looked her up and down. So that you can be hidden from society for your own good before you are fit to return to your old life. You ought to be grateful to your mother for bringing you here.

And my baby? Madeline whispered. Fat tears rolled down her cheeks.

Your baby will be taken care of. By someone far better able than you. Miss. Snok began to pull Madeline away from the door.

She broke free. But who can take better care of my baby than his or her own mother? She threw a pleading look towards her own mother. Please, mama, let me come back with you and papa...

Her mother let out a hollow laugh. Your papa knows nothing about this young lady, and I am protecting him—and you—this way. Do you know how heartbroken he would be to find out that you have ruined yourself forever? If you want any chance of coming back, of being accepted back into our family, you will stay here.

Her mother gave Madeline one last long look before she turned to stomp out the room.

No, you can't make me stay here! she screamed. Mama please, take me back with you!

Come along now. The burly Miss. Snok grabbed Madeline by the arm and began to drag her up the creaking stairs. This is the room you'll be sleeping in. The woman's voice dripped with a thick Irish accent.

Madeline was still shaking as she tried to take in her surroundings. Putrid mattresses, lined up one against the other, crammed into the room till they were pushed up against the wall. But there must be a dozen other women in here.

The matron let out a loud scoff. What we your expecting, the Grand Hotel?

The other women, some of them clutching large bellies, some of them still small yet, like Madeline, shot her secretive looks out of hollowed eyes. It was clear that Madeline was entering a dark place. How could she stay here for six months? How could she ever hand her baby over to Miss. Snok? It seemed like a nightmare. Madeline's head swam. She shook her head, praying that she might still be asleep in her bed, that this was all just a horrible dream.

But Madeline never woke up. Miss. Snok's Home for Unwed Mothers was now her new home, her new reality. And there was no escape.

* * *

But Madeline never gave up hope. In the months she spent in that crowded room, where young women came and went, entering the place screaming and crying and exiting again months later, numb and without their babies, Madeline came up with a plan.

She told it to a friend she had made living in the home; a young woman of nineteen with strawberry blonde hair named Sallie who had entered the home only a week after Madeline had been abandoned there.

Sallie, Madeline whispered one night, once all their chores were done for the day. The girls in the home were forced to do back-breaking labor every day in order to earn their room and board. Sallie and Madeline were usually on laundry duty, which meant they spent every day cleaning and changing all the bedding and clothing in the home, pressing and steaming it with heavy equipment. Madeline had never performed labor in her life and it had taken her weeks to get used to the machines and the hard work. Even though she worried about the health of her baby, in another way she was grateful to have something to occupy her time—and mind—during the long lonely days. And Sallie, with her chirpy disposition, always made the time go faster.

Come with me, Madeline whispered, gesturing for Sallie to join her in the larder. I've got something to tell you.

The two girls often made a habit of these secret trips, where they would indulge in some leftover food that was otherwise going to be thrown out. Miss. Snok never let the young women eat too much, claiming that she was trying to keep them trim for when they returned to their real lives. You don't want anyone suspecting what you have been up to, she would chide the girls when they tried to have an extra serving of bread and butter with their soup.

Sallie sat down, her belly now huge, and began to spread a big chunk of butter on some soft bread left over from supper. What's this plan of yours then?

I'm going to escape. There was a glimmer in Madeline's eye. Before they can take my baby from me.

But you've already signed the adoption papers, Sallie said, dropping her bread to the table.

That's why I have to escape. Madeline rubbed her tummy. Otherwise I have no right to this baby. And it isn’t right anyway, Sallie. They tricked us. Shamed us. Gave us no other choice. I don't care what forms I've signed. My baby belongs with me.

What do you think they'll call you, if you go back to Chicago with a baby in your arms? Sallie waited for an answer as Madeline hung her head.

To do such a thing would sully the prestigious Waltermire name. Madeline knew that. She didn't know if her mother would ever accept her back into the family home. More than likely she would slam the door in Madeline’s face and claim she didn't recognize her. That she never had a daughter named Madeline.

Then there would be the look on her father’s face, when he realized what Madeline had done.

I don't know, Madeline whispered. But I can't give my baby up. I just can't.

* * *

Nessie Walters had been a resident at the home when Madeline and Sally had first arrived. She was older than most of the other women there, in her mid-twenties, and some of the other girls said that she was there of her own accord. During her stay, it had seemed to Madeline at least, that Nessie was free to come and go as she pleased, while the other girls were forced to stay in the home, never allowed to go to town with Miss. Snok accompanying them as a chaperone.

Nessie never told the other women exactly what she was doing in the home, although there were many rumors about her. Some girls said that Nessie's husband was an outlaw and that she was in hiding to keep her baby safe. All rumors of course, but Madeline listened to them in awe.

But it was to Madeline and Sallie's great shock that Nessie returned to the home late one evening. The two of them were hiding out in the larder when they saw her come through the door and head straight to Miss. Snok's office.

Madeline's jaw was wide open. Imagine coming back to this place after being freed from it! Why, as soon as I am free of these doors I will never come within a hundred miles of the place ever again.

There always was something strange about Nessie though, Sallie pointed out. Come on, let's go see what she and Miss. Snok are up to.

Madeline didn't like to snoop but she couldn't fight her curiosity. The two girls scurried up to the open door and hid on the other side, trying to listen to what Nessie was saying.

Oh, but if you could just let the girls in the home know that there is another option for them, Nessie said. Miss. Snok, you have to have some mercy on the poor girls. They don't have to give their babies up when there is another choice available. It's worked out well for me, and I was hoping you would allow me to tell the other women.

Sallie and Madeline stared at each other.

Another option? Madeline thought. She held her body perfectly still as she continued to listen. She tried to hold her breath as well. This was too important to get caught. If Miss. Snok caught them listening she would lock them up in their room and they'd lose even their secret trips to the larder, the one small pleasure they had in the home.

Nessie sighed and shook her head. Becoming a mail order bride could, for some of these girls, be their one chance to start over again. If their families won't support them or take them back in with a baby, these men will. They pay for everything Miss. Snok. They provide a safe home, enough money for the baby. And they are willing to marry women with soiled reputations.

Miss. Snok scoffed. I doubt any men—no matter how desperate—would want some of the girls in this home.

Miss. Snok please. Listen to me. I know it sounds like a wild plan. But can't you at least teach the girls in home about becoming mail order brides? I know that so many of them are desperate to keep their babies, and this could be their only option...

Madeline's heart was beating fast as Miss. Snok stood up and showed Nessie the door. The idea is quite frankly absurd. The girls all sign contracts to give up their babies when they come through the front doors of the home. They can't be broken. And it would be a terrible idea to put silly ideas into the girls' heads. I shall not give them false hope.

But Miss...

Madeline and Sallie scrambled away from the door as Nessie and Miss. Snok exited the office. Madeline tore around the corner, hoping that they hadn't been spotted. She turned and snuck a look around the corner to see Miss. Snok tutting and shaking her head before she closed the door to her office as Nessie pouted and stormed out of the home.

Madeline had to take her chance. It was worth getting caught if it meant there was even a possibility of keeping her baby. Nessie! she called out.

The older woman looked around in shock. Madeline.

Please, Madeline called out softly. Tell me what I need to do.

* * *

The night of the escape had arrived.

Madeline and Sallie crouched down in the dark. They needed to wait till all the lights were off in the home, and be certain that Miss. Snok was fast asleep before they could dream of escaping.

Madeline's heart was thudding so loudly she was afraid it was going to wake every other girl in the home. Sallie squeezed her hand. You can do this. You're doing the right thing. Your baby belongs with you.

It was the biggest risk that Madeline had ever taken. She knew she'd already signed the papers making Miss. Snok the legal guardian of her baby until new adoptive parents were found.

But it was a risk that Madeline had to take.

Nessie had arranged everything for Madeline and Sallie. They were to stay with her for just a short while until the babies were born. Then, they'd be put on a train and sent across country to Oklahoma, where their new husbands would be waiting for them.

Madeline could scarcely believe that this was the new life that awaited her. She'd never been out of Chicago, out of Illinois before this. She'd heard wild stories of Oklahoma, about cowboys and Indians and scalping’s and gunfights.

Madeline took a deep breath.

Sallie, are you ready?

Sallie nodded. I'm ready.

*   *   *

2

*   *   *

Oklahoma

What's that over there, coming up over the horizon? Tony Dimanto whispered. Can you see it Felix?

Felix lifted his head. 

He could see it alright. Trouble is what it was.

Just keep your head down and ignore them, Felix demanded, as he returned his attention to the rope he was tying. We got crops to plant and no time to get involved in any conflict.

Felix Cartman had only been in Oklahoma for a little over a year, even since the area had been opened to settlement by non-natives in 1890. It was the land that had brought him to Oklahoma and the promise of a new, peaceful life, but he'd soon found out that life in