Mail Order Bride: Westward Winds by - (book club books TXT) 📕

After visiting the Brooks Agency, Tessa was on tenterhooks as she waited for a response to the letter she’d written. Would the man she’d sent the letter to be interested? Should she have written something more or had she written too much? Doubts bombarded her but she did her best to hide her feelings.

She couldn’t afford for any of her family to suspect anything, so she went to her classes and worked hard at her writing and other studies. She also took home some books about Montana, where Mr. Samuels lived. It was wise to research the place where she might end up living.

Tessa hid the books away during the day and only brought them out late at night. It wouldn’t do for the servants to find them lying about. House servants tended to gossip. She studied them closely and took notes. The more she read, the more excited she became. It was as far removed from the current life she led as could be. It would certainly be an adventure. She longed to hear a wolf howl, feel the cold winter winds, and watch the cattle being driven.

The books also helped her understand the type of clothing she would need. She was sensible enough to know that high heels and ball gowns would have no place somewhere like Montana. Now the problem would be to figure out how to start buying these things and where to store them.

Making the purchases wouldn’t be so hard, but there was no way to bring them home without being noticed. All three sisters liked to show each other new clothing and such that they bought. For Tessa to abruptly stop doing that would cause everyone to become curious about why she would suddenly be secretive about her shopping. That would put her plan in jeopardy.

She thought about places to stash her things until she needed them, but came up with only one place to do so. Her cousin, Edwina, was always pushing the envelope when it came to societal rules and Tessa knew she would help her.

Edwina Bradbury was known for being a bit of a wild woman, but because she was the sole heir of her family’s vast fortune, those of her class tended to look the other way. With no parents left and no husband to whom to answer, Edwina enjoyed a freedom that few women of her social standing did. She had always been a sounding board for Tessa’s frustrations.

Tessa loved her family but she felt like she was drowning. She visited her cousin to plead for her assistance. Edwina understood how smothered Tessa felt in a world that was filled with the same thing day after day. She herself had felt that way her entire life so she was only too happy to help Tessa prepare for her journey, should it ever happen. Tessa left her fiery cousin’s house a happy woman. Now if only a positive response came.

Two weeks later, Edwina contacted Tessa by note that a letter had come. Tessa left the house as quickly as possible, saying that she needed to go to the library. A short time later, she sat in Edwina’s ornate parlor. Tessa took the letter from Edwina. She was jittery as she opened it so she took a breath before beginning to read it.

Dear Theresa,

I was really surprised to get your letter. I didn’t think anyone would write to me because I have two children. It’s only a very special woman who would be willing to take on that. I’ll tell you about them. Sadie is just like her ma. She has golden brown hair and bright brown eyes. She turned eleven last fall. Jack is all boy and full of energy.

They’re both good children and I want the best for them. Our house is pretty big. There’s a kitchen, parlor, four bedrooms, and a washroom upstairs. I keep it in good shape along with the rest of the place. I’m not the richest man, but I keep our heads above water. My kids and my cattle are my life, but I’d sure like to share it with someone again.

Your letter was something else. I can tell that you’re a real lady and smart, too. I’m wondering where you went to school and why a fine lady like you would want to come here. It’s pretty here, don’t get me wrong, but it’s a lot different than what you’re used to. The sky is so blue, and on clear days you can see across the valley. The sound of the cattle lowing and the horses nickering to each other is comforting.

You said you like to ride and we have plenty of good horses, so that wouldn’t be a problem. Your schooling would be welcomed because we don’t have a school close by here and the kids need to learn. Both are real bright and like learning new things.

I guess because you told me what you look like, and you sound very pretty, I should tell you about myself. I’ve been told I’m handsome. I have blond hair and blue eyes. Last I knew, I stood six feet, two inches tall. I don’t know what I weigh, but I’m very fit. I work off most of what I eat. I have strong arms and a strong back and I provide well for my family.

That’s about it for now, but I hope I hear from you again soon. Let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Dean Samuels

Tessa finished reading the letter and leaned back in her seat. The letter hung from her fingers and Edwina snatched it away and read it.

“Oh my,” she said. “Tessa, you have a live one here. He sounds dreamy. A real man, not like some of the fops around here. Just think of how manly he must be from all that work. And blond hair and blue eyes? Cousin, if you don’t take him, I just might.”

Tessa looked into her cousin’s lively green eyes and laughed. “Hands off. Go get your own Montana man.” She took the letter back and stood. “He does sound wonderful, doesn’t he? And just imagine the trip. Why, I would have enough to write about for a lifetime with that alone!”

“See what the next few letters bring, but I wouldn’t wait too long to meet him if all is satisfactory. You said other women write these men? Some other woman might beat you to it,” Edwina said. “Like me!”

“Stop your teasing, Eddie. You’re awful and wonderful. So you’ll continue to help me?” Tessa asked.

“Oh, yes. And more than that, I’ll lend you the money for the trip. You’re going to need more than your allowance and there’s no way to access your dowry, of course. There’s no telling what you’ll come up against and it’s best to be prepared,” Edwina said.

Tessa was shocked. “You can’t do that! I won’t take your money.”

“You’re not taking, you’re borrowing, dear. Besides, I have tons of money to spend and watching you live out your dream is a real pleasure for me. I’ll live vicariously through you. Accept the money or I won’t help you,” Edwina said. Her expression was serious.

“Blackmailer,” Tessa accused. “Very well. I accept.”

Edwina clapped her hands. “Wonderful! Now go home and write to your cowboy immediately so it reaches him as soon as possible.”