Romance: Mail Order Bride "The Ideal Bride" Clean Christian Western Historical Romance (Western Mail Order Bride Short Shorties Series) (176 page)

Chapter 9

A shooting pain in my scalp jolted me awake and as my eyes flew open, I found myself screaming at the top of my lungs, squirming against whoever had their hand wrapped in my hair. I was being dragged out of the tent by my curls, the rough ground digging through my slip and leaving me with huge red welts.

I struggled against the hand, reaching up and digging my nails into the soft flesh, but it didn’t seem to do much. The person dragging me had a hold on me and they weren’t letting go. Finally, a voice spoke up and I realized the person who had me was a man.

“I got her, Ricky!” he sang, his voice low and a little slow sounding.

“Don’t use our names, BORIS!” another voice snapped.

“Why can’t we use our names?”

“If they get away they’ll know who we are!”

“They won’t get away. No worries, Ricky.”

“That’s what you said about the last ones and look what happened.”

Boris dragged me over to the tree line and fastened me to one of the trees. As he began to tie me up I got a glimpse of the man as he worked to tie me to the tree. He was large and brutish, though his middle was soft. He had a receding hair line and cloudy eyes that made it evident not all the lights were on upstairs.

“What are you doing?!” Adam barked, struggling against his own restraints.

For the first time since I was awakened, I realized that Adam was beside me, already tied to the tree next to mine. I looked at him, his words turning to echoes in my mind. Everything seemed so blurry and so surreal, I could hardly keep up.

The one named Ricky turned to look at us, scratching at his temple. “What do you think we’re here for?” he grunted. “We’re here to rob you.”

Adam was struggling with his restraints behind the tree, but doing his best to not show it. “Then take what you want and leave! There’s gold in the wagon!” he yelled, though I knew he was lying.

All of the gold was strapped to the underside of the wagon in a small, hidden box. Ricky smirked and came to stand in front of us, swinging the pistol around his finger. “That so?” He looked over his shoulder. “Boris! Empty the wagon!”

My heart began to race at the order. I knew they weren’t going to find anything, and I was terrified as to what they would do when they came up empty handed. Ricky stared me down, never once looking at Adam, which was a huge mistake. The look in Ricky’s eyes was easy to understand and it made me shudder in fear. He licked his lips and stepped forward, reaching down to touch my hair.

I screamed and snapped my teeth at him, desperately trying to sink my teeth into his arm as he reached for me. He just laughed and reared back, slapping me hard across the face. My eyes widened as blood began to pour down my nose and stain my dress.

Adam screamed, the sound coming from him sounding like an animal who’d been cornered. “DON’T TOUCH HER! I’LL KILL YOU!”

Ricky laughed and turned to face him. “Tied up to that tree? You can’t do a thing. You keep screaming like that and I’ll put a bullet in your head,” he said, waving the gun at Adam.

After a moment he turned back to me and I pressed my back against the trunk of the tree as hard as I could, tears streaming down my face. I was absolutely terrified. He chuckled and touched my cheek.

“I think I could figure out a use for you.” He murmured, reaching around the tree to untie me.

My eyes widened when I realized he was planning on untying me and taking me to the woods. My heartbeat pounded in my chest so hard I couldn’t hear anything else until Boris let out a scream. I don’t know why he screamed, but the sound was loud enough and jarring enough to get Ricky’s attention.

Just as he’d loosened the rope around my wrists, the scream ran out and he turned on the balls of his feet, gun raised and ready to fire. I managed to wriggle out of my restraints, and without thinking, I launched myself at Ricky.

He screamed and tried to shake me off, but my nails were dug into his shoulders and I made it clear to him I wasn’t going anywhere any time soon. He waved the gun around, flailing wildly in the air. As we struggled, Adam managed to get free and tackled us both to the ground. I rolled across the hard, dirt floor, scraping my knees and elbows but it didn’t matter.

When I finally lifted my head, I saw that Adam was on top of Ricky and now had the pistol trained on the other man. His hands shook and his eyes were narrowed with rage. I opened my mouth to beg him not to do it, but Adam lowered the gun of his own accord. I watched him closely and I knew exactly what was going through his head. He knew that if he pulled that trigger, he’d be just as bad as them.

I looked away as Adam raised the gun and brought it down, knocking Ricky out cold. Once Ricky was tied up he went to check on Boris before running over to me, cupping my cheeks.

“Darling. Elizabeth! Are you okay?” he asked, his eyes wide.

I was staring at Boris’s still figure, my eyes wide with fear. “What about him?” I’d noticed Adam hadn’t tied him up.

“He’s dead. He’s not breathing,” he said quickly. “What about you? Are you okay?”

I turned to look at him, my eyes wide and wet. “Yes, I’m okay.”

I was alive. I’d survived the attack, and not only that, but I’d even managed to fend off my attackers and help take them down. Adam pulled me so close and held me so tight that it became difficult to breathe, but I didn’t pull away. I let him hold me, enjoying the feeling of safety his embrace brought.

He pulled away and cupped my cheeks. “We have to go. We have to go now. We need to find the authorities.”

I nodded quickly. “Right. Right.”

We both stood and I rolled up the tent haphazardly as Adam dragged the two bodies into the wagon. We had to leave some things behind, but Adam thought ahead and buried them in a bag so that we could retrieve them on the way home.

Once everything was packed up, we rode all night and well into the day, though we didn’t stop until we reached the trading post. When we delivered the two men to the sheriff, the man seemed rather impressed.

Apparently the two men that we had in the back of our wagon had escaped from the local jail and were wanted for robbery and murder. We also learned that Boris had been bitten by a snake that had somehow managed to get into our wagon and the poison had killed him almost instantly. When we heard the news, neither of us said anything but we looked at each other, thinking the same thing.

God had been watching over us that day.

Chapter 10

We stayed at the trading post for several days, wanting time to recover from the ordeal. We were given the reward money for capturing the fugitives and Adam bought an engagement ring with it. He managed to keep it a secret from me until the last day, when he proposed. It was during a lightning storm and it felt like the heavens were putting on a show just for us.

I returned to Madison an engaged woman, but I also returned a stronger woman. Any and all doubts I’d had about myself were completely gone. If I could take down two dangerous criminals, I could take on the world and nothing was going to stop me.

Our wedding was going to be a town affair and soon everyone was insisting on doing something for it. After a long, hard road of praying, I even decided to invite my parents.

They arrived just in time for the ceremony and my mother wrapped her arms around me, her eyes wet with tears. She apologized and begged my forgiveness and I just held her close, promising her I already had. I didn’t hold anymore resentment for my mother. Without the bullying I never would have come to Madison. I accepted that the Lord worked in mysterious ways.

Soon we were man and wife. It didn’t take long for me to become pregnant with our first child. As brave and strong as Adam was, he was a mess when I became pregnant. I never teased him or got onto him about it, though. I knew he was afraid for good reason. He didn’t want to lose me the same way he’d lost his first wife.

Even though there was always an undertone of fear, he was excited to welcome our child into the world. He had a crib built for the child, making sure to have a prayer carved into it. It was a sweet gesture and made my heart flutter. Somehow he was managing to make me fall even deeper in love with him, which I wasn’t even aware was possible.

We welcomed Abigail into our lives at the end of winter. The midwife said that her birth was one of the easiest she’d ever attended. When the midwife put Abigail in my arms and I stared into her warm face and blue eyes, I couldn’t help but feel that Louise was smiling down on our family that day.

That was three years ago and I was pregnant again. I smiled and patted my round belly, watching Adam snatch Abigail up out of the river. The bottom of her dress was soaking wet, but I wasn’t about to scold her for exploring the world. My own mother had always been extremely critical about girls who played outside. I wasn’t going to do that to my children. I wanted them to start out strong and confident. I never wanted them to face the insecurities I’d faced growing up.

Adam carried Abigail up the bank of the river, holding her under one arm as he walked through the grass and up to our porch where I sat, rocking. Once they reached the steps he set her down and Abigail ran over to me, her hands outstretched. She was holding an apple that she’d most likely plucked from the tree in our yard.

“Here you go, Mama! For baby!”

I smiled and took the apple, pulling her into my arms and kissing her on the cheek. “Thank you, child. That’s very sweet of you.”

Adam smiled and pressed a kiss to my lips, ignoring the disgusted sound little Abigail made. “How’s my baby?”

“Which one?” I teased.

“Both.”

“Well, my feet are sore but the baby is having a grand old time kicking around in there,” I said, patting my belly.

He put his hand over mine and cupped my cheek. “I’ve said it a million times, but I’ll say it again: you’re amazing.”

My heart fluttered and I smiled, offering him another kiss. “I love you too,” I teased.

He chuckled and pulled away, lifting Abigail into his arms and running off down to the river again. I watched them go and sighed happily. This was my paradise.

THE END

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Chapter 1

Lawrence, Kansas

“Drew, get down here and have your breakfast. You’ll be late for school.”

With her hands full, Bethany yelled from the kitchen, heating a pan on the stove and cracking eggs into a bowl. She whisked the eggs hastily and poured them onto the hot pan, scrambling them with a wooden spoon. Turning around she rummaged through the cabinet and took out Drew’s favorite glass and poured him some milk. The milk bottle was half empty now, Bethany noticed.

She had been feeling weak and nauseated yesterday and had not been able to go to the market after work. She had a feeling she was coming down with a cold. She’d made herself some onion soup last night and ended up feeding it to the kids as well. The small pantry in the kitchen was almost empty now, with only onions and leeks left. Waking up today, she felt a little better and reminded herself to go to the market first thing after work. She had very little money left to spend. Bethany worked as a part-time sewer in one of the garment factories in town, owned by the infamous Richard ‘Richie’ Jones. Working the first shift was a blessing for her since she had kids to look after, all by herself. Working long hours wasn’t possible for her, not until her kids were old enough to fend for themselves, which they weren’t. Young Drew had turned five only last week whereas the twins, Alice and James would be three next month.

Bethany placed the scrambled eggs on their small dining table along with some bread left over from yesterday.  Drew came hurrying down the stairs and almost fell on top of James who was sitting at the bottom of the stairs playing with a wooden ship.

“Go play in the living room, Jamie.” Bethany smiled at James who glanced up at Drew and his mother, then picked up his toys and ran into the living room.

Sitting down at the table, she split the bread by hand, placing one half on Drew’s plate while she munched on the other half.

“Ma, can I have some butter with my bread?” Drew asked before eagerly sipping his milk.

Bethany gazed at her son, pitying herself for not being able to give him what he wanted
.
“There’s no more butter,
Drew
. I’ll get some today after work,
along with some vegetables and milk. Does that sound good?"

Drew looked at his mother and knew it was best not to ask for anything else. If she was being honest with herself, being ill was not really her reason for not going to the market. She barely had enough money to get through the rest of the month, having paid Drew’s school tuition and groceries. Keeping her kids fed and sheltered was her first priority.

Life hadn't been kind to her. It had stolen away the only man she had ever loved, the man who had loved her completely, her late husband David. She had lost him last year when one of his ship was attacked by pirates in the Atlantic. David was a successful trader, always personally guaranteeing that his goods were delivered to his clients. It was tragic that someone as young and beautiful as Bethany had been widowed so early on in life. David and Bethany had gotten married quite young, Bethany being only nineteen while David was twenty-one. She used to thank her lucky stars for having met David, who had been so caring and kind to her. It was at the Annual Fair in their town held on New Year’s Eve. The Fair attracted people from all over the town. Some came to have a good time or to buy and sell at the flea market. Bethany had her own stall that year, which she shared with her friend Denise. They both had a talent for sewing and stitching. Bethany was especially good at needlework, creating beautiful patterns and embroidery on table covers, napkins, handkerchiefs, scarves and much more. There she stood, looking radiant as ever, her beauty and grace catching wandering eyes. David had visited the Fair on his sister's insistence, having recently started his trading business. His sister Sarah had stopped to buy an embroidered handkerchief when David first laid eyes on Bethany. He was mesmerized by her and didn’t leave her stall for the rest of the day. They chatted about unimportant things, slowly opening up to each other. It was only a matter of weeks before he started courting her. One day he proposed to her. Bethany accepted his proposal wholeheartedly. Soon they were wed, with Bethany's father giving her away at the church. Six years later, both her father and David were gone. 

Drew was finished eating his breakfast. Cleaning his hands with a napkin he quickly gave his mother a peck on her cheek and ran outside, carrying his satchel to the carriage waiting to take him to school. "Goodbye, Ma," he shouted, closing the door behind him. Bethany stood up and cleaned the dishes. Making her way over to James who sat on the carpet, she held her hand out to him and Alice who was sitting quietly by his side coloring a piece of parchment paper. "Mama don’t leave us at Mrs. Baileeeey's again." Anna cried, her brother nodding along beside her. "Take us with you, Ma."

Bethany sighed at their pleading looks and cupped their cheeks, and spoke to them in a stern tone: "It's only for a few hours. I will be back soon. Mama has work to do, my little honeybears." Smiling sadly at them, she nudged them forward and they walked ahead of her, their faces solemn. She left out the front door and made her way down the steps along a narrow path to her neighbor's house. Mrs. Bailey was already waiting for Bethany to bring Alice and James. Bethany greeted Mrs. Bailey and then let her take them into her house. Alice and James kept turning back to look at their Mama, hoping she would take them back home. Bethany's eyes were filled with unshed tears and she quickly turned away.

Crossing the street she walked down the familiar path to the garment factory, her mind wandering to her biggest problem. The factory would not give her even a penny more than her normal wage. She could try to sell some of her belongings, but that would take time and effort. Her pride had stopped her from begging for money from her friends at work. Denise could help her but she was happily married, living on the other side of the country. Everything seemed like a dead end. Rubbing her hand across her face, she sighed loudly then suddenly remembered something her coworker had said. A loan, she thought, that would help her out of this mess. Turning a corner, she finally came to a stop in front of the factory, her mind starting to worry about what she was about to do.

Removing her bonnet, Bethany strode past the weaving section and into the stitching area. Nodding politely at her co-workers, she approached her work table and quietly sat down, trying to look apathetic. A tense expression would only lead to people asking questions she didn’t want to answer.

“How are you today, Beth dear?”

Bethany glanced at Cassie who was seated next to her, her lips forming a forced smile. “I’m better. There’s nothing that good old onion soup can’t fix.”

Cassie unfolded the fabric in front of her, placing it under the needle bar. Adjusting the lever with her left hand, she said, “Good to know. I didn’t think you would come today, especially after you almost threw up on me after lunch yesterday.”

Bending down to pick up the assigned materials, Bethany chuckled. “It’s not my fault the gravy they served us yesterday made me want to throw up. Even if I hadn’t been sick I wouldn’t have gotten it past my throat.”

Cassie laughed. “True. That is exactly why I’ve told you to bring your own lunch, Beth.”

“I don’t really have the time to make something for myself in the mornings. Making sure the kids get to eat their meals on time keeps me busy.” It was a half-truth. The real problem was her empty pantry.

Giving her a sympathizing look, Cassie said, “We could always share.”

“That’s very kind of you Cass, but I’d rather not. My shift ends sooner than yours. You need to keep up your strength. I know how tiring this work can get.” Putting a thread through the eye of the needle, Bethany pushed down the needle clamp and began to sew.

Over the sound of the sewing machine, she heard Cassie shout, “Fine! Suit yourself.”

It was noon by the time they took their first break. Everyone headed off to the common room to have lunch. Bethany’s shift would end in an hour. Letting Cassie know she wouldn’t be eating anything today, she darted for the inspection department of the factory, hoping to catch Isabelle before she left. Isabelle was known as the eyes and ears of this place. She knew everything that went on around the factory, or so she claimed. Gathering up the hem of her skirt, Bethany climbed the stairs to the floor above. Upon reaching the top, she paused and stepped aside to let the workers walk past her, down the stairs to the common room. Scanning the area, she spotted Isabelle, a petite woman who looked only a little older than her. Bethany knew what Isabelle looked like but Isabelle had no idea who Bethany was. Catching up to where she stood, Bethany tapped her lightly on the shoulder. Isabelle turned around. Discerning the anxious look on Bethany’s face, she excused herself from the woman beside her who left them alone to speak.

“You look troubled. Can I help you?”

“Yes. I’ve heard rumors about this place. I don’t usually pay any attention to them but there is one that might just be of use to me. I think you probably know more about it than I do, and whether there’s any truth to it.”

Isabelle took her hand and led her to a corner in the passageway outside the inspection area. To make sure they couldn’t be heard, she lowered her voice and said, “I know many things. What would you like to ask me?”

“Well, I’ve heard that Mr. Fitch helps the workers here borrow some money if they need it, like a loan. Is that true?”

Isabelle gazed at her obligingly and said, “It is. But Mr. Fitch is only the middleman. He too works for Richie like the rest of us. And we all know how Richie operates.”

“Yes, but how can you know for sure it’s not just hearsay? How do you know he actually gives loans?”

“Oh honey, I know. I’ve been one of the borrowers!” Isabelle exclaimed.

Bethany was momentarily surprised. She knew that Isabelle was telling the truth. Feeling somewhat relieved to know she would not be stepping into unchartered waters, she opened her mouth to thank Isabelle but Isabelle cut in, her voice filled with concern. “Let me tell you this. Richie is not by any means a kind person. He thinks by letting us borrow his money he can make a profit on it later. I was told to return the amount I borrowed within two months or else I would have to pay him back along with a fine! Do you believe the nerve of that man? He doesn’t do this out of the goodness of his heart. He’s a racketeer. The worst kind there is. God knows what other awful things he does. Just be careful. Mr. Fitch will give you the money if your meeting with Richie goes well. But remember, you’ll have to return it somehow before the deadline if you don’t want to become flat broke.”

With her lips pursed, Bethany pondered over her words. Feeling a little skeptical, she chose not to make a decision right away. Looking over at Isabelle, she reckoned she ought to thank her properly.

“I’m grateful for the information and your insight. I will take heed of it.”

Isabelle nodded at her and replied, “I hope everything works out for you,” then added as her eyes landed on the small cross hanging from the chain around Bethany’s neck, “Don’t lose faith even during the toughest of times. God works in mysterious ways.” Smiling at her, she walked away. Just as she reached the stairs, she half-turned and asked, “You didn’t tell me your name.”

“I’m Bethany.”

“Well Bethany, I’m Isabelle but you already knew my name. I just want you to know that I’m here for you if you ever need to talk.”

Bethany gave her a small smile, feeling akin to her and replied, “Thank you.” Isabelle acknowledged her thanks with a smile then turned back to head down the stairs.

Watching her go, Bethany walked over to the huge windows along the passage. Her indecision seemed to be making her fidgety. Looking out the window to the busy streets, she thought about Drew, Alice and James. She had not been able to fulfill their needs properly ever since she had taken this job. The money she earned was not enough for her and her family. She had managed to get by for the first few months after David’s death. He had left her some money, which eventually ran out, of course, prompting her to look for work. Lately, it had become difficult to save money from her earnings, which weren’t a lot. She had only a couple of coins left to spend, and they wouldn’t be of any use to her. Thinking of her kids she concluded that starving for the rest of the month was not an option. She had to take the money from Richie to get by. It is the only way, she told herself.