The Pastor's Replacement Bride

The Pastor’s Replacement Bride

By George H. McVey 

Copyright © 2016, 2023 by George H. McVey All rights reserved. 

Cover by Erin Damon Hill Copyright © 2019

 No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer who may quote brief excerpts in a review. 

This book is a work of fiction. The author created names, characters, places, and incidents either from his imagination or using them fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental or used fictitiously.

This book was written by a human author, not an A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) This book cannot be used to train an A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) how to write a book.

All Scriptures in this book are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain in every nation of the world and for the ease of reading.

Dedication

For Jill and Mary. Two new fans who read together. Also, the ladies of the Christian Indie Author Network Readers Facebook Group; for encouraging me to take on the mail-order bride genre. I hope this book brings joy and entertainment to you all.

Acknowledgements

My thanks this time goes to many people. As always, first and foremost to the creator of everything. Our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the one who gives me the tales I spin. Without Him, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. 

To my wife, Sheri. Like Joshua, when I saw you I knew you were the one for me. Now, thirty-four years later, that is still true. You, my love, are still the one that makes my heart sing. The one I’ll love until my very end.

To my friends and partners in the CIAN Nano word warriors’ chat room. It was fun being challenged by you during Nano 2016, when this book came to life. 

I always thank those who improve my book; this time isn’t any different. To my proof reader, Mary Beth Cook, without whom my editors would hate me and pull their hair out. 

Next, let me thank my beta readers on this project. Jessica Lee, Joy Wriston, Stella Napier-Potts, Carolyn Leggo, Mary Jane Crosby, Debra Watson Duncan, Joann Limpic Riggs, Jill Gilbert, Pat Walling, MaryBeth Lyford, and Lynn Donovan. Each of their opinions and suggestions makes this a better book. 

Thanks also goes to my editor on this project, Sophie Dawson. She’s been a friend for years and I am blessed to have her help on this project. As I always say, any mistakes found in this book are mine alone. I probably changed something at the last minute. 

To my cover creator, Erin Dameron Hill/ EDH Graphics, as always, you take my vision and turn it into a perfect expression. 

More than thanks go to my friends and family. You know who you are. The people I ignored as this project took on a life of its own. I appreciate your understanding and kindness in not holding it against me. 

Finally, to you, the reader. Without you, there would be no point in what I do. I give life to my characters, but you share that life and make it more real. I pray this book brings you enjoyment.

One

Joshua

Joshua Bryce tensed as he stood in front of the church, waiting on the Ladies’ Aid Society. Ernestine Lyman was headed down the boardwalk with a picnic basket under her arm, in what was probably her latest plan to show Joshua how she would make him the perfect pastor’s wife. Sure enough, as she caught sight of him, she waved and picked up speed, coming his way. 

“Joshua, I made us a picnic. Let’s walk down to the river to eat it, darling.”  

Joshua sighed. “Miss Lyman, I have told you it is inappropriate for you to call me by my first name.” 

“Oh fiddlesticks, a woman has every right to call her intended by his first name, just as you have every right to call me by mine.” 

His face pulled into a frown. “I am not your intended. I have made it very plain that I have no intention of marrying you.” 

Ernestine stamped her foot. “I don’t see why you are so stubborn about this. I am the most logical choice here in Sanctuary. As the mayor’s daughter, I have the right social standing in the community to be the pastor’s wife. Besides, I fit all the qualities you need in a wife.” 

“Really, you think you have the qualities it takes to be a pastor's wife?” 

“Yes.” 

“Then let’s test that, shall we? The Clay family is all down with influenza. Why don’t you take the food in your basket over, give it to them, then stay and help Mrs. Clay clean up around the house?” 

“Why ever would I do any such thing? I will not set foot into a house full of sickness.”

Joshua shook his head in disgust. "And that is just one reason I will never marry you. A pastor’s wife must be compassionate and willing to serve those less fortunate. She needs to have a heart for helping widows and orphans. You have none of those qualities.”

Anger flashed across Ernestine’s features. “We’ll see about that, Reverend Bryce. You’d better marry me soon. Daddy says that the deacons are considering replacing you as pastor. They feel it is inappropriate for a single man to minister to women in need.” 

Before he could form an answer, he saw the women he’d been waiting for coming up the steps. He smiled and turned his attention to the six ladies standing below Ernestine. “Ladies, right on time I see.” He turned, opened the doors of the church for them, and followed them inside, shutting the door in Miss Lyman’s face. 

Joshua took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. His uncle had warned him of the Deacon’s concern about his marital status. He was sure Mayor Lyman was pushing this to force him to propose to Ernestine. 

The girl was certainly pretty, with her blond ringlets and blue eyes. In all honesty, she was physically quite the perfect woman, but she would not make a good pastor’s wife. Not only was she self-centered and materialistic, she’d never had to lift a finger to do anything around the house. With servants to do everything for her, Joshua doubted she could do anything someone would expect from a wife. 

Mrs. Williams

Myrtle Williams saw the looks the other ladies were giving her. As the oldest woman in the church, it had placed her in the leadership role that would have gone to Pastor Joshua’s wife, if he had one. She nodded to them and walked over to Joshua. “Pastor, can you come join us for a minute? We need to talk to you.” 

She saw him look at the women and back at her. His eyes spoke of his discomfort in the situation and his hesitation about what they wanted to talk about. She smiled to try to reassure him. “Don’t worry, Pastor. We aren’t going to gang up on you.”

“Of course not, Mrs. Williams.” His smile was still guarded as he walked with her over to where the other ladies were sitting. He settled into the front pew and half turned to face them. “What can I do for you ladies today?”

Myrtle sat where her sewing basket was and pulled it onto her lap. “We wanted to tell you we’ve been praying about trying to do more than just making quilts and scarfs for the less fortunate. We believe God has shown us a ministry we can take on, which will help a large section of our congregation.” 

She looked around to see several of the ladies nodding in agreement. “However, to be successful at this, we need your help.” 

Confusion was obvious in the troubled expression on their pastor’s face. “I don’t understand. What is this ministry, and why do you need my help?”

Embarrassed, Myrtle looked at some of the other ladies for encouragement. Before she could say anything, Helen Caudwell, the daughter of the mercantile owner and his cousin, spoke up. “As you, yourself, are aware, there is a distinct lack of reputable young ladies in Sanctuary for those men who would like to marry and start a family. Besides myself and Ernestine, there are no single women under thirty in our community.”

“Yes, that is true. However, I don’t see the connection.” 

Myrtle cleared her throat and took up the conversation again. “Pastor Bryce, have you heard of the advertisements that some men out west are placing in newspapers back east requesting brides?”

“You mean mail-order brides? Yes, but I, myself, think it is a risky proposition. I’ve heard of young women being taken advantage of that way, and men whose money has been stolen. Again, what has that to do with your ministry idea?”

“We thought, with your connections to pastors back east, maybe we could arrange to find men in our congregation, who are interested, godly wives willing to come to Sanctuary.” 

Joshua’s eyes got big as he understood what they were suggesting. “You want me to help you start a mail-order bride business?”

Myrtle shook her head. “No, not a business. We thought we could get the men in our congregation who are interested, to write up a description of themselves and what they are looking for in a wife. Then, maybe you could contact a few of your pastor friends back east and see if they had godly young women who would be willing to come west and be courted. We would be responsible for getting the letters from the men, and then we’d host the women when they came here until they are wed.”

Myrtle watched as Joshua sat back in shock. “You want me to ask my pastor friends to send brides to the men in my congregation.”

“Yes. From what we understand, there is a shortage of eligible men back east, so lots of women are considering this form of proposal.”

“I don’t think this is a good idea, ladies.”

“Pastor Joshua, we’ve prayed about this for several months. We just ask you to take some time and pray about it as well. If, after you’ve done so, you feel like this isn’t a good idea, we won’t bother you with it again.”

All the ladies nodded vigorously. Myrtle watched as Joshua sat back and ran his hands across the sides of his head. She had noticed he did so when he was nervous or upset. Myrtle figured she may as well go for broke. Laying a hand on his shoulder. “Joshua, this could be the answer to your dilemma, as well.” 

The young preacher turned back to her. “What dilemma?”

“We couldn’t help but overhear what Ernestine Lyman said about the deacons and your marital status. We’ve been praying for you for a while, that God would give you a helpmate. Every lady here knows that Ernestine isn’t suited to be a pastor's wife, contrary to what she or her father thinks. This could be a way for you to find the wife God has for you.” 

Joshua chuckled. “It would be just like God to bring this about.” He nodded, “Okay, Ladies, I will pray about it. I will let you know Sunday what I feel God is saying.” 

With that, the young minister got up and with a last nod to the assembled women, he left the church to go spend time alone with God. Myrtle said a quick and silent prayer for Joshua to listen to what God was urging, then she turned to the ladies. “It’s in God’s hands, now. Let’s get busy working on those baby clothes for the Johnson’s quickly arriving blessing.”

Two

Hattie

Twenty-year-old Hattie Long didn’t know what she was going to do. Orphaned at six, she’d spent six years in the Chicago City Orphanage, learning the basics of reading, writing, and mathematics, and the more important cooking, cleaning, and sewing. Then, when she turned twelve, the orphanage hired her out to one of the local brothels. 

It was a common enough practice; when children were old enough to work, the orphanage hired them out, keeping 80% of their wages to pay back the care they had provided the child. The contracts made the child an indentured servant until the age of twenty-one, at which time it released them from the orphanage’s care and their work contract. 

Hattie had worked in the brothel in Chicago’s affluent neighborhood as a scullery maid and cook's helper. She was three months from her twenty-first birthday and Papa John, the brothel’s owner, had sent for her. He wanted to have a chat. The thought of what Papa John had to chat with her about had her scared. Hattie did her job to the best of her ability. She didn’t know of any infraction she may have committed. 

She tried to stay out of sight of the customers since her figure had blossomed. Hattie knew what happened in the rooms upstairs, and she had no desire to be part of that. She might have no choice but to live and work here, but she spent Sundays at the Baptist church down by the docks. She’d given her heart to the Lord several years ago. Turning twenty-one and being able to leave this terrible place was all she wanted. 

She arrived at Papa John’s office and timidly knocked on the door. “Come in.” 

She entered and stood before the large man seated behind the mahogany desk. Even though the desk was huge, it seemed small in front of the mountain-sized man sitting behind it. “Ah, Hattie, come sit down, my girl.” 

She walked over to where Papa John was indicating a chair in front of the desk. “Have I done something wrong, sir?” 

Papa John laughed. “Why no, my dear, I’ve heard nothing but good things about your work. I just wanted to talk with you about your future. I don’t know if you realize this or not, but you’re about to turn twenty-one and your contract here will expire.” 

“Yes sir, three months from now.” 

The man nodded his head. “Yes, that’s right. Have you given any thought to what you will do then?” 

Hattie squirmed in her seat. She wasn’t sure she liked where this conversation was heading. “Not really, sir. I know I’ll have to leave here, and I can’t return to the orphanage. I guess I’ll try to find a job at one of the restaurants, hotels, or bakeries around here.”

“Well, I have a different offer for you. You could stay here.” 

Hattie’s heart started beating like a drum. “You’d let me keep working in the kitchen?”

Papa John smiled and shook his head. “No, the orphanage has already filled the position you will leave soon. I was thinking, with your looks and pleasant attitude, you’d do very well working in the upper rooms. I’d spend a month with you first, making sure you understood how to take care of my best customers. During that time, the girls will teach you how to dress to catch the client’s attention. Then, we’d put you on the top floor, where you’d make the most money. Why, with the comments some of my clients have already made, you’d be the house favorite in no time.”

Hattie trembled as she realized exactly what Papa John was suggesting. “I think I’ll just try to find a job in a kitchen somewhere, sir. I know how to do that.” 

Papa John laughed. “How are you going to do that? Your only day off is Sunday and the people you would need to see don’t work on Sundays. Besides, do you know how many kitchen rats there are looking for work in this city? No. I’ll have the girls bring you up to my rooms the day after your birthday. That will be the best place for you. You just get ready, sweet thing. You’ll be making us lots of money in just a few short months. That will be your repayment for all the care and housing I’ve given you over the past few years.”

Papa John stood, with a look that sent her trembling into out-right shakes, and walked around the desk to where she was sitting. “As a matter of fact, I think I’ll enjoy your training very much. I think I should get a little taste of the merchandise before then.” He reached down and hauled the young girl up into his arms and forced his mouth against hers. Hattie whimpered and he let her go. “Oh yes, make sure you make those noises when we’re together. I really like that.” He shoved the girl towards the door. “Now, get back to work. I’ll see you in three months.” 

Hattie ran out of the office, down the back stairs and out the kitchen door into the street. She had to figure out a way to get away before they moved her upstairs.

Joshua

The week had been a frustrating one for Joshua. He had spent days in prayer, trying to decide what God wanted him to do about the unusual idea the Ladies’ Aid Society presented him. He couldn’t come up with any reason the idea should be so offensive to him. The women were right; it was an acceptable way to find a mate nowadays. 

He’d talked with several of the single men in his congregation. Several of them had already talked to the women and were planning on presenting them with a letter to send. He even understood that Myrtle had a point. 

Joshua could send a letter and maybe find the helpmate that he desperately needed. He’d not gotten a no during his prayer times either. In fact, except for the fact that he didn’t know how his fellow pastors back east would react, he was positive God was behind the idea. After the service today, he would have to tell Myrtle he’d write to his friends. 

He actually had three friends, all fellow pastors, he thought might be open to the idea. One in Richmond, one in Philadelphia, and the other in Chicago. Between the three churches, he thought they might get enough interest to fill the needs of his community. He put that thought out of his head and strode into the church to prepare for services that morning. 

With the sermon delivered, and the congregation greeted, all that was left was to face the group of women who had waited for him to give them an answer. Joshua took a deep breath and walked up to the loose group. 

“Ladies, thank you for giving me the time I needed to consider and pray about your idea.”

Myrtle nodded and looked up at him. “Preacher, we were glad you wouldn’t make a choice before you prayed. It showed us you keep your eyes on the right things. But we are curious about what you’ve decided.”

Joshua paced back and forth, with nervous energy, as he talked to them. “I did a bit more than pray, but I did that first. I also talked with several of our bachelors here, and most were positive about the idea. There are questions I need to know the answer to before, I’m willing to write to my friends back east.”

“What questions?”

“You mentioned you ladies would host these potential brides. How will you do so? I mean, will they be spread out amongst your homes, or do you have something else in mind? My concern is each of you have a single man in your homes, a son, brother or father. I know my friends will want assurances that these ladies won’t have their reputations tarnished.”

The woman all nodded before his cousin, Helen, jumped in. “I’ll address this. You know my father bought that plot of land beside the mercantile. I asked him what his plan for it was? He told me he’d bought it with a thought of the future of our town and expansion. I’ve convinced him to have a large building erected there. It will have a sitting room, dining room and a large kitchen. And twenty good-sized bedrooms. The house will be mine to run as a woman’s boarding house.”

Joshua turned to look at the Ladies’ Aid Society members. “You ladies will help me guarantee the reputations and safety of these potential brides?”

Helen and Myrtle nodded. “There will be rules in place at the boarding house and we will make ourselves available to chaperone at other time.”

“I also want you to make sure every man who writes for a bride, realizes it is his responsibility to provide for these women. By that, I mean funds for transportation here, along with a return trip, if things don’t work out. They will also make sure that their potential bride’s needs are met while they are here in the Bride House.”

Mrs. Williams nodded, as did several of the other women. “That is certainly acceptable. If a man isn’t willing to do that, then he isn’t prepared to provide for a wife, either.” 

“I have three friends, all pastors, who I think may be open to this. One is in Richmond, one is in Philadelphia, and one is in Chicago. I’ll write to each of them and ask them to allow their Ladies’ Aid Society to look over the letters you acquire. We should probably get three letters of introduction from each man, so that I can send one to each church.”

“That sounds like a good plan. We'll talk to the men and get that started right away. Thank you for being willing to endorse our plan, Preacher.” 

Joshua cleared his throat. "I plan to do more than just support and endorse it. I plan to be its first bachelor. As Miss Lyman is so fond of telling me, the deacons feel I need a wife. Seeing as how there are only two eligible candidates my age in town, and one of them is unacceptable and Miss Caudwell is kin to me, I don’t see any other choice. No offense to any of you widows, of course.” 

The older ladies all smiled, and Mrs. Williams patted his hand. “No, none taken, Preacher. Most of us have already raised one husband. None of us want to have to train a new one. I reckon if God wants us to marry again, He’ll send us husbands our own age.” 

The young preacher tried hard not to blush, and his cousin laughed at his embarrassment. “Joshua, are you blushing? You? Former Texas Ranger and now pastor, surely you’re not embarrassed by simple talk of marriage, are you?” 

Joshua cleared his throat and pulled his shirt away from his neck, trying to get some cool Montana fall air to calm his neck and cheeks. “No, of course not.” 

Soon after, the women all drifted away in twos and threes, talking about the different male members of the church they would approach with this opportunity. Joshua watched them go until just Mrs. Williams was left. She turned to look at him with a smile on her face. “I was going to suggest you lead our young bachelors by example, Joshua. I’m glad to see you take the initiative on this. I'll try to speak to some of the deacons and buy you a bit of time to find a bride.”

“Thank you, Myrtle. Your support has meant a lot to me this past year. I know the deacons were reluctant to make me the permanent pastor, with my past and my lack of a wife. But, even with all the pressure and the hints by Mayor Lyman, I just can’t justify accepting Ernestine as pastor's wife material.”

“I agree with you, but the mayor won’t. I know that man loves his daughter, but I think he saw you as the answer to his prayer. He wants to get her married, so he doesn’t have to support her expensive tastes anymore.” 

Joshua nodded. “That is probably true, but we shouldn’t be talking about her. This conversation is closer to gossip than I would like.” 

“You’re right, Preacher. I need to work more on curbing my tongue. Now, that’s why I know you’re the man of God sent to us. You aren’t all super pious, but you don’t let things slide either. That past you’re so ashamed of, taught you almost as much as your Bible Schooling did.” 

The widow rose to her feet and, with one last pat on the younger man’s arm, headed out of the church. “You just get your letters ready to send in with this first batch. I’m going to limit it to ten this time, till we see if that works. If so, then we can attempt another round once the Bride House is clear.” 

Joshua nodded. “Sounds wise. I will have both sets of letters ready by the time you get me some introductions to send with them. I’m going to go have a chat with my uncle and see how long it will take to get the Bride House constructed. I know it will be several months before they exchange enough letters for the brides to venture this way, but I don’t want to end up with nowhere to put them.” 

“I’ll let you handle that part of the transaction, Joshua. I’ll handle the letters and help Helen with the Bride House once they are here. She wants to run it, but I’d feel more comfortable if a woman who has been married is around to answer any questions potential brides may have before their big day.” 

She laughed as Joshua turned bright red again, realizing exactly what types of questions she was referring to.

Three

Chicago

Reverend Andrew Jackson looked at the packet of letters in his hand. If not for the fact that his friend, Joshua Bryce, had asked this of him, he would have tossed the whole thing into the fireplace. Asking eligible young ladies of his church to consider becoming mail-order brides went against his sense of decorum. Yet, he knew there were too few eligible young men here and not enough jobs a respectable lady could do. He knew this had become an acceptable way of finding a match and starting a family. He looked at the letter Joshua had sent him. 

Andy,

I know this is a big request but, as I’m sure you know, there is a distinct lack of eligible Christian women out west. The same is true for the town of Sanctuary. My Ladies’ Aid Society has asked me to gain the support of some of my pastor friends back east, to help us obtain godly and acceptable wives for several of our eligible men. 

Each letter of introduction, included with this request, are men of my church in good standing both in the community and in the church. I would ask that you give them to your wife, Linda, to talk with your own Ladies’ Aid Society. 

Please have her encourage any young woman, who thinks she might like the challenge of life out west, to correspond with one of our gentlemen. We can’t offer them the society and shops of Chicago, but we can offer them a chance to find a husband who will love them and a community that will be enriched by them. There will be hard work and adventure, but community and fun as well. 

I personally guarantee each young lady’s safety and reputation. They will be housed in a boarding house in town, all together, run by a widow and young lady of our community. The men they write to will pay their fare to Sanctuary and provide for their financial needs during the courting period. They will each be offered return fare as well, if a match isn’t made. All courting will be done with a suitable chaperone from the older women of our Ladies’ Aid Society, as well. 

If you don’t feel comfortable about this, then please discard the letters and let me know, so that I can attempt to find somewhere else to try. The need is genuine, Brother, and one of those letters is even mine. It would be appreciated if you or your wife would find a young lady who could stand the unique calling that is a pastor's wife. I haven’t sent my letter to any of the other two pastors. I’m asking either you or Linda to personally help me with this. 

The deacons here insist that I must marry, and the only eligible young lady is without a servant’s heart. 

Only wanting to marry me for the social standing she thinks it will bring. I want a helpmate, like you have in Linda. 

Anyway, thank you for taking the time to read this request, and I’m praying you will see this as an honest endeavor to meet a need for my congregation. 

In Christ, 

Joshua Bryce

Andy sighed. He would show Joshua’s letter to Linda and see what she thought about the idea. One thing he knew was that, even if they didn’t allow the Ladies’ Aid Society to handle all these requests, he and Linda would try to prayerfully help Joshua. That man had already been through the fires of hell before he heeded the call to ministry. 

One of the Texas Rangers’ youngest lawmen and most ruthless. He’d joined because a gang of outlaws had killed his entire family and left him for dead. Thankfully, the Lord got hold of him through the most unusual servant, Nugget Nate Ryder. The young Ranger had been wounded, and Nate and Penny Ryder found him and nursed him back to health. Along the way, they had shared God’s love with him and helped him see that revenge wasn’t what God had in store for him. 

Andy had met him in Bible School in New York. The young man was intense but loved God like no one he’d ever met, except maybe the Ryders, who visited Bryce often.

 If any man of God deserved a sweet and godly wife, it was Joshua Bryce. He and Linda would talk about the rest of the letters and if it should involve them, offering mail-order brides to Sanctuary. But for Joshua, they would talk about who would be the most suitable to ask to correspond with him.

Philadelphia

The women of Freedom Community Church in Philadelphia were all a buzz. The pastor had just read them a letter from a pastor friend of his out west, in Montana, a town named Sanctuary. That pastor was writing them to introduce nine eligible young men from his church, who were looking to correspond with good Christian women, hoping to form a marital relationship. 

The pastor then passed around the letters of introduction from the men. He suggested that any of the ladies who wished to respond, do so and send their correspondence in care of the Sanctuary Community Chapel. The pastor there would see that the men received any letter sent to them.

Eighteen-year-old Lyla, like several of the women, laughed at the idea at first. But after talking it over with her father and mother, they thought this would be an excellent opportunity for her. Not having enough social standing as the daughter of the local tailor, maybe she should read the letters. See if God had someone in the nine just for her. 

When she got back, only two letters were left. So, contrary to what the other women had said, several had taken letters to respond to. The first letter was from the deputy sheriff. She read the letter, but it didn’t really appeal to her. He seemed to be looking for someone with some social standing, and that wasn’t her. Plus, he seemed cold hearted. Of course, it could be the way he wrote and not him. However, she and her parents had prayed that she would know if one of these men were her God given spouse. It wasn’t him. She picked up the other letter and read. 

Hello,

I’m writing on behalf of my son, Glenn Williams. He is twenty years old and in need of a wife that isn’t afraid of hard work. 

He owns his own farm and is very successful at growing a crop. Glen is a quiet man, but full of life. While he isn’t as outgoing as his twin brother, he is a more suitable young man for marriage. 

He has agreed to correspond with any young woman who answers this letter and to see if they can make a match. I took this first step for him because of his shyness. Personally, I think he is quite handsome, but I am his mother and will admit to being biased. I know that after his father died; he stayed here in Sanctuary and took over the farm, while his brother sought his fortune further west, as a cowboy. Glenn has taken care of me and our farm for four years now. 

While I am healthy, I find I am getting older. I would like to see him settled with a wife of sweet disposition, who wants to raise a family. 

A wife who wishes to take care of the home my husband and sons built. If you fit that description, please write to Glenn Williams, in care of Sanctuary Community Chapel, Sanctuary, Territory of Montana. 

Myrtle Williams

This letter sparked something in her. Lyla knew how to care for a home. She’d learned at her mother’s knee, since she was old enough to help. She could cook and clean and she learned how to sew from her father. 

She could see herself in this farmhouse on the far side of the country, helping Mrs. Williams. It was easy to envision herself tending to Glenn and the children’s needs. Lyla took the letter with her to show to her mother and father and see what they thought of Glenn Williams. She would write to this shy farmer, who was two years older than her, and see if they were a match. 

Richmond

Abbie-Ann Johnson looked at the letter in her hand. This could be the answer to her prayers. The pastor's wife had told her about the church out west who was looking for mail-order brides. Then both the pastor and his wife suggested Abbie-Anne answer one of the ads. The only people who knew of her predicament were the pastor and his wife. She had been staying with them ever since Mr. Cromwell had forced himself on her after work. 

She needed to get out of Richmond, and it seemed like this was an answer to her prayers. If her father had still been alive, she would have never been working for Mr. Cromwell. She had heard the rumors, but didn’t believe the kindly old friend of her father could be that kind of man. She should have listened. 

The night he offered to walk her home, to make sure she was safe, Abbie-Anne accepted. She had felt secure with her father’s friend. When he had forced his way into her room and ruined her, it left her ashamed and shocked at his treatment of her. She’d scrubbed herself with the hottest water she could and still had felt dirty afterwards. 

As morning came, and she thought about returning to work for him, she had fled to the church. Thankfully, Pastor James and his wife had shown her the last letter they had from the Christian men in Sanctuary. This one was from the deputy sheriff. 

Hello.

 My name is Henry White. I am twenty-three years old and have dark hair and blue eyes. I work in Sanctuary, Montana as the deputy sheriff. My plan is to continue to work as a deputy until my current boss retires. Then I will run for sheriff myself. I am looking for a young woman, between 18 and 23, who is looking for a husband with good standing in the community. I have a small cabin and a few acres that I own near my parents’ ranch.

If you are a woman who enjoys the finer things of life, and isn’t afraid of a husband who is in politics, then maybe we will make a suitable match. You may write to me in care of the Sanctuary Community Chapel. 

He mentioned nothing about love, but she wasn’t in any position to ask for that. Once anyone found out she was a ruined woman, she would have no prospects here in Richmond. Better to write this deputy and move to the Montana Territory to be a wife instead of what she would be if she stayed here. 

Pastor James and his wife agreed she couldn’t go back to work for Mr. Cromwell. So they had told her to move into the parsonage with them, while she wrote to Deputy White. She agreed. The pastor had gone and gathered her belongings from the apartment she had been renting since her father’s house had been sold to pay off his debts. She went into the guest room, now hers, and started a letter to Deputy White.

Four

Hattie

A month and a half had passed already, and Hattie had spent every spare minute looking for another job. She’d talked the cook into giving her an hour off every day between lunch and dinner. She’d used that time to look for a new position.

None of the bakeries in town needed anyone. The restaurants were all full and even the hotels told her no. She’d overheard one manager talking to the bellhop about how Papa John had visited him a month ago. The Brothel owner had told him if Hattie came to not give her a job. Papa John promised the manager he would be one of Hattie’s first customers. She left, and didn’t get far, before she could feel the tears threatening to overwhelm her. Hattie didn’t know what she was going to do.

She’d rather starve than do what Papa John suggested. However, if she didn’t have another position before then, she wouldn’t be able to hide from him. So many people of influence here in Chicago were under his thumb, either as customers or they owed him one debt or another. She didn’t stand a chance of escaping the brothel or his special training. 

Hattie hung her head as she started to slowly make her way back to the brothel that was her prison. Tomorrow was Sunday.

 She would go to church and ask God to help her. Maybe Pastor Long, whose daughter had the same name as her, could help her. It was all she could think of. If she had some money, she’d take the train some place far away. They said there were lots of opportunities out west, even for women. She’d just have to ask God to help her escape Papa John and his plans for her.

Sunday came and Hattie got up and put on her best dress. It wasn’t anything special, but at least it wasn’t the regular dull gray of her work dress.

She had made it from the scraps of two discarded outfits from the working girls. Papa John wouldn’t allow his girls to wear anything ripped or torn, so the girls had given them to her. Hattie had taken them apart and cut panels from the white one to make the blue dress more acceptable for church. She’d raised the neckline and lowered the hem line. She’d saved all the scraps and had altered the gown over the years to keep it decent. Without a bustle, it was a modest length that covered her feet, barely, and if she grew any taller, it would be indecent. She might be able to add one more white strip around the waist and make it serviceable for a few more years. However, if she didn’t get out of here in the next month and a half, it wouldn’t matter, anyway. She wouldn’t need a church dress. 

Hattie dressed quickly and made sure her raven black hair was neatly pinned up and put her simple bonnet on to cover her head in church. Hattie knew men found her attractive. The combination of the dark hair, with violet-colored eyes, seemed to draw attention she didn’t want. 

Even though she was on the skinny side, her figure had filled out and that was the reason Papa John was so determined to have her. She wasn’t even that skinny, anymore. He had sent word to the kitchen that she was to eat what the working girls ate. Which was richer fare and larger portions. 

But, for now, she would put all that out of her mind and worship the Lord. After service, she would talk to Pastor Long and see if he had any ideas. The pastor had a soft spot for her because she shared the same name as his daughter. They were born about a year apart but, as far as they knew, they weren’t related. But he took time to speak to her every Sunday after service, unlike some others who ignored the girl that worked at the brothel. No one else seemed to want her in their church. So she had learned early to slip into the last row and not draw attention to herself. 

Today Hattie didn’t hear a word of the sermon. Once the church was dismissed, she made her way slowly up the outside aisle to the altar. She kneeled down and asked God to make a way for her to escape the plan Papa John had for her. As she poured out her fear and worry to God, along with her request, she felt a presence behind her. “Hattie, is that you?”

She wiped her face of tears and rose, turning to see Pastor Long and his daughter, Haddie, standing beside him. “Yes, Pastor. Hello, Haddie.” 

Haddie reached out to her. “What’s wrong, Hattie? Why are you crying?” 

“I turn twenty-one in six weeks.” 

Pastor Long smiled. “Then you won’t have to stay and work in that awful place, anymore.”

His words were the key that undid her shaky composure, and she fell into his daughter’s arms and sobbed. “What is it? Why does this make you sad?”

“Because I’m trapped. Papa John has talked to every business and no one will hire me. He called me into his office a few weeks ago and told me…" She wept loudly and couldn’t be understood by either the pastor or his daughter. She finally got herself under control enough to wail out. “He’s going to move me upstairs as one of the working girls, after he trains me himself.” 

Haddie gasped and pulled the girl into an encompassing embrace. “Father, we have to do something. My almost twin will not become a soiled dove and plaything for that evil man.”

The pastor was nodding. “I agree, Haddie, but what can we do? I mean, until her birthday, she must work there. If no one will hire her, I don’t know how to help her. I mean, we could have her stay with us for the short term, but it won’t put her beyond Mister Torrio’s reach. It would only delay things. We must come up with a way to get her out of Chicago.”

The daughter nodded and then looked thoughtful. She pulled Hattie away from her and wiped her tears. “Stop crying, almost sister. I may know of a way to get you far away from Papa John and his plans for you. How do you feel about getting married?”

Hattie and Pastor Long both looked at her. “What are you thinking, Daughter?” 

“Do you remember me telling you about my friend, Linda? Pastor Jackson’s wife?”

“Yes, what about her?”

“She told me about a friend of theirs, out west, who pastors a church in the Montana Territory. He asked them to help him recruit some mail-order brides, for men of good standing in his church, including himself. Linda asked me to write the pastor and I’ve been doing that, but while the thought of getting married and having a family of my own is exciting, I was worried about leaving you and our church without my influence on the Ladies’ Aid Society.” 

Hattie frowned. “You want me to become a mail-order bride? Marry a man I’ve never met?” 

"No, it won’t work like that. All the potential brides will get paid fare to Sanctuary, that’s the name of the town. They will all stay in a boarding house, paid for by the potential husbands. If things don’t work out, they will be offered return fare as well. 

“So, you could go there and maybe find a husband who cared for you and whom you could care for. Even if you didn’t, you’d be well out of Papa John’s reach. 

“You might even find respectable work out there. I bet that new boarding house could use someone with your cooking and cleaning skills.”

Hattie looked thoughtful. “But what if all the men have chosen who they want to bring out there?”

Before his daughter could answer, Pastor Long spoke up. “While I’m not sure I approve of you having written to this young man without my consent, Haddie. We should ask. Perhaps your young pastor would know of another young man of the church, who didn’t send a letter. One who might take a chance on your almost twin.” The man smiled at the cute little title the two had given to each other when they realized that except for a slight difference in spelling, they had the same name. 

Haddie clapped her hands in excitement. “I believe he would, Father. In his last letter, he said that this was just the first round of potential brides. A test to see if the concept was workable. If it was, they were going to do a second round in the spring.”

The Pastor looked at his young parishioner. "What do you think, Hattie? Should we write to this pastor and see if we can get you on the train on your birthday?”

Hattie didn’t even have to think about it. She had been pouring her heart out to God. Asking him to make a way of escape for her. Now here her friend seemed to have one that not only got her away from Papa John, but gave her a chance for her dream of a home and family of her own. “Yes. I think that’s a great idea. I sure hope he says yes, or all this will have been for nothing." 

“Let’s pray that God will touch this young man’s heart and make a way for you, dear.” 

The three of them kneeled back at the altar, hand in hand. Pastor Long and Haddie did just that, praying for their charge and friend. After the final amen, Hattie got up and hugged them both and headed for the door. Her heart feeling lighter of the burden she had carried into the service that morning. As she was exiting the church, she heard Pastor Long speak to his daughter. “I expect you to bring me this young man’s letters when we get home, Daughter. We must talk about why you kept this a secret from me.” 

“Yes, Father.” 

The rest was lost to the noise of the busy streets of Chicago.

Joshua

Joshua sighed. Yesterday he had sent wires to each of the pastors with the funds, to be given to all ten of the brides. They would catch the train that would meet with the last stagecoach before they became unreliable because of the unpredictability of a heavy snowfall. 

It was late September already, and they were already pushing it. Snow could fall at any time. What caused his sigh was the letter just delivered to him from his own potential bride. What it said was heart wrenching. He looked at it once again.

My Dearest Joshua, 

I know you just got a letter from me and that this one will be a surprise to you. I wish that was the reason I was writing to you, to surprise you. It isn’t. I have a friend here who has been an indentured servant to one of our most notorious brothels. She has worked there since she was twelve as a scullery maid and cook’s helper. 

However, she turns twenty-one on the day the train is supposed to bring us Chicago ladies to you. After that she will be forced to go from indentured servant to one of the brothel’s working girls. She is a member of my father’s church and a good friend. She has tried, unsuccessfully, to find a job here. The owner of the brothel is a man of significant influence and has threatened every merchant with ruin, or worse, if they hire her. 

His intention is to, in her words, “train her to be one of his girls, himself, for a month, then put her to work as a whore.”

She came to me and my father and God asking for help out of this trap. I thought of your need for godly young women to marry eligible men. She doesn’t have time to write back and forth, but if someone would provide her fare and upkeep, she would be willing to court, with a view towards marriage, when she got there. I know this is a lot to ask, but she is like a sister to me and I can’t stand the thought of her being forced to become one of those women. Please, do you think it possible to help her escape and find a godly man as a husband? 

I also had to tell my father of our correspondence. While he isn’t thrilled, he is accepting of my coming to meet you. He only asks that we hold off on a wedding and invite him to attend, if we decide to marry. That surprised me. 

I thought he’d be more upset with the unusual way we are courting. Seems he went and talked to your friends, Andy and Linda Jackson. They assured him you are an honest and respectable man of God. Let me know soonest if you can help my friend. 

Your future wife (hopefully), 

Haddie

Joshua sighed again. This was a mess. He had no time to find another potential groom, yet he wanted to help this girl out. It ignited the rage that he had felt as the youngest Texas Ranger. The boy who had set out to avenge his family’s slaughter at the hand of outlaws. 

How could men like the brothel owner be allowed to operate with such impunity? Especially in a place as cultured as Chicago. He could see that happening in the west, where there were fewer lawmen and laws. But it should not be possible in a city like Chicago. 

To think this girl had spent her most impressionable years growing up in such an environment and yet still found a way to the Lord and His grace and forgiveness. Astonishing! Yes, he would help this girl get out here, himself. 

It would make him dip into the funds that Nugget Nate had sent to him just before his death. Funds Nate had told him he’d know when to use. This seemed like the time. 

But how would he let Haddie know? A letter wouldn’t reach her in time. He needed to talk to Mrs. Williams. Maybe she would know what to do. Maybe they could send someone to escort all the women here, but who? Anyway, he’d ride out to the Williams’ farm and see what idea she might have about this whole situation. 

Mrs. Williams

Myrtle Williams was kneading bread dough when she heard a horse approaching from town. It was a single horse, not a horse and buggy, so it wasn’t one of the church ladies coming to visit. She couldn’t really stop at this stage, so she would just have to wait and see who appeared in her open doorway. Myrtle looked to make sure her husband’s old rifle was near at hand, just in case. It surprised her to see Pastor Bryce standing in the door frame, knocking. 

“Joshua, come in. What brings you out here in the middle of the week? Is someone sick? Was there a death? Do I need to organize the Ladies?”

Joshua took off his Stetson as he entered the house. She still found it amusing that the preacher dressed more like the Texas Ranger he used to be, than the head of their church. Only time they saw him in his suit and tie was on Sunday, the rest of the week he was in denim pants and a canvas double breasted shirt. Even on Sundays, he wore the boots that were standard with cowboys and lawmen in the west. Only thing missing was the silver star and six gun. Though knowing Joshua, the gun and rifle were probably on his horse. 

“No, nothing like that, Mrs. Williams. I just needed your thoughts on a problem that I’ve been made aware of.” 

“Oh? And what would that be?”

Joshua reached a hand inside his shirt and pulled out an envelope. “The young lady that I’ve been corresponding with, sent me an urgent request. Will you read it?” 

With one last fist into the dough, Myrtle set it aside to breathe and rise. “If you want me to. I must say that is a surprise. Glenn hasn’t even let me see one of his letters, if he is getting letters.” 

Joshua smiled, “You know I can’t tell you if he has or hasn’t. But this is not Haddie’s usual letter. Please read it and then we can talk.”

Myrtle took the letter and motioned the young preacher out onto the porch. She would sit in the rocker her husband had made her, and he could sit on the stairs if he wanted. She settled into the chair and took the letter out of the envelope and began to read. As the words agitated her, she rocked faster and harder with the emotions brought about by the letter. When she was done, she looked up at Joshua. “Well, obviously we must help this young woman.”

“Yes, I came to the same conclusion. However, there isn’t time to find a man who might want to court her to pay her way. That isn’t the problem, however.” Joshua paused then continued, “You know who brought me back to God and sponsored me through Bible School?”

“Yes, of course, Nate Ryder.” 

“Yes, well, he left me some funds right before his death, with a note that said there would come a time when I'd know to use them. I think this is that time. I’ll pay for her to come out here and stay, but she must leave on the same train as the other three coming from Chicago.”

“Okay. What is the problem?” 

“I can transfer the funds in time, but there is no way I can get a letter to Haddie letting her know about the funds in time for them to use them.” 

Myrtle laughed. “Is that your big problem? Letting them know the funds are there?”

“Yes.”

“Joshua, how are you going to get them the funds?” 

“I’ll wire them, of course.” 

“That’s your answer. Send your young lady a telegram.”

The preacher hung his head in embarrassment. “Of course. Now why didn’t I think of that?”

Myrtle stood up and walked over to the young man leaning on her porch rail and patted his arm in a motherly way. “Because you are used to writing letters to the young lady and didn’t think of the quicker, yet more expensive way. Are you sure you have enough funds to cover this young woman’s travel and stay?” 

“Honestly, I have more than enough. You knew Nate. He did nothing in small measures.”

“That’s true, the man did everything large. Well, see if you can find out this girl’s name. She is the only one someone doesn’t know here. I want to make sure she is welcomed properly.” 

“I’ll ask, but I doubt Haddie’s father will spring for a telegram. From what she says, he is very frugal.”

“We should be thankful, then, that she will have your young lady with her.” 

“That’s true. Thanks for your counsel, Myrtle. As always, it was spot on.” 

“Glad to help Joshua. See you Sunday.” 

She watched as the pastor turned his horse back towards town and smiled as she saw both the gun belt, with his Colt Peacemaker hanging off the saddle horn, and his Winchester rifle in the saddle boot. 

He trotted up the lane until he passed out of their entrance and then kicked his horse into a gallop. No doubt eager to get that telegram sent to his sweetheart.

Five

Hattie

As the sun rose, Hattie woke. She could have slept in a little bit because today was her twenty-first birthday. Today she was free, her indentured service ended. A lady from the orphanage had come to see her yesterday and brought her the papers that said she was no longer in bondage to them. 

Now she was ready for her new life, far away from Chicago and Papa John Torrio and his plans for her. Ever since her friend, Haddie, had shown her the telegram stating that her way to Sanctuary was covered, she had worked hard to be ready to leave. The train would be pulling out of the station at noon. She had snuck her clothes out of her room, one outfit at a time, and left them at Pastor Long and Haddie’s house. Haddie had even made her a few more suitable dresses, so she wouldn’t need to take the plain gray work dresses she wore every day. She needed to let the cook know she was going to town to celebrate her birthday, so that Papa John wouldn’t be concerned when he couldn’t find her today. By the time he got concerned, she’d be long gone. 

She got up and dressed in her blue church dress. It was the only clothing she hadn’t taken to Haddie’s, because she wanted to wear it today. She was going to pin her hair up but decided instead to quickly braid it and then pin up the braid in a twist at the back of her head. Then, she pulled on her bonnet and raced down to the kitchen. Where she found the cook. “Well, don’t you look pretty, lassie. Where are you heading this fine da’?”

“It’s my twenty-first birthday, Cook. I’m going to go celebrate in town.” 

“Lookee here, gel, you be careful and don’t go doing anything that will upset Papa John. I already got orders to have your things moved to his rooms.”

“Oh, I’m just going to spend the day looking at the sites and eat in one of those restaurants everyone's always talking about. Nothing fancy, but fancy for me.” Hattie hated to lie to the woman who had looked after her and helped teach her to cook, but she was loyal to her employer and if she thought for one second Hattie was escaping, she’d tell Papa John in a minute.

“Well, happy birthday, lass. Have fun.” 

“I will. Goodbye, Cook.” 

The old lady waved her off. “Go on with ya, now.”

Hattie turned and walked to the door and was outside before she could be stopped. She didn’t know if Papa John would try to have someone follow her, so she went into town and wandered around the shops for a while, looking to see if she recognized anyone that worked for him. After about an hour not seeing anyone, she headed for the church and, more specifically, the parsonage behind it. 

She knocked on the door and was surprised when a red-eyed Pastor Long answered and stepped out, shutting the door behind him. “Hattie, happy birthday, my dear. Are you ready to leave?” 

Hattie frowned. “Yes, sir. I just need to get my suitcase from your parlor and then Haddie and I can go meet the others.”

“I have your suitcase in the buggy already, but Haddie isn’t going to be able to go with you. She is very sick. I had the doctor come over last night because she is burning up with fever.” 

“Oh no! Is it serious?”

“Yes, it is! He thinks it is scarlet fever and could be fatal. But, even if it isn’t, she won’t be able to travel for some time. She told me to tell you to use her ticket, as it’s already purchased. I have the funds for your food and your stage fare in this envelope.” He handed it to her. “This may be a good thing. Now you won’t have to purchase a ticket when you get to the train station and leave a clue for Mr. Torrio to follow. She did ask you to explain to her intended that she will follow with the spring train. The Good Lord willing.”

The two of them got in the pastor’s buggy and he drove them over to Pastor Jackson’s church. Once there, Pastor Long gave Hattie a quick hug and said a prayer of protection and one of blessing over her. “Make sure you write to us and let us know how things are going. I may come out with Haddie in the spring, just to meet this young man of hers and maybe of yours, too.”

“Thank you, Pastor Long, for everything. Tell Haddie I’m praying for her and will let Pastor Bryce know what happened.” 

“Thank you, young lady. Now get inside the church. I believe you’ll find Pastor Jackson and his wife there, as well as the other ladies going to Montana Territory with you.”

Hattie climbed down and took her suitcase. She had put the envelope with the ticket and money in her reticule on the ride over. She took a deep breath and entered the church through the side door Pastor Long had pointed to. As the door closed behind her, a woman, just a few years older than her, looked up and smiled. “Hello, can I help you?” 

“Yes ma’am. Pastor Long brought me over. I’m going to Sanctuary on the train.”

“Oh, you must be Haddie’s friend. Where is Haddie?” 

“She is sick. Pastor Long said the doctor thinks it’s Scarlet Fever. She won’t be going till spring, if then.”

The woman gasped. “Oh, the poor dear. I’ll have to go see if I can help them, after we get you ladies to the train. “What’s your name, dear? Haddie never told me.”

Hattie laughed, “That’s funny. I know why she didn’t, and you are going to understand why it’s funny. My name is Hattie Long.” 

The woman’s mouth dropped open. “Are you kidding with me?” 

“Oh, no, ma’am. Haddie and I call ourselves almost twins. It surprised us the first time as well.”

“Well, that is quite a coincidence. I’m sure the Good Lord enjoyed putting the two of you together.” She reached out and put her arm around Hattie. “I’m Linda Jackson. Let me introduce you to your travel companions. Three other ladies are heading to Sanctuary to be brides.” They stepped into a room behind the sanctuary that was obviously the pastor’s study. “Okay, ladies, change of plans. One of our travelers has taken sick, so just Hattie will be joining you. Hattie is part of Reverend Long’s church and is going to Sanctuary to meet a husband as well. Hattie, this is Virginia Snow.”

Linda pointed to a very shy looking woman, about Linda’s age, who spoke so softly, Hattie almost didn’t hear her. “Hello.”

“Next is Nellie Clark.” 

“Hi, there. Isn’t this exciting?” Nellie was a bit on the plump side and her hair was a darker blonde than Virginia’s. She was very excited and almost bouncy. 

“Then there’s Josephine Wrigley.” 

“Hello, my dear.” Josephine obviously came from money. She was dressed in a fashionable travel gown of forest green that set off the red color of her auburn hair and highlighted the emerald green of her eyes. Instead of a bonnet, she wore a very small hat that was stuck to her hair by a hairpin of a dragonfly, also in jade and emerald stones. 

“You all can get acquainted better on the train. Pastor Bryce has informed us that he contacted the rail line and asked that all the girls traveling to Sanctuary be put in the same sleeper car. Each of you has a berth there, and you will be meeting some young women from two other churches further east, who have agreed to become brides, as well. 

“Remember, none of you are under any obligation to marry the man who brought you there. You will be staying together at the boarding house, known locally as the Bride House. Apparently, they built it just for you ladies. 

“Oh, except for you two, Josephine and Nellie. You both agreed to meet large landowners, who live some ways from town. I understand you will be married, but not expected to fulfill your marital duties till after the spring thaw. At which time, you or your spouse can have the marriage dissolved if things don’t work out.”

Just then, a tall, thin man entered the room. “I have everyone’s bags on the wagon, ladies. Well, except for that suitcase there.” He picked up Hattie’s suitcase and, with a wave of his hand towards the door, said, “After you, ladies. Your adventure awaits.” 

The women gathered around Hattie and they all headed out and climbed in the wagon. They chatted amongst themselves and Linda chatted with Hattie, asking what more she knew about the situation at the Longs’. Soon they were at the station and being loaded into the sleeper car, where they met six other ladies. Three from Philadelphia and three from Richmond. 

Hattie went to her berth and quickly closed the shade, hoping that no one that worked for Papa John had seen her and noticed her. She didn’t leave the berth or even breathe easy, until she heard the whistle and the call of “ALL ABOARD.” Even then, she remained tense until the train picked up speed and moved away from Chicago, into the countryside heading west. She’d done it! She was free!

Joshua

It was October twentieth, and there were thick clouds building on the horizon. The temperature and clouds brought the threat of snowfall. Thankfully, today was the day that the stagecoaches with the first set of brides was supposed to arrive. Haddie would arrive. 

Finally, after three months of letters, he would get to meet the woman he hoped to marry. There were several men roaming around town, as nervous as long-tailed cats in a room full of rocking chairs.

Most would just meet their ladies today, escort them to the Bride House and set up their first courting appointment. 

Three of them would be married this afternoon, as their husbands-to-be lived far enough out that getting in during the winter was, at times, impossible and at others tricky, at the least. However, all three men had agreed to separate sleeping arrangements and no marital duties, until both parties were satisfied that the marriage would work. 

The men were all honorable and would keep their word with no extra incentive. However Joshua reminded them he had been the Texas Ranger with the bloodiest reputation. They’d each laughed, but he knew they understood what he was saying. If any of them forced those women they would answer to him. 

But today, he got to meet Haddie. To finally put a face to the feelings that were already growing in his heart. Having her here would appease the Deacon board, as well. At least they’d see her and him courting and moving towards marriage. That should help with the situation of them wanting him to find a wife. He’d have her work alongside Mrs. Williams to take over the Ladies’ Aid Society and other duties that his wife would be expected to help with in the community. 

Oh, and he needed to make sure he and Mrs. Williams made Haddie’s friend feel comfortable. They still hadn’t found a man to court her, but he thought Louis DeLaney, the blacksmith, might take an interest in a girl who could cook like a restaurant chef. But first things first. 

He checked himself in the mirror in his office. He was in his preacher’s suit and that infernal tie. But he’d wear the Stetson when he went to meet the stagecoaches. His people would overlook it, and the new ladies may as well get used to him being different from what they were used to a preacher being. 

He stepped out the door of the church and saw that most of the town was moving towards the stage depot. Everyone wanted a look at the Mail-Order Brides from back east. Joshua shook his head. He’d better try to thin out the crowd a bit. 

Joshua stepped into the street in front of the crowd on the boardwalk. “Alright, everyone. I know you are all curious to see the women who chose to come marry our eligible men, but we don’t want to scare them away. If you don’t have a bride on the stage, or someone else you’re supposed to meet, or aren’t with a groom, please spread out around town. Go to the mercantile or the diner. Both are on the way to the Bride House. I promise we will have a dance at the Williams’ tonight, if the snow holds off, so everyone can meet the ladies then.”

The sheriff nodded at Joshua and started thinning out the crowd. “Y’all heard the preacher. Go on, unless you got direct business with the stage. We want these ladies to stay and marry these fellas, not hightail it back east.” 

Everyone laughed and moved off. The sound of a horse coming into town from the west was heard and Joshua, out of habit, looked up to see what kind of trouble was heading their way. Some habits die hard. 

He noticed the sheriff and deputy do the same thing. Both relaxed as they saw who it was. However, Joshua didn’t. Greg Williams, long-lost son and brother, was home, just as his brother’s future bride was supposed to arrive. He looked around and saw Myrtle but didn’t see Glenn. Oh boy, this could be really bad. 

He walked over to Mrs. Williams, “Did you know Greg was coming home today?” 

Her mouth was set in a firm line, “No, I didn’t. I just came to settle Glenn’s girl into the Bride House.”

“Where’s Glenn?”

“He’s trying to get the last of the fields plowed under before the snow comes. He was going to meet me in town for dinner with Lyla and meet her then. You know Glenn. He felt if he had something to do with his hands and mouth when he met her, it would be better.”

“So is Greg going to mess things up?” 

“Preacher, I hope not. Those two are as competitive as they come. If he knows Lyla is here to court Glenn, he might just try to win her away. I reckon all we can do is pray and steer him away, if we can.” 

“Well, there is Haddie’s friend. Maybe she could keep his attention off Lyla. She has to be pretty to have the problem she had back in Chicago.” 

“Let’s pray for God’s help here.”

“Better go greet your son, because here come the stages. Looks like two coaches and a wagon.”

“Yep, go meet your Haddie, Joshua. I’ll take care of my boy and Lyla, too.”

Joshua nodded and headed back to the depot, as Myrtle Williams reached out and pulled her long-lost son into a hug.

Six

Hattie

Hattie sat in the coach and looked out the window. Finally, the scenery was changing. For the first two days, after they got off the train in Billings, everything seemed so flat and the same; just mile after mile of prairie, as far as the eye could see. Then yesterday, as they stopped for the night, they could see some hills and mountains in the distance. Finally, they were traveling through those hills and the driver had told them they’d reach Sanctuary just on the other side of the next hill. 

Hattie didn’t know how it had happened, or why she had felt the urging of God not to correct it, but the other nine brides had all started deferring to her as their unofficial leader. She had a feeling that they had gotten her confused with Pastor Long’s daughter, since their names were the same, except for spelling. She had almost set them straight several times, but each time had felt the Holy Spirit say wait. Well, that would all be over soon. 

When they arrived in Sanctuary, she was sure that Haddie’s beau would set them straight. She just prayed they wouldn’t be upset with her. They started down the hill. Hattie looked ahead and could see the town, nestled in a wide valley between the hills.

 The church, with its steeple, sat almost at the foot of the next hill. A large house that looked like something out of the Deep South with several large white pillars on a long porch sat further up the hill, looking down on the town. 

While definitely not a city like Chicago, it seemed like a nice little town. She felt the last of her anxiety slip away. She was finally free of Papa John Torrio, and the future looked pretty. Hattie heard a sigh from the other side of the coach and looked at the frown on Josephine Wrigley. 

“Not much of a town, is it?”

They all looked at her, waiting for her response. “Well, it isn’t Chicago, but we knew it wouldn’t be. Remember why we came here, ladies. Not for the shopping but to find a husband and start a family. I think this will be a good place to do that, don’t you?”

They all nodded, and even Josephine smiled. “I’m so glad you are with us, Hattie. You know just how to make us see what’s important. Thank you.” 

Hattie smiled as all the girls agreed and thanked her. This was not what she had wanted. Haddie was going to be their pastor’s wife. She should be who they were looking to for encouragement. Not some orphan from the brothels, like her. She hoped they wouldn’t be too mad when they found out she wasn’t the Haddie they thought she was. She needed to tell them their mistake. 

Before she could say anything, the stagecoach pulled to a stop. And the driver called out, “Sanctuary, ladies. End of the line for ya.” 

The girls all looked at her again. “You heard him. End of the line, ladies. Time to meet your beaus and start the first day of our new lives.” 

They each nodded and the girl from Philadelphia, Lyla, opened the door. They all climbed out, one by one, with Hattie bringing up the rear. She took the hand offered to help her down and looked up into the face of the most handsome man she’d ever seen. 

He was smartly dressed in a black suit and tie on a simple white shirt. His shoulders were wide and she could feel the power behind his grip, even as he cradled her hand in it. His smile was infectious and, if she hadn’t been smiling already, she wouldn’t have been able to stop one from forming. 

His gray eyes had small flecks of gold it looked like around the outside. They seemed to pull her in, as if magnetic. His hair, what she could see of it, was almost as dark as hers, a more dark walnut than raven’s black. Topped with the biggest cowboy hat she had ever seen. It, too, was brown but a shade or two lighter than his hair. His voice was a deep, rich timbre that turned her knees to jelly, as he looked her in the eye. “Welcome to Sanctuary, Miss.”

She heard herself squeak out a hasty, “Thank You.”

Then, all the girls gathered around her from both coaches, as the wagon with their luggage moved on up the street to a two story white building with a wraparound porch. The man noticed where she was looking. “That’s the boarding house for you ladies. Several of the town’s folk have offered to unload your luggage into the front parlor.” 

She took a breath and looked back at the man. “Thank you, again.” 

“You’re very welcome.” 

Then the man seemed to shake himself a bit and stepped up onto the boardwalk in front of the stage office. Looked like he was in charge of the town’s side of things. She hoped he was looking for a wife and that none of these women were his intended.

Joshua

Joshua helped each lady from the first coach out onto the street, with a hand and a simple welcome to Sanctuary. He saw the sheriff doing the same at the second coach. As he took the hand of the last woman in his coach, his heart did a flip. 

Unlike the others, who had been looking all around, this lady looked him in his eye as he welcomed her and it mesmerized him. She had eyes the likes of which he had never seen before. They were violet, but next to the blue dress she was wearing; they looked almost lavender. Her hair was pinned up under a simple white sunbonnet, but a few strands had come undone and hung in a loose spiral alongside her face. They were the darkest black he had ever seen on someone who wasn’t an Indian. 

Her small button nose complemented her archer’s bow-shaped lips that were the color of a sun-ripened cherry. She was gorgeous, but you could tell she didn’t know she was. 

Her smile was genuine and went all the way to her eyes. Her voice sounded smooth as honey as she thanked him for his help. He knew her feet were on the ground and he should have let go of her hand, but his body didn’t seem to want to obey his brain. He finally got his fingers working so that they released her, just as she turned to watch the wagon of luggage move to the Bride House. “That’s the boarding house for you ladies. Some town’s folk have offered to unload your luggage into the front parlor of the boarding house.”  

She turned back to him and his breath caught in his throat again, at the feelings her simple smile did to him. He was smitten. Dear Lord, please let this be his Haddie or he was in trouble. 

He smiled at her and then shook himself free from her lasso of a gaze. He had to put some distance between himself and the beauty before him. As he did so, he noticed the women all gathered around her and she soothed them without a word, like a mother hen gathering her chicks to her. She was a natural leader. 

Oh, this had to be Haddie. She was perfect for the role of pastor’s wife. He shook himself from his thoughts and stepped up on the boardwalk, facing the crowd of ladies and locals. 

“Ladies, let me officially welcome you to Sanctuary. I’m Pastor Bryce, and we are so glad to finally have you here with us. Several of the men standing around are the gentlemen you’ve been writing to for the past few months. Some others are family to those men. Some, honestly, are just curious citizens wanting to get a look at the eastern ladies who would be adventurous enough to come west based on just a few letters and a promise of a future.” 

“I’m going to have the men you’ve been writing to step forward and tell you their names. If you would approach your fella, he will escort you to the boarding house we locals call ‘the Bride House.’”

That brought about several chuckles from both the town’s folks and the women from the east. 

Joshua smiled and shrugged. “What can I say? We aren’t very creative. Anyway, they will escort you to the house. Those who are to get married this afternoon, will be given time to freshen up and change into wedding attire. The rest of you are free to settle into a room. The men, I’m sure, will take the opportunity to set up a time to meet with you for the start of your face-to-face courtship.” 

“Please, gentlemen, remember you need to also arrange a suitable chaperone for all outings. I promised each of these lady’s pastors, back east, that we would do everything to protect their reputations. If I hear you’ve broken that trust, you will answer to me. Okay, enough speech making. Gentlemen, come on up and state your name, then move off to the side so your ladies can find you.” 

Joshua took his own advice and walked off to the side. He had just stepped off the boardwalk, when the angel with the violet eyes approached him. He started thanking God she was Haddie. As she approached him, she wasn’t smiling anymore. 

“Is there someplace private we can talk, Reverend Bryce?” 

He looked at her. “It’s Joshua. Are you Haddie?” 

“Please, we really need to talk. But I don’t want to have the other ladies overhear. Is there somewhere less public?” 

He looked at her for a minute. She was silently chewing on her bottom lip and he couldn’t miss the tears in her eyes. “We can talk at the church, but I need to go get us a chaperone.” 

“I really want to speak to you alone.”

He shook his head. “I can see that, but I can’t be breaking my own rules, right after I gave them. I promise, the person I’ll get will be discreet. She is the current head of our Ladies’ Aid Society and not given to gossip.” 

“I understand. That’s fine. I’ll meet you at the church then.” 

She turned and walked away. Joshua looked around for Mrs. Williams and saw her and Greg talking to one bride. Must be Glenn’s beau. 

Joshua walked over and touched Myrtle on the shoulder. “Excuse me for interrupting.” 

Myrtle smiled at him. “Joshua, have you met Lyla Dunston, yet? She is the lady who has been corresponding with Glenn.”

Joshua smiled at the blonde girl. “It’s nice to meet you. I hope your trip wasn’t too hard?” 

“Oh, no. I thought it was long, but it was very fun. Hattie has encouraged us all to think of it as an adventure, and I must admit that I liked the idea very much.” 

“Well, that’s good, then. I hate to impose but, Mrs. Williams, one lady has asked to speak to me in private. I’ve sent her to the church, but by the rules we all agreed to, I need you to act as chaperone for a bit. I know you wanted to help Lyla get settled at the Bride House.” 

Greg spoke up as his mother started to object. “I can escort Miss Lyla to the Bride House, Ma. You can catch up with her once the pastor is done with you.”

Joshua watched the look that Myrtle gave her son, and he wasn’t unaware of the look that passed between Lyla and Greg either. Oh boy, he thought, this could be a problem. But before he could back out, Myrtle turned to him. “Seems like I can chaperone for a bit.” 

She looked at her son, “Greg, take your brother’s bride to the Bride House and then head home. You and Glenn need to talk about your stay.”

She turned and walked with Joshua towards the church. “This is going to be a problem, you know.”

Joshua nodded. “I can see that. She seems to be taken with the wrong brother.”

Myrtle noted. “I told Glenn that he needed to come meet her himself. I can only pray that when she meets Glenn, she will understand that he’s the better catch. Now, what seems to be the matter here?” 

“I don’t know, honestly. I know this is my Haddie, but she didn’t seem to be thrilled when she found out who I was. I can only pray she hasn’t decided she doesn’t want to court with me. I don’t think the deacons will allow me to start over again.”

Mrs. Williams stopped just before they got to the church steps. “Joshua, there were only ten women on the stages. Maybe this has to do with her friend.” 

“Maybe.” 

Joshua held out his hand to help Mrs. Williams up the steps to the church. Haddie was sitting in the last row. It shocked him when he saw the tears running down her face. The sight sent an icy chill of dread running down his spine. This didn’t look good. Not at all.

Seven

Hattie

Hattie watched as the pastor walked away. She turned and started walking toward the church, as the tears fell from her face. Oh, for the first time, she wished she was not Hattie Long the orphan, but Haddie Long the pastor’s daughter and intended bride. Her heart was breaking for the love she knew wasn’t hers. 

He was everything she could have imagined the perfect man to be; exceedingly handsome, funny, authoritative, and he was her best friend’s, not hers. Once she explained everything, then he would treat her just like he did all the other brides, as someone under his care and protection. 

There was a part of her that wanted to lie and just say “Yes, I’m Haddie Long, your intended” and get married before Haddie could recover. But she knew that was wrong on so many levels. So, she sat in her normal spot in the church, the last row, and waited. To have to make her confession in front of another person was going to be hard. 

At least I hadn’t declared my love to him. How could it be love, anyway? She argued with herself. I just barely set eyes on him. Yes, but something happened, I know it did. Don’t deny what he does to me, how he makes me feel. It doesn’t matter. He isn’t for me. He is Haddie’s. Sweet, kind, lucky Haddie. 

Before she could get herself under control, the sound of people coming up the steps sounded in the empty sanctuary. She did her best to dry her eyes. Then she glimpsed him, and the waterworks started again. 

The woman with him moved to her and placed a hand on her arm, lifting her out of the pew and pulling her into an embrace. “Are you alright, my dear?” 

Hattie looked up into the kindly face and nodded. “Yes, please don’t mind me. It’s just been a rough few months for me. I’m sorry, it all got away from me.”

The woman patted her back before releasing her. “I understand. The trip alone would be enough to stress a young lady to tears.” 

“Oh, no, that isn’t it. I loved the trip, it was such a wonderful adventure.” 

Joshua moved over beside the woman. “This is Mrs. Williams. She will stay at the Bride House with all you ladies. She has appointed herself your local mother, I guess you would say.

“Now, you said you needed to speak to me and you’ve yet to tell me who you are. I’m sure I’ve figured that out already. No other woman approached me, so you have to be Haddie Long.” 

Hattie shook her head. “I’m sorry, Pastor Bryce, but I’m not the girl you’ve been writing to. My name is Hattie Long, but I’m not your Haddie Long. I’m the friend she wrote to you about.”

“I don’t understand. If you’re her friend, how can you be Haddie Long?”

“We have the same name, but aren’t related. I’m actually a year older than Haddie. She spells her name H-a-d-d-i-e, mine is spelled H-a-t-t-i-e. We have been friends and almost sisters since we met because of it. I have been asked by her to explain why she isn’t here.”

That was a preview of The Pastor's Replacement Bride. To read the rest purchase the book.

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