The Duke and The Duchess (8 page)

Elizabeth had been out for the evening and had no idea what was going on in her home. She did not have a care in the world at the moment except to find the most eligible bachelor in the room. She was now 18 and most girls her age were already married. She had not even been looking for marriage, she did not believe in love. Her father had brought up to her, it was time she became a nun or found a husband.

She looked around the room and saw Charley talking with his friends. They had been friends since they were toddlers. She figured he was better than nothing. As she walked over to where Charley was, Sarah came in between them and took him on the floor to dance. She figured she would just talk to Charley tomorrow. She had been at the party for over 4 hours and was tired, she just wanted to go home.

She requested a cab and got her wrap to head out. Charley came up behind her and took her by the elbow. She looked up at him with her dark green eyes and smiled. He asked for his coat and escorted her to the cab. As he opened the door for her, the snow had just begun to fall. The holidays were just around the corner and Elizabeth thought it would be a very nice Christmas gift for her parents if she could tell them her and Charley were to marry in the spring.

“Charley will you be at home tomorrow?” She asked as he began to shut the door.

“Yes, I will be home after 5 Miss Elizabeth.” He answered, “Do you wish for me to call on you?”

“Yes, I would like to talk to you.” She smiled as brightly as she could under the circumstances. “I will see you tomorrow.”

He nodded his head and went back in to the party as the cab drove off. He wanted to talk to her as well. He wanted to let her know of his engagement to Sarah. He and Elizabeth had been friends for as long as he could remember. He wanted her to be the first to know.

Elizabeth saw the fire trucks racing past the cab. She had no idea what was going on. Watching out the window, she saw they were headed in the direction of her home. As the cab got closer, she saw her childhood home up in flames. Panicking, she looked around for her family. Racing out of the cab, she was stopped by a policeman who held her back. Terror ran through her veins as she looked at the inferno. There was nothing anyone could do. The house was gone.

Charley’s family took her in for the evening. She had lost everything in the fire, including her family. The doctor had given her a sedative to help her sleep. She was not sure what she was going to do now. Everything she had known was now gone. She tried to stay up for Charley and could not, the sedative worked through her system and soon she was sound asleep. When she woke the next morning Charley was gone and a man was there to see Elizabeth. Her father’s lawyer.

She sat at the kitchen table and listened to his words. He explained to her that her father had lost everything and was just about to lose the house. So there was nothing for her. She would be without means. She shook her head in disbelief that this could happen. What was she to do now?

Once Charley did come home, he found her in tears. She explained that her father had nothing, she had nothing. He listened sympathetically and told her that he knew she would be able to stay with his family until she got on her feet. It was then Elizabeth suggested marriage. Charley took a deep breath and looked at her.

“I was going to talk to you about that.” He started. “Look, Elizabeth, I was going to tell you today, Sarah and I are to marry in the spring.”

“I see.” Was all Elizabeth could say. What else could she say?

“Well you could always move out west and find you a husband.” Charley tried to make a joke.

“That is not even funny.” She hit Charley in the arm and shook her head.

“I know, I am sorry.” He responded, “It was in poor taste. Look Elizabeth, you can always work in a guest house. They would let you live there for free.”

“Work as a maid?” She spat back, “Really, work at a maid?”

“Look it is just an idea.” Charley answered. “I can ask around for you.”

“I think I would rather be a mail order bride and move out west.” She stated clearly. “A maid. I can’t believe you.”

As the month passed, Elizabeth thought more about what Charley had said about moving out west. She knew that she could only stay with Charley and his family until after the holidays. They had been kind enough to allow her to stay for as long as they had. She did not wish to wear out her welcome. Charley’s mother, Mae had begun to teach Elizabeth how to keep a house, how to cook simple meals. She wanted Elizabeth to be able to get a job soon.

Mae had her hands full with her large family and though Elizabeth did not understand why she just could not stay there and help Mae. She had even brought that up to Charley. He mentioned that he and Sarah would be living with his family, so Sarah would be able to help Mae with the household chores. He would slip Elizabeth money as he could. As the holidays drew closer, Elizabeth took her money and went to the papers.

Her words were simple, ‘Marriage for Sale, Can cook, clean and tend to children’. She had it placed in the papers in the west. From Texas to Montana and each state in between. She did not expect a message back, however one day there was a letter that she received in the mail. It was post marked Colorado. As she opened it, she saw it was a woman’s handwriting.

Dear Miss Marriage for Sale,

      I saw your classified in the paper that my husband runs here in a small town called Lamar. We are a small town, mostly a cattle town. I am writing on behalf of a young man we have here that is in need of a wife. His wife passed away 4 months ago when she gave birth to their son.  He is a wonderful man and very much like a son to me.

     His name is Brad and he has 300 acres of land with cattle on it. Mr. Evens and I run the local general store and would be able to send for you after the holidays. Travel in the winter can be rather difficult in these parts. It would take you about a month of travel in a coach to get to us. I saw you were in Boston and Mr. Evens and I discussed this great detail.

     It is not an easy life, though there are perks. The sunrises are beautiful and the sunsets remind you that this is God’s country. We are not close to any big cities like Boston, however we manage with what we have. If you need help, I would extend my hand to you for such. In time I would hope you would fall in love with Brad as we have. We consider him much like our own and the passing of Mary Anne was devastating to him. He continues because of Wyatt, his son.

    I do hope to hear back from you Miss Marriage for Sale. I don’t know what else to call you since that was in the post. I don’t know if you have received any other offers, if not, please consider ours.

Kindest regards,

Mrs. Julie Evens

Elizabeth read the words over and over. She would have to leave in January and hope the snow would not be such an issue. It was the only letter she had received. She did not have many other options. She did not wish to be a maid in a boarding house. This man was in great need it sounded like and Mrs. Evens came across very nice in her words. How much harder could it be for Elizabeth to take care of a man and a child in the west than helping Mae with her household?

She took the letter and showed it to Charley. He smiled at the fact that she had taken his advice. He gave a slight chuckle and handed the letter back to her.

“Well it would be an instant family.” He finally said, “Did Mrs. Evens send a photo of Brad?”

“No.” She answered, “I just got the letter in the mail. What do you think? A month to travel there. That is a long trip. Couldn’t I take the train?”

“Maybe the train has not made it that far yet.” Charley responded. “It could be that they could not afford a train ticket.”

“Well, Charley.” She began, “Couldn’t I borrow it from you so I could take the train if it does go that way?”

“I will see how much it will cost.” He answered. “I would give it to you as a wedding gift.”

Elizabeth hugged Charley, she did not know what to expect in this town of Lamar, Colorado. She left the room and went to write Mrs. Evens that she would be coming. They could write letters until the day that she left. She asked about the train and if it had come through the town yet. The month passed by quickly and Elizabeth had saved enough money that she would be able to have some clothing when she got there and a bit of spending money for the way.

Charley was true to his word. He found that the train did run through Lamar. It would take approximately a week for her to get there. She was given a trunk for Christmas that was full of things for her new home from linens to clothing. She was getting anxious the closer it came to her leaving. Her plans were to leave the last week of January. She was hoping that the move would be a welcome move for everyone.

Charley and Sarah saw Elizabeth off on the train. She promised them she would write. As she left the station her tears began to fall. Everything had moved so quickly. She was not sure about moving out west. Away from everyone and everything she knew. Going to a town where she only knew one person and that was only through letters. The lady she was sitting beside had a small child with her. They made small talk on the trip. It helped to pass the time.

Elizabeth saw the east coast disappear in the background and the land was very different than what she was used to. As the train moved west, it became flatter and the houses became sparse. She tried to sleep, yet it was not easy to sleep sitting up. She knew that Mr. and Mrs. Evens would meet her at the station. As the train came to the stop, Elizabeth looked around.

The town she saw was not much of a town. Mrs. Evens had explained it was a young town. She saw the train depot and two older people waiting by the little station. She figured that must be Mr. and Mrs. Evens. As she stepped off, the lady approached her and smiled.

“You must be Elizabeth.” She said holding out her hand.

Elizabeth looked her up and down. The lady had auburn hair with streaks of grey showing through. The man with her was balding and had very kind eyes. When he shook her hand, his hands were soft. His smile was welcoming and Elizabeth knew at that time, she had made the right decision.

“I am.” Elizabeth answered Mrs. Evens. “You must be Mr. and Mrs. Evens.”

“That we are.” Mrs. Evens smiled brightly. “Now let’s get you settled. Did you have a trunk dear?”

Elizabeth nodded as she looked around. The town was actually larger than she expected. It looked as if it were flourishing in the middle of nowhere. She saw buildings going up and many people walking around. There was a mixture of people there. She saw that main street was full of life. Mr. Evens pointed to the boy that came out of nowhere. He was a young boy, he walked over to the Evens.

“Yeah Pa.” He said.

“Let’s load up Miss. Elizabeth’s trunk.” Mr. Evens stated and walked with the boy to find the trunk.

It was the only one on the platform. They carried it to a horse and buggy that was sitting next to the station. Elizabeth followed Mrs. Evens. As they got in the buggy, Mrs. Evens continued to talk about how the town had come about and some of the local news that was going on. There was not much discussion of Brad yet.

“I want you to meet Brad tonight.” Mrs. Evens said quickly. “We have told him about you, he is excited to meet you. If you two can hit it off well, we can have you married on Saturday. The preacher said he would do it.”

“Saturday?” Elizabeth stammered. “That is two days away.”

“Yes and we will have a huge shindig to celebrate.” Mrs. Evens bubbled. “You are going to like Brad. Now he is a bit rough around the edges, but the boy has a good heart. Even helps him on the farm.”

“Where is this farm Mrs. Evens?” Elizabeth looked around and only saw the town, no farmland.

“It is about 5 miles out.” Mrs. Evens pointed down the street. “His is the first farm outside of the main part of the town.”

“I see.” Elizabeth said as they pulled up in front of a home that looked very much like hers did before it burned down.

“Well, you are with us until the wedding day.” Mrs. Evens stepped down out of the buggy and led the way inside the house. “Come with me to the kitchen. Let’s get dinner ready for the boys.”

Elizabeth followed Mrs. Evens into the kitchen. It was much larger than she expected. As they fixed dinner together, she heard voices in the hallway. She wanted to peek around, however there were still things to get done for the dinner. Mrs. Evens went to set up the table and brought back in a small boy. When Elizabeth turned, she almost dropped the potatoes they had made. She saw a little boy who had a light complexion. He had light blonde hair and the biggest blue eyes she had ever seen.

“Well this here is little Wyatt.” Mrs. Evens held him out to Elizabeth. “Isn’t he adorable?”

Elizabeth held Wyatt close, he grabbed at her auburn hair. She cooed at him and he giggled. There was an immediate connection. Mrs. Evens watched as Elizabeth held him close. Wyatt grabbed at Elizabeth and smiled the whole time. Mrs. Evens knew it was a good match as she carried out the food to the table.

“Well come on Elizabeth.” Mrs. Evens said, “It is time to meet Wyatt’s daddy.”

Elizabeth followed Mrs. Evens out and almost ran right into Brad. She caught her breath when she saw him. He was taller than she had expected, his body was hard from the work he did on the farm. His blonde hair was brushed back and when Elizabeth looked in his eyes, they were just as blue as Wyatt’s.

“Well howdie Ma’am.” He held out his hand. “It seems you have something that belongs to me.”

He reached to take Wyatt from her. She stepped back holding Wyatt tight.

“It is okay.” She said, “He is not a bother.”

“You must be Miss Elizabeth.” He stated.

“That would be me.” She smiled.

She wished she could know what he was thinking as they sat for dinner. Wyatt sat in her lap while they talked. She listened mostly to the conversation that was going on. She wanted to learn more about this place and what Brad would expect of her. They sat side by side and he often would bump his leg against hers. She was not sure if it was an accident or on purpose.

“Well you two seem to get on well.” Mrs. Evens noted as she took Wyatt from Elizabeth to lay him down.

“Why don’t you two go out on the porch and get to know each other better?” Mr. Evens suggested. “I can help mother with the dishes.”

Elizabeth and Brad walked out to the porch and sat down. They were quiet at first. Then Brad started to ask her questions. Many things she had already explained to Mrs. Evens. She explained that she had grown up in Boston, that her family had died in the fire and that is why she had put in the ad. He told her about his wife, the farm and he had moved from Denver to get the free land. They both were trying to make a new life for themselves.

It seemed they had talked for hours before he said he had to get back out to the farm. There were animals to take care of in the morning. She suggested that he leave Wyatt there for the evening. He agreed as they walked out to his wagon. He leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek and she felt goose pimples on her skin. He gave her butterflies.

“Why don’t you come out with Evan tomorrow?” He said before he got up in the wagon. “See the farm. Make sure it is right for you.”

“I would like that Brad.” She said as she walked back to the house.

She turned to look as he drove his wagon away. Going in the house, she was greeted by Mrs. Evens who wanted to find out how things had gone. She could tell by Elizabeth’s face, that things had gone well. She showed Elizabeth to her room. Elizabeth saw the bed and almost fell right into it. She had not slept in a bed since Boston. Changing, she let her long hair down. Brad was everything that Mrs. Evens said and more.