A Bride for the Faithful Groom Read online

  A Bride for the Faithful Groom

  Hearts and Hands Mail Order Bride Agency

  Indiana Wake

  Belle Fiffer

  Contents

  Hearts and Hands Mail Order Bride Agency

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Epilogue

  35 Sweet Western Brides – Preview

  Also by Indiana Wake

  About the Author

  ©Copyright 2018 Indiana Wake

  Hearts and Hands Mail Order Bride Agency

  A Bride for the Faithful Groom

  The tradition of mail order bride’s dates back to 1620 but most of us are more familiar with the 1800s.

  The first mail order bride adverts appeared following the gold rush. Men went West and became prosperous but without the possibility of family they soon became morose. They drank too much and so the first matrimonial adverts began.

  At first men write to their churches, in the hope of finding moral ladies who would take on such an adventure and travel West to become their wives.

  Often the men would offer their hand in marriage in return for the lady coming West. Offers of petticoats, shoes, and caps were also made.

  In time women began to place their own adverts hoping to attract a prosperous man.

  That is where the idea of this series began. Each of the books is a complete tail and they can be read in any order.

  In the first book a young woman is offered a man’s Heart and Hand and from this an idea emerges in her mind.

  Just like the brave pioneers she begins a new life and a hope to bring order and civilisation to a land that needed love and family to make it complete

  I hope you will enjoy these books as much as we have writing them.

  If you missed book 1: The First Bride grab it now.

  Blessings.

  Chapter One

  “Andrea?”

  Andrea looked up. She had been sweeping the floor in the kitchen, dodging around the cook as she hurried about getting things washed up and ready for lunch.

  Their boss, and the owner of the boarding house, was standing in the doorway looking frazzled. An apron was wrapped around her ample waist and she carried a dusty-looking cloth.

  “Yes, Mrs. Buxley?”

  “The people in room nine are just leaving. I’m a bit busy trying to sort out the lounge. Would you mind stripping the beds down and putting fresh linen on?”

  “Of course.” Andrea put the brush aside. “I’m practically done here.”

  Ever since Mary had organized for her friend Amy, Andrea’s cousin, and the rest of the girls to be put up in Mrs. Buxley’s boarding house across the street from the mission station, Andrea had thrown herself into helping out the woman with the cleaning and caring for the other guests. Mrs. Buxley was a very recent widow and while she was a happy, jolly type of person, Andrea could see the sadness behind her eyes. Things were too much for her on her own at the moment.

  Andrea was more than happy to help. She liked to be kept busy and sitting around her room, twiddling her thumbs while she waited for a man to come along and sweep her off her feet was not for her.

  Mrs. Buxley brushed her hair from her eyes and gave Andrea a curious look as the young woman squeezed past her into the foyer.

  “You know, sweetie, I’ve had many girls work for me and none of them have worked as hard and as fast as you.”

  “I like to keep myself busy.”

  “From the speed your work, I’d think you hate to be kept busy and want to get it out the way.”

  Andrea laughed.

  “That’s what my parents used to say. It drove them mad that I could do a long, laborious job in half the time it would take them.”

  “I can imagine.” Mrs. Buxley chuckled as she headed towards the lounge. “You know where the sheets are, my dear.”

  Andrea climbed the stairs. She wasn’t paid for helping out but they got their board and lodgings for free. It was a fair deal and it wiled away the hours. Andrea had always been at home, where her parents thought she couldn’t get into trouble. They wanted her to marry well and then keep house for her new husband, bearing him many children. Andrea didn’t mind that as a life but it had been annoying that she wasn’t allowed to go out to do a job; she had to stay at home. It had driven her mad when she had so much spare time on her hands and all her parents would say was that a lady didn’t go out and work.

  Looking after a boarding house was a joy for her, it kept her busy, even if it didn’t pay.

  Sitting around waiting for a husband was something Andrea really didn’t want to do. She was beginning to think that she didn’t even need a husband. Her family hadn’t given her a chance to do anything beyond looking pretty, and she had got bored of that. If it hadn’t been for the opportunity to move across-country to San Francisco in the hopes of finding a husband, Andrea was sure she would have gone mad.

  It was only the promise of a husband at the end of the journey that had convinced her parents to let her go. That and because her cousin Amy was going.

  For a moment she stopped as a terrible thought came to her. What if her parents found out that she was still unmarried two months after arriving in San Francisco? The guarantee was she would be married within weeks. She knew they would be jumping onto the next train to drag her back. Andrea didn’t want to go back. She was just starting to enjoy her independence. There was no way she was going back to her parents’ home.

  Even unmarried, she had a lot more freedom now.

  Andrea hummed away as she stripped down the double bed in the empty room. Fetching fresh linen and blankets she hummed more as she remade the bed. Then she carried the sheets downstairs and put them into the laundry room. There was plenty of time to do them. But Andrea had something else to deal with, something that needed to be done before the laundry.

  The wet, recently washed sheets, had to be hung up. Andrea didn’t like that part of the job – the sheets were so cumbersome and heavy – but it had to be done. And it meant going out into the sun. The weather was different compared to back home and it was a lot better than Andrea expected.

  One advantage of life in the West was that she found herself not to be as breathless and coughing all the time due to the pollution from the factories. She was getting stronger from the workload and her very curvy curves had slimmed down quite a bit. Her clothes had had to be taken in several times in the past few weeks.

  San Francisco was better than she expected it to be, in terms of her health.

  Andrea staggered outside into the backyard with the basket laden down with wet washing, dropping it by the washing lines. Then she gritted her teeth and began to hang things up. It was difficult, and Andrea was sweating before she had even finished the first sheet, but it wouldn’t take too long and she could allow herself a little sit-down afterward.

  The next sheet went up, and then the next. Soon, it was just the last sheet. Andrea’s arms were aching, and she couldn’t wait for that sit down for a moment. Maybe she could stroll along to see Amy. She and her new husband had returned from their honeymoon the day before. Andrea couldn’t wait to see her cousin and to listen to all her tales.

  At least someone had had some happiness.

  Andrea didn’t hear anyone behind her, not with the wind whipping about her ears. Then she felt hands on her hips, a hard body pressing up close. Andrea stiffened as a wave of disgusting breath wafted past her ear.

  Oh, no. Not him again. Andrea had been hoping she wouldn’t see him for a while. He had kept aw
ay for a few days now. But he clearly didn’t know when to stop.

  “Hey, beautiful.”

  Andrea jabbed her elbow back, catching him in the stomach. Then she danced out of the way, putting the post holding up the washing line between them.

  The dusty-looking young man was clutching at his belly. He straightened up and leered at Andrea, showing his yellowing teeth.

  “Nice to see you’ve still got some spice left in you, Andrea.”

  “What do you want, Martin?”

  “I came to see you.”

  Andrea snorted. She didn’t want to see him. Martin was one of the miners and he had taken an immediate shine to her. Mary was aware of it and was also aware that Andrea wanted nothing to do with him. Handsome as he was, even with the longish hair and yellowed teeth, Martin set Andrea’s nerves on edge. Something wasn’t right with him, and she didn’t want to be anywhere near him.

  Sadly, Martin didn’t seem to get the message. Andrea kept telling him to leave her alone, but Martin had a thick head. He kept visiting her. Mrs. Buxley had got so frustrated with seeing the loathsome man around that she had banned him from entering the boarding house. That didn’t stop him from catching Andrea outside, however.

  She really couldn’t lower her guard right now.

  “I’m very busy, Martin.” Andrea moved away, keeping the sheet between them as she hurried to the end of the line. “I need to get on with my work. Speaking of which, haven’t you got work to go to?”

  “I’m on my way.” Martin jerked the sheet aside, almost taking it off the line, as he hurried after her. “They’re not going to mind if I’m late.”

  Andrea didn’t believe that at all. She didn’t know the bosses in charge at the mines, but she had heard things about them. They couldn’t abide lateness. One late miner put everyone else behind. From what she could gather, Martin was an incredibly lazy man and often caused trouble and delays.

  He was definitely not husband material. If only he would get that into his thick head.

  Martin grabbed at Andrea as she tried to dodge around the post and get past him. He caught her wrist and swung her around, causing Andrea to fall against him.

  “Come on, Andrea.”

  His foul breath hit her in the face and made Andrea’s eyes water.

  “Why do you keep blocking me?”

  “Because I don’t like you.” Andrea tried not to gag. “Have you not heard of cleaning your teeth?”

  “That nonsense is for dandies.” Martin’s arms went around her, his hands sliding up her back. “We could be a great couple, Andrea. You just need to relax and find out.”

  Andrea growled. She was trapped against his chest, but she managed to wriggle her hand down to Martin’s side and she pinched him hard.

  Martin yowled and let go, Andrea jumping out of reach.

  “I haven’t been matched with anyone,” she snapped, “And I certainly haven’t been matched with you. Even if I had, I wouldn’t touch you willingly unless I had a yardstick in my hands wrapped in barbed wire.”

  Martin chuckled, still rubbing his side.

  “Ouch.”

  Andrea backed away. She wanted to stand her ground, but when she was on her own she had less confidence. Mrs. Buxley wasn’t around to chuck the man out on his ear and there was no one else nearby. Andrea was on her own.

  She had to get inside and lock the door.

  “I don’t want to be around you, Martin. I don’t even like you. You keep coming back like a bad smell.” She made a face. “Literally.”

  “I took a bath this morning.”

  “In what? It certainly wasn’t in scented water.”

  Martin snorted as he advanced on her.

  “You’re going to have to get used to it once we’re married.”

  “I’m not marrying you, so I don’t have to get used to it.”

  Andrea hesitated a fraction too long. Martin grabbed at her again and dragged her back. He blocked her arms, crossing them in front of her chest. He leered at her, his eyes darkening.

  “There’s also something else you’re going to have to get used to out here, Andrea,” he whispered. “When a man sees something he wants, he goes and gets it.”

  “I’m glad you consider me as something.” Andrea tugged. “Let me go.”

  “Give us a kiss first.”

  “No!”

  Andrea jerked her head to the side as Martin grabbed at her hair, tugging hard until she felt tears in her eyes. She almost burst into tears with relief when she heard another male voice bellow across the yard.

  “Let her go!”

  Martin growled and looked up. Then he hauled Andrea upright and turned her around, holding her against him. A man in his thirties with dark-hair cut close to his head was striding across the yard. He was shorter than Martin and slimmer. He had a strong jaw, bold cheekbones and dark eyes that seemed to be practically glowing in the sunlight. His clothes were dusty and looked like they needed a wash, but they fit him like a glove.

  Andrea felt her heart stop, stumble and start again. Good God. San Francisco men were imposing but they were nothing compared to this man.

  “Get lost.”

  Martin’s voice brought Andrea back to reality.

  “My girlfriend and I are having a private moment. She doesn’t like being watched.”

  Andrea gritted her teeth and tried to kick back, but Martin was too close. The newcomer glanced at Andrea for a brief moment before turning back to Martin.

  “From the argument I heard just now, she doesn’t think the same. Let her go.”

  Martin chuckled.

  “Make me. I’m bigger than you. You won’t be able to move me.”

  The other man twitched an eyebrow. Then he moved so fast Andrea wasn’t even aware of it. The next thing she knew, she was standing on her own and Martin was lying face-down in the dirt, her rescuer kneeling on his back with Martin’s arms pulled behind him.

  Martin was wailing in pain and trying to buck the man off, but it was like moving a lazy oxen. The man was going nowhere and he didn’t seem to be breaking a sweat doing it.

  “That wasn’t so hard, was it?” Then he hauled Martin up and pushed him away, causing Martin to stumble and fall to his hands and knees once more. “Now, you get lost. You come by here again and I’ll make sure the sheriff knows about it.”

  Martin pushed himself to his feet and swung around, snarling. But the man took a step toward him, causing Martin to pause. He glanced at Andrea, who barely noticed him. She was still staring at her rescuer, even as Martin slunk away.

  The newcomer turned and approached Andrea. His brow was drawn into a frown. Andrea could see the worry in his eyes.

  “Are you all right?”

  For a moment, Andrea forgot how to speak. She swallowed hard and nodded.

  “I’m fine. He didn’t hurt me.”

  Her wrist and arm hurt from where Martin had grabbed her, but she wasn’t about to say anything about it. She could handle it. Even then, this man looked skeptical.

  “Are you sure about that?”

  “I’m sure.” Andrea managed to give him a smile. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. It’s not often I get to rescue a damsel in distress.”

  Andrea giggled.

  “It’s not often I get knights in shining armor rescuing me.”

  That was when he smiled and Andrea nearly swooned. That smile was gorgeous. Absolutely stunning. Women had to be falling over themselves when they saw that smile. Even after all the trouble her heart had kicked up a beat or two. Andrea had never experienced anything like it before.

  “I find that hard to believe.” His voice was like smooth honey. “You must have men wanting to help you all the time.”

  “Not as much as you think.” Andrea squeaked, coughing when she realized she sounded ridiculous.

  The smile grew, and he held out his hand.

  “I’m Steven.”

  Steven. It suited him. Andrea slid her hand into his and f
elt the heat travel up her arm as she squeezed his fingers.

  “I’m Andrea.” She could look into his dark eyes forever. The world could blow up right there and then, and she wouldn’t have noticed. “What brings you here?”

  “My wife’s family moved here a while back. I decided to stop hanging around back home and followed them out.”

  His wife. He was married? Andrea felt her face getting warm and drew her hand back.

  “Oh.” Then she realized something. He wasn’t wearing a wedding ring. That was odd. “Did… did you and your wife have an argument for you to stay behind?”

  Bad enough that he didn’t wear his wedding ring anymore? That was when a shadow passed across Steven’s face and his smiled faded. He sighed.

  “She’s dead. I didn’t want to leave her resting place.”

  Now Andrea felt like a fool. She flushed even more and stepped away, looking anywhere but at him.

  “I’m so sorry, that was…”

  Fingers touched her jaw and Andrea started, staring up at Steven. He gave her a sad smile, his fingers brushing across her cheek.

  “Don’t apologize, Andrea. You didn’t know.”

  Their eyes locked and Andrea couldn’t find the ability to look away. She fell into those dark pools and they took hold, refusing to let her go. Those eyes, brown flecked with gold and a hint of green, were mesmerizing.

  Steven was the one to break the look first. He blinked and coughed, stepping back from Andrea as his face went bright red. His fingers seemed to have left a warm imprint behind on her face.

  “I… I’d better get going. Are you sure you’re all right?”

  “I’m fine.” Andrea’s heart felt like it was going to trip over itself again, making her dizzy, but she wasn’t saying that. She gave him a smile. “Thank you for rescuing me.”

  “Yes.” Steven stared at her a moment longer. Then he turned abruptly and hurried away. “Bye, Andrea.”