A Mail Order Bride for the Fur Trader: Joy & Henry (Love by Mail 3) Read online

  A Mail Order

  Bride

  For the

  Fur Trader

  Love by Mail

  Copyright ©2015 Christina Ward

  All rights reserved.

  Copyright © 2015 by Christina Ward

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the copyright owner, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. All product names, trademarks, registered trademarks, service marks or registered service marks, mentioned throughout any part of the book belong to their respective owners. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Cover art by BookCoverMasterClass.com Copyright © 2015

  Disclaimer: Any person depicted on the cover is a model and is being used for illustrative purposes only.

  A Mail Order Bride

  for the Fur Trader

  Joy, a young lady with grand aspirations, faces her worst nightmare - she’s about to be married to a man she despises. There’s no turning back, her mom has made sure of it. Now Joy regrets hastily turning down all the other suitors.

  When no one listens to the truth about her fiancé Joy takes matters in her own hands and runs away to become a mail order bride. After all, a good natured, Christian husband with references from the local pastor could just be her salvation… and he’s the owner of a successful fur trading post to boot. Her friends will be so jealous when she writes them back about her catch and sends a photo of herself in a fashionable fur coat and hat!

  But to her dismay the trading post is a fledgling business, and the owner is a handsome, but hardy pioneer, rather than the wealthy proprietor she had imagined. Worst of all Henry’s unlike all the other men falling at Joy’s feet. When he refuses to marry her without a waiting period despair sets in Joy’s heart. Will she be able to earn Henry’s love and trust before her old fiancé shows at the doorstep?

  Follow Joy and Henry as this unlikely couple searches to find love and happiness. Lessons will be learned and tears will be shed when two different worlds those two come from collide. Along the way you’ll meet some familiar faces from Angel Creek, as well as some new ones, in this clean Western romance.

  Facebook:

  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christina-Ward/881969675223035

  Twitter: @AuthorCWard

  Book Updates: http://eepurl.com/bwaPnf

  Table of Contents

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Thank You!

  Contact

  Further Reading

  Chapter 1

  Redemption Town, Michigan, June 1872

  Joy hastily dabbed her lips with a perfumed handkerchief. She hoped no one noticed the few stray crumbs tumble down her chin and onto her fancy Sunday dress. She always wore her best when meeting her friends.

  “Your mama’s apple pie’s the best in Redemption, Joy.” Margaret Leigh reached for another slice and turned her heart-shaped face to her seatmate, Ginny. “Right?”

  Virginia Patton shrugged, flicked her long blonde hair and fanned herself.

  “Is your house always this hot?” She picked at her clean prairie skirt.

  Joy eyed it. She could almost smell the fresh laundry scent all the way across the coffee table. The Pattons sure could afford a laundry woman.

  “Oh, it’s just the summer.” Ma’s voice made them all turn their heads towards the door. Joy’s mother smiled at them, her dimples showing, and entered the room balancing a plateful of cookies on a tray. “We’ve all been praying for some rain.”

  She set the plate down on the table and adjusted the pin keeping her hair in a bun.

  Virginia sighed. “This heat is making me dizzy.”

  “I’ll fetch you a drink, lass, don’t worry.” Joy’s Ma shuffled back to the kitchen.

  “I told Matthew,” Virginia said as she fanned herself slowly. “I’d like to see England this time of the year.”

  “England?” Joy’s ears perked up. “You’re going to England?”

  Virginia twirled the fork in her fingers and played with the half-eaten slice of pie still on her plate. “Yes. He found work with a hospital there. We’re leaving immediately after the wedding.”

  “Oh, I’m so envious.” Margaret sighed. “I wish Liam had taken that job, you know, the one I told you about, in Spain.”

  “He turned it down?” Virginia gasped.

  Margaret nodded. “He says he’d rather train his horses.” She pouted and grasped Joy’s hand.

  “Don’t ever choose a man who has no ambition, Joy! Look at me, I’ll be stuck in this town forever.”

  “Oh, I’m sure it won’t be that bad,” Joy said. “Would you like some more pie?”

  Joy tried to think of a way to steer the conversation back onto fashion or some other exciting event. But as always her friends drifted back to marriage. Who’s to be marrying who was their favorite kind of gossip. No wonder, though, she thought, they’re all rich and courted only by the cream of the crop – foreign gentlemen, rich merchants or high ranking officials.

  “What about you, Joy?” Virginia gave her a small smile. “Any suitors?”

  Joy laughed. “Oh yes, quite a number, but...” But none of them as rich as your husband, she wanted to add but bit her tongue. In fact, none of them could afford Virginia Patton’s furs or dresses, let alone match her fortune!

  “Oh?” Margaret leaned forward, a grin on her face. “Who is it? Any wealthy businessmen?”

  “A lawyer?” Virginia pressed. “My cousin Victoria’s marrying one later this year. If there’s a doctor among them, you should definitely tell him to work abroad.”

  “Or an officer, maybe? They’re so handsome in their uniforms and with all the medals.”

  Margret was getting all dreamy eyed again when Joy’s mother arrived with a glass of cool water for Virginia. Joy blushed.

  “No doctor, but they’re all fine young men - hard-working, generous, God-fearing...”

  “Hard-working?” Virginia’s mouth curled into a sneer.

  Joy gulped and glanced at her mother, who in turn gave her a pointed look and said, “There is one very determined young man.”

  Joy raised a brow at her mother, who flashed her a wide smile.

  Margaret giggled. “Who is it, Mrs. Fletcher?”

  “It’s a secret,” Joy’s Ma said, “but I can tell you he’s got a dozen of shops to his name!”

  “Well!” Virginia’s eyes widened. “That’s interesting. When’s the date?”

  “Soon,” Mrs. Fletcher said with a giggle.

  A dozen shops? Her parents hadn’t said anything, but if the man could provide her with dresses as beautiful as the one Virginia Patton was wearing, then who was Joy to complain?

  “Well, I think that’s enough cake for the day,” Virginia said. “I still have to pick my wedding dress. Everyone will be t
here, including some young noble from England.”

  “Fabulous!” Margaret followed after Virginia, both ready to leave.

  “Good day Mrs. Fletcher,” they said in unison and waved to Joy. “See you tomorrow, darling.”

  Joy waved back and smiled, but as soon as they were out the door, she turned to her mother. “You haven’t told me I had a new suitor.”

  “It was a surprise!” the older woman laughed a bit too nervously for Joy’s taste. What was her mother up to?

  She grabbed her daughter’s hand and said, “He’s young, successful, very kind, and very rich!”

  “Oh?” Joy liked the sound of that.

  Her mother nodded. “In fact, he sent a present for you.”

  Joy gasped. Maybe she finally found her dream husband. She did get less calls in the last few months since she’d turned down that grubby farmer. A wealthy merchant wasn’t as good as a noble, but she figured she might need to tone her ambitions down a little. After all at nineteen, nearly twenty, she wasn’t getting any younger.

  “Wait here.” Her mother disappeared into the bedroom, then came back carrying a large, gift-wrapped box. “Here, open it.”

  Joy pulled at the ribbon, tore away the paper and pulled the lid off the box.

  “Oh, Ma, it’s amazing!” Joy squealed as she pulled out the fine purple dress.

  “Isn’t it?”

  “And a hat! There’s a hat! It looks just like the one Virginia’s mother wore to church. This is a Godsend.” She pressed the dress to her chest and turned to her mother. “Who is it, Ma? Who’s asking for my hand?”

  Her mother giggled. “Earnest Karth!”

  Earnest Karth... Earnest... “Wait, did you say Earnest Karth?”

  “Yes! Dear Earnest was so determined to court you that he sent these gifts ahead. And he’ll be coming to Redemption in a few weeks’ time!”

  Joy’s mouth opened. “No! It can’t be! Anyone but Earnest!”

  “Now Joy, we’ve talked about this.” Ma gave her a serious look and crossed her plump arms. “What’s wrong with Earnest?”

  “Everything!” Joy’s cheeks burned. “I don’t like him. In fact, I think he’s no better than a highwayman!”

  Her mother gasped, and clutched the front of her blouse.

  “Joy Marissa Fletcher! Enough is enough! You’re being unreasonable. You can’t turn everyone down hoping one day to find a prince. You spend too much time with those girls putting silly notions in your head. At this rate, you’ll be a spinster and who’ll take care of you then?”

  Joy rolled her eyes and dumped the dress back in the box. “I’d rather be a spinster than take Earnest to be my husband.”

  Ma shook her head.

  “Silly girl, I’ve had enough of this fuss. You had plenty a chance to make up your mind, and now your father and I have decided. You’ll be marrying Earnest Karth and that’s that.”

  “But I’m not in love with Earnest!” Joy crossed her arms and turned her back on her mother.

  Ma placed her hand on her daughter’s shoulder.

  “Love comes with time Joy, pray to the Lord, and you will find your happiness.”

  Joy twirled around. “Except that I definitely won’t be happy with that - that despicable man!”

  “Stop telling fables, lassie.” Ma sighed. “I have not heard one bad word about Earnest. He can provide for you! When your father and I are no longer on this earth, you’ll have no one to take care of you, but your husband. If only your brother and sister hadn’t died in the womb...”

  “Oh, Ma.” Joy hated when her mother brought up the stillborn twins. “I do want to find a husband, but not Earnest.”

  But her Ma wasn’t listening. “I’m sure you just need to give the boy a chance.”

  With those final words she left Joy alone.

  Her fate was sealed and a dark pit formed in Joy’s stomach. She shook her head. She would not marry Earnest. Not after what she saw, not after what he did to Margaret. But maybe her mother had a point. There was one thing Joy could do. She could pray.

  Joy pulled out her white leather bound bible from the drawer next to her bed and knelt of the soft rug. Yes, if anyone could help her now it was the good Lord, she thought as she closed her eyes and prayed.

  * * *

  But her mother did not miraculously change her mind overnight. Joy relaxed into the rocking chair. The breeze on the porch was a welcome respite from the heat.

  No, her mother would not budge. And not for Joy’s lack of trying. She prayed harder than ever before and several times a day. Still, two days had passed and no other suitor called.

  Joy rocked back and forth in the chair watching passersby stroll down the street. The afternoon sun cast an orange glow on their faces. Joy’s eyes lingered on a woman, someone unfamiliar, carrying a paper bag. A little boy, Jackie Miller, running from the opposite direction bumped right into her.

  “Oh, sorry, Ma’am,” he said. “D’ja need help? Here let me carry that for you.”

  Without waiting for a reply, he took the woman’s paper bag. Joy rolled her eyes.

  “Oh, thank you so much,” the woman said, blushing under her bonnet.

  “Stop right there, Jackie!” Joy got up from her chair. The little rascal may have fooled that woman, but Joy was wise to his ways. She walked towards the pair and crossed her arms at the boy. “Give that back.”

  The woman looked at Jackie, then at Joy. “Wha -?”

  The boy pouted, then presented an apple in his open palm. “I was just lookin’ for a snack.”

  “Then ask your mother,” Joy said. The boy sniffed, and her face softened. “Weren’t you listening to the sermon last Sunday? Remember, we don’t take other people’s belongings.”

  Joy took the apple, placed it back in the paper bag and gave it back to the woman.

  “What do we say?” Joy glared at Jackie.

  “Sorry, ma’m.” He blurted, turned on his heels and ran.

  Joy shook her head and turned to the woman. “Are you all right, Miss...?”

  The woman chuckled. “Anna. The name’s Anna. And yes, I’m fine.”

  “I’m Joy Fletcher. Are you new here?”

  “Yes, but I’m just passing through. I’m staying over at the local inn and then it’s back on the coach for me.” She giggled. “I’m on my way to Colorado to meet my husband for the first time!”

  Meet her husband for the first time?

  “Oh!” Joy’s eyes widened.

  “So you’ve never really met your husband before?”

  Anna shook her head. “No. But we’ve written to each other for a few weeks now, and I can’t wait to get married to him!”

  “Wait, that fast?” Joy’s mind spun. “But you’re basically strangers!”

  Anna shrugged. “We’ve sent pictures. And plus, the agency runs a background check, so I know he’s an honest, reputable man.”

  “Agency?”

  Anna blushed. “You know,” she lowered her voice. “A mail order bride agency, like Frontier Hearts. They put up ads in the papers for young men and women looking for love. Taylor, that’s my future husband, runs a store with his brother who trades goods, cloth, and fur.”

  Ooh, a fur trader.

  Anna looked up at the sun. “It’s almost sundown, I’ve gotta hurry now. Thanks for your help, Joy.”

  “No problem.”

  Anna rushed down the street and Joy was left with her thoughts again. A husband from the papers? Now that was a solution she had never thought of before.

  “Joy? What’re you doin’ out there?”

  Joy turned around to see her father standing in the doorway, smoking a cigar, probably a quirley. He always liked to make his own smokes.

  “Nothing, Pa.”

  “Well, come on in. I can smell your Ma’s chili a mile away.”

  She climbed back onto the porch an idea forming in her mind.

  “Uh, listen, Pa, can I borrow your paper for a while?”

  “Sure, i
t’s on the table in the hallway.”

  As soon as he disappeared into the living room Joy grabbed the paper and immediately opened the ads section. So many to choose from! Her finger traced line by line across the page. Jobs, announcements, goods for sale… She flipped to the next page and finally found what she was looking for.

  “C’mon, Joy, supper!”

  “Coming!” she said, but her nose was still glued to the paper.

  A strapping man of 35 seeks the companionship of a lady able to work the field... “Uhm, no,” she muttered.

  A farmer, a merchant, a cook, a doctor - should she consider it? Then, her eyes fell on an ad by a fur trader from Montana. All she could see was Virginia Patton’s fur coat draped over her own shoulders. Yes, she wanted that!

  “Joy!” her mother yelled louder this time. “We have to say grace, and we can’t do that without you.”

  “I’m coming!” She closed the paper and joined her parents.

  “Well, why don’t you lead the prayer?” Her mother said with a frown.

  Joy smiled. “Sure thing, Ma. I’ve got a lot to be thankful for today.”

  * * *

  Angel Creek, Montana, June 1872

  Henry stepped away from the hides laid out on the table in the back room of his small store. He threw a towel over his shoulder and wiped away sweat from his brow. Both Henry and Cole, who was still sanding a cabinet on the other side of the room, worked hard all day.

  The clean leather reflected the light shining through the window. Henry took the hide and hung it between the exquisite grey wolf fur and the striking red fox coat.

  “Were these from Idaho?” Cole asked.

  Henry nodded. “My last fur-trapping hunt.”

  “And now you’re trading them furs.” Cole circled the table like a vulture his hand gliding over the various hides.

  Cole Beckett, the local undertaker and furniture maker was actually kind enough to offer his services in barter. Something Henry needed badly with the little funds he had left after stocking his newly opened shop.

  Henry puffed his chest. “Yeah. Now I’m a trader.”