Mail Order Compromise (Kansas Brides Series #5) Read online

  Mail Order Compromise

  Barbara Goss

  All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  All scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

  This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this book is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage system without express written permission from the author.

  Copyright © 2016 Barbara Goss

  All Rights Reserved

  Kindle Edition

  Cover design by: Samantha Fury

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  THE END

  Chapter 1

  Elaina, who played matchmaker for Brock VanSickle and her best friend Sarah Decker, sat with Brock in the sitting room planning for Sarah’s imminent arrival. Brock had been corresponding with Sarah for a few months and they seemed to like each other enough so that Brock sent her a ticket to Hunter’s Grove, Kansas.

  “So,” Brock said thoughtfully, “in order to appear middle class, do you really want me to live in the house I purchased from you and Pete?”

  “Yes, that is, unless the council has decided to start building the school there,” Elaina said. “I heard you purchased it for the town.”

  “They won’t start building until spring, and they’ve decided on a plot of land quite a distance from where the house stands. While the house will be torn down eventually to make room for the playground and carriage house, we’ll be fine for a few months.”

  “So, Brock, don’t forget: Your father does not own the bank, you are not rich, and you are just a bank teller—got it?”

  “There’s just one small, minor detail,” Brock said. “I don’t cook or clean. I have to have at least one maid.”

  “Oh, dear!” Elaina exclaimed. “How can we validate that?”

  Brock scratched his head, “I don’t know, but I can’t live without at least one servant, and I’ll be living primitively, at best.”

  “Oh, Brock, you’re spoiled!”

  “I am. I hope I don’t have to pretend poverty for too long.”

  “Just until you’re sure of Sarah’s true affections. Then you can surprise her with your bank account,” Elaina said.

  “Yes, I want to be sure she loves me for myself and not for my money. There’s the Miller widow on Forest Road that has been trying to hook onto me for years, and I know it’s just my money she is in love with.”

  “I have it!” Elaina exclaimed. “You can bring one maid from your estate as a widowed aunt, with no place to go so you gave her a home, and she repays you by doing all the housework and cooking.”

  “Excellent. I know exactly who I’ll bring, Martha!” Brock said. “Only, I don’t know if I can persuade her to clean. She’s a fantastic cook though.”

  “I’m sure you can make it worth her while,” Elaina said, rubbing her thumb and index finger together.

  “I get it,” Brock said with a chuckle. “I’ll pay her well.”

  “Tell me, Elaina, what does Sarah look like, and what kind of personality does she have? Tell me all about her. I’m beginning to get excited and nervous at the same time.”

  “She’s tall, and you’ll love her looks, because she’s quite lovely. Her hair is the color of honey, and she has a small turned up nose. Her personality?” Elaina put her finger to her chin. “Well, she’s generous and thoughtful. She was all packed and ready to come to Hunter’s Grove to marry Pete, and because I needed to get away worse than she did, she gave me her train ticket. She needed that ticket almost as much as I did.”

  “She sounds wonderful, Elaina. Her letters are well-written, and she seems very mature.”

  “She’s my age, twenty, and she’s had a tough family life. Her father died when she was quite young, and her mother remarried. The new husband adopted Sarah and her siblings, but never treated them like his own. She has a brother a year younger, who ran off to join the army, and her sister married at age sixteen to get away from the home situation,” Elaina took a breath and then whispered, “And her mother is a drinker.”

  She continued in a normal tone. “Now, the father who adopted her, has left her mother, and her mother has brought home a live-in boyfriend. According to Sarah’s last letter, she’s afraid she’ll be unable to dodge his advances much longer. She tries to stay away from home as much as she can. She’s temporarily moved in with my parents, who understand and welcome her.”

  “That’s an outrageous way to live!” Brock sounded sincerely angry. “I’ll do everything I can to make the rest of her life a wonderful one—if we suit, that is.”

  “She’ll love your mustache and beard,” she said. “Nice touch. I like it.”

  “I’ve always had them, but my father made me shave when he made me vice president of the bank. But now, he’s in Europe, so I won’t worry about it. He thinks facial hair doesn’t look professional. I wear a suit everyday to look administrative. Do I look professional to you, Elaina?”

  “You certainly do,” she said with a smile.

  Brock stood and walked to the door. “I’d better go and scope out the house. I’m not looking forward to moving into that place.”

  “Let’s hope it will be a brief stay,” she said.

  Just as Brock was going to reach for the doorknob to leave, Pete burst in.

  “Hey, what are you two up to now? More matchmaking?” he said, closing the door behind him. Putting his arms out, Elaina moved into them, and he hugged her. “I’ll be glad when you have your own woman, Brock.”

  “It won’t be long now, Pete. I hope I’m as fortunate as you are,” he said, slapping him on the shoulder. “I have to get home and pack so I can move into your old place.” Brock grimaced.

  “Hey, it’s not that bad!” Pete exclaimed.

  Sarah Decker clutched her valise tightly and disembarked from the train. She looked around for Brock VanSickle, her intended. However, instead of seeing Brock, she was surprised, but excited to see Elaina running to greet her. She dropped her valise in order to embrace her friend whom she hadn’t seen in months.

  When she finally released Elaina, she gazed around the depot, “Where’s Brock?”

  “I was told to greet you and give his apologies,” Elaina said. “The bank had a robbery attempt, and Brock had to stay to make out a report, and put things in order. I guess it happened at his teller cage. Pete’s at the bank with him, and his deputy gave me the message. ”

  “Oh dear! Does this happen often? I’d hate to be married to a man who has such a dangerous job,” Sarah said.

  “Tell me about it!” Elaina said. “Who do you think foiled the robbery? My husband, the constable, that’s who. I worry about him all the time.”

  “I bet you do. He must be very good at his job, though. He foiled the bank robbery. Wow! You must be proud of him.”

  Elaina nodded. “I am. I really love him, Sarah. I only hope things work out as well for you and Brock. He’s a wonderful man.”

  �
��We’ve shared quite a few letters and he seems perfect,” she smiled at Elaina. “Does he own a home?”

  “Yes, but it’s rather old. Bank teller pay isn’t that great, although promotions are always possible. The house is large, but needs a lot of updating. It’s on a wonderful, quiet, piece of land. It was once a farm.

  “Pete’s deputy asked me to take you to lunch at Rusty’s, our local eating-house. He said Pete and Brock would meet us there as soon as they’ve finished writing out the reports.”

  “All right. I’m anxious to meet Pete, too.”

  “He’s anxious to meet you as well, and he has a message for you.”

  “He does? What is it?”

  “I’ll let him give it,” Elaina said. “Let’s go, it’s not far. I’ll help with your valise.”

  The two friends had finished their lunch and were sipping tea, when Pete and Brock walked in. Sarah eyed Brock as he walked to their table. He was tall, and thin, with dark hair, along with the cutest thin mustache and neatly trimmed beard, which coupled well with the business suit he wore with a string tie. As he got closer, he smiled, and she saw the sparkle in his brown eyes that told her he was as pleased with her looks as she was his.

  Brock took a seat next to her. “Sarah! It’s so nice to finally meet you!”

  She smiled. “I’m pleased to meet you, too, but sorry I arrived on such a hectic day for you.”

  Sarah’s eyes then focused on Pete as he took a seat beside his wife. The love in Pete’s eyes was evident when he looked at Elaina. Inwardly, she sighed, and hoped someday someone would look at her in that way.

  “Sarah,” Elaina said, “this is my husband Pete.”

  “Nice to finally meet you,” Sarah said.

  “I have a message for you,” Pete said. “Thank you for making it possible for Elaina to come to Hunter’s Grove. It was generous and thoughtful of you to let her come in your place. I’m thankful too, because I love her so much.” He turned to Elaina and kissed her forehead.

  “It’s just how fate works,” Sarah said. As she looked at Pete she was glad she’d given the ticket to Elaina. Pete was handsome enough, but she’d not want to be married to a constable, and she rather liked Brock’s professional look. She smiled up at him.

  Pete nudged Elaina, “We should be going. Our new puppy needs feeding.”

  Pete and Elaina stood.

  “You have a puppy?” Sarah asked.

  “Yes, he’s my new watchdog, but it will be a while before he scares anyone away. He’s much too cute.”

  “I can’t wait to meet him.”

  “I named him Boots, since all four paws are white.”

  “Well,” Pete said as he pulled Elaina toward the door, “we’ll let you two get acquainted.”

  Elaina waved as she was gently pulled out the door of Rusty’s.

  “Goodness, Pete. What’s the hurry?”

  “I just need to get you home, is all.”

  “I thought we’d stop and see Edna.”

  “No!” he said quickly. “We need to get home.”

  Elaina smiled up at him. “Feeling romantic are you?”

  “Always, when I’m around you,” Pete said as he helped her into the buggy, and began racing down the road toward home.

  Elaina wondered what his hurry was, and why he seemed nervous and upset.

  When they reached home, he helped her down—gave her an affectionate peck on the cheek—and led her through the front door.

  Elaina threw her reticule down on the sofa and said, “What’s bothering you, Pete?”

  “Sit down,” he said.

  Dear Lord, what now? Elaina felt her heart drop to her feet. He had her frightened.

  After they’d both been seated, he leaned over and rested his elbows on his knees.

  “The bank robbers got away,” he said.

  “I’m sorry, but I heard they didn’t get any money, thanks to you.”

  “I recognized the leader.”

  “So…it will be easier to catch them him, right?”

  Pete picked up her hand and held it tightly. “It was Jeb Lowery. He’s the cousin of Rupert Fillmore. I have his picture on several wanted posters in my office.”

  “Oh-h,” she said and realized quickly what that could mean.

  Pete put his arms around her and drew her close. She put her head on his chest where she always felt safe. If only she hadn’t witnessed that bank robbery in Cuyahoga Falls that day. She’d had to identify the Fillmore brothers, and then escape to Kansas to evade their threats. However, if it hadn’t happened she would not be married to Pete, so she knew God had His hand on her life and Pete’s. It was meant to be, and they’d have to take the bad with the good.

  “I’m wondering if he’s looking for the person who put his cousin in prison.” Pete said.

  “You!”

  Pete nodded. “I’m not worried about myself, but I worry that to get to me he’ll try to harm you, my most prized possession.”

  Elaina raised her head to look into his eyes and read his worried look. “It’s all my fault.”

  “Don’t say that. I’m the one who hauled his backside to jail.”

  “All because of me and my witnessing the bank robbery. Unfortunately, the law only caught the sons and not Rupert, their father.”

  “And when Rupert came with his gang to punish you, and I hauled them off to jail,” Pete said. “Now his cousin Jeb is wanting revenge.”

  Pete touched his lips to hers briefly. “We saw it through before and we’ll do it again, but you have to do as I tell you. Dagnabbit! I wish Boots were grown. He won’t scare away anyone, and he has too tame of a name.”

  “But he’s so cute!” Elaina picked up the puppy and cuddled him.

  “I’m going to get us another dog for outside. We’re going to name him Killer.”

  Brock escorted Sarah to Mrs. Smith’s house. After they were introduced, Edna showed Sarah to her room, while Brock made himself comfortable in the sitting room.

  He liked Sarah’s looks but wasn’t positive about her personality. Time would tell. He loved her golden locks, and cupid lips, which he couldn’t wait to taste. He hoped this worked for them. He’d already filled Edna in on the plan so she wouldn’t let it slip that he was wealthy. Now he had to keep her away from the rest of the town until he could get her to the altar.

  Sarah wasn’t as tiny as Elaina, but she wasn’t stout either; she was rounded pleasantly, at least for his taste.

  Edna brought Sarah back to the sitting room, and then excused herself to make tea for them.

  “Well, what do you think, Sarah?”

  “About us?” she asked.

  “Yes. Do you think we’ll suit?”

  “So far, I do.” She blushed and that showed Brock she was sensitive and probably pure as new fallen snow. He liked her—very much.

  “I was thinking. How would you like to take a ride?” he asked. “The trees are starting to turn and we could view some of the Hunter’s Grove scenery.”

  “I’d love that.” She laughed slightly. “You mean there’s scenery here?”

  “There certainly is. I’ll show you some pretty places,” he said. “Tomorrow’s Saturday, so I don’t have to work. Would that be good for you?”

  “It would.”

  “I’ll show you my house and land, too,” Brock said. He knew that her reaction to that run-down house would show him more about her personality. Would she cringe? Would she shrug it off and want to fix it? Or would she simply end their relationship?

  Chapter 2

  Brock picked Sarah up around noon, and she noticed a picnic basket on the floor of the buggy. She also noted the name Johnson Livery written on the side of the door. He’d rented a buggy? He didn’t own one?

  After they had ridden through the countryside viewing all the colorful foliage, he turned the buggy into a field and jumped down. “How’s this for a picnic spot?”

  She gazed around. The river view was fantastic with large rocks and a few
vibrant trees. “It’s beautiful. You’ve shown me that not all of Kansas is colorless and boring.”

  “I plan to take you to see the large mushroom park one day,” he said.

  “Mushroom park?”

  “Yes. It’s unusual rock formations that look like mushrooms, the county is planning to make it a park.”

  “I’d love to see it,” she said as he helped her from the buggy.

  He grabbed the picnic basket and a blanket before spreading it beneath a large verdant tree.

  “How’s this?”

  “Lovely,” she said, sitting down gracefully on the blanket.

  Brock sat beside her and opened up the basket. He brought out pickles, crackers, cheese, and two shiny red apples.

  They ate in silence, as they still hadn’t found each other’s company comfortable as of yet. She hoped this outing would improve that.

  “Tell me about yourself,” Brock said.

  Sarah told him about her sad family life, and when she got to the part about her mother’s boyfriend trying to manhandle her, she noticed his hands form into fists, and his lips tightened.

  “It wasn’t so bad,” she said. “He only did that when they were drinking and mom had passed out. Most of the time, I was able to run out the door and go to a neighbor’s house or to Elaina’s parents.”

  “Most of the time?” Brock asked.

  Sarah’s eyes looked downward. “I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”

  Brock felt his blood pressure rise. The poor woman was trying desperately to hold back tears. He took her hand in his. “It’s all right, Sarah. We’ll talk about something else.”

  She seemed to compose herself after a few minutes.

  “Tell me about your life,” she asked.

  Now he had a problem. He didn’t want to start out their relationship with lies, at least anymore than pretending to be a bank teller with just an hourly wage. He’d have to try and skirt the issue of his wealth.