The Barber's Christmas Bride

  The Barber’s

  Christmas Bride

  Mail Order Brides of Dayton Falls

  (Book Two)

  Copyright 2018 by Cheryl Wright

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, 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 of this book

  Thanks to my very dear friends (and authors), Margaret Tanner and Susan Horsnell for their enduring encouragement and friendship.

  Thanks also to Alan, my husband of over 45 years, who has been a relentless supporter of my writing for many years.

  And last, but by no means least, thank you to all my wonderful readers who encourage me to continue writing these stories. It is such a joy to me knowing so many of you enjoy reading my stories. I love writing them as much as you love reading them.

  Chapter One

  Westlake, Wyoming – 1880

  Allie MacIntosh reeled from the forceful slap that landed on her face.

  She picked herself up from the floor and faced her attacker.

  Her head was spinning, and her eyes stung with tears, but she would not show her pain. Nor would she put her hand to her cheek, even though she desperately wanted to.

  Instead she apologized for something she didn’t do. “I’m very sorry, Sir,” she said, then turned and walked out of the room.

  Mrs Montgomery minced after her. “It’s your own fault, Allie,” she said. “I’ve warned you time and again not to intimidate the Master.” Her eyes glared at Allie, as though she was the problem.

  “Yes, Ma’am,” she said meekly. “Of course, you are right.” This job was all she had. She might be a meagre servant, but at least it was a job.

  She couldn’t afford to lose it.

  “You may go.” Mrs Montgomery waved her hands through the air, then went on her merry way, leaving Allie staring after her.

  She’d put up with years of verbal abuse from Mr Montgomery, but since Charlotte had left to become a mail order bride, he’d become physically abusive too. She no longer wanted to go to work, and she was fearful of her life.

  What the Master would do if he found out she’d been corresponding with his daughter, she didn’t know. All her mail came through Miss Bethany at the Mail Order Bride Agency – it wouldn’t do for him to find it.

  Miss Charlotte had even suggested she register for herself. For her own safety, but Allie had brushed her suggestion aside.

  But no more.

  She couldn’t risk being killed at the hands of this mad tyrant.

  On her next day off she would visit Miss Bethany.

  * * *

  Charlie Jones swept the hair off the floor of his barber shop.

  It had been a slow day, but he was hopeful it would pick up. He glanced up expectantly when he heard the shop door open.

  “Good morning, Charlie.”

  “Morning Sheriff,” he said with a smile.

  Angus Doyle pulled his hat from his head and fiddled with it.

  “It’s a while since I’ve seen you in here, Sheriff.” He put the broom aside. “I was beginning to wonder if that new bride of yours was cutting your hair.”

  Angus laughed. “Charlotte has more than enough to do with our growing brood,” he said. “No, it just came down to time. As you can see, it’s been quite a while between cuts.”

  Charlie nodded. “Well sit yourself down then, Sheriff.” He flicked his barber’s cape and wrapped it around his customer’s neck. “Cut and shave?”

  Angus put a hand to his chin. “Both,” he said, then settled in.

  “How have you been, Charlie? I haven’t seen much of you lately.”

  He wondered if Angus was genuinely interested, or just making small talk.

  Charlie started to clip away at the sheriff’s hair. “I keep myself busy,” he said. “Between the shop and home, I ain’t got much time for anything else.”

  Angus stared hard at him in the mirror. “You need a wife, Charlie.”

  Charlie’s head shot up. “You’re not serious, surely?”

  Then he smiled. The sheriff must be having a joke with him. Very funny. Only…

  “Where did you meet your missus?” he asked. “I never did hear.” He continued to cut at Angus’s hair but was more thoughtful about getting a bride.

  Only trouble was, where to find her. There weren’t many women in Dayton Falls. Ones that weren’t married anyways.

  “Between you and me? Mail order bride. Worked out perfectly for me.” He looked up at Charlie’s thoughtful expression. “Talk to Pete at the post office. He did it before me.”

  “Worthwhile?”

  “Definitely worthwhile,” Angus told him.

  “I might just do that,” Charlie said, rubbing his chin. “Now stop talkin’ Sheriff, so I can give you a shave.”

  * * *

  Allie hesitated as she stood in the doorway of the Westlake Mail Order Bride Agency.

  Charlotte had told her about the perfect match she’d had with Angus Doyle, and how much in love they were. If only she could get a similar result.

  She looked up toward the door at the top of the stairs. There was a small unobtrusive sign on the door.

  It was very discreet, which was what she needed. She certainly didn’t need the Montgomery’s knowing what she was contemplating.

  She pulled her bonnet further around her face, lifted her skirts, and trudged to the top of the stairs.

  Taking a deep breath, Allie knocked on the door.

  “Come in.”

  She stood for what seemed forever. Was this really what she wanted? Right now, she had a secure job, there was money coming in regularly, and she was able to help her parents out.

  It didn’t take long for Allie to conclude it was a matter of life and death. If she continued the way things were now, Mr Montgomery was likely to eventually knock her cold stone dead as his violence was escalating.

  She lifted her skirts and scampered into the small room before she changed her mind.

  The middle-aged woman seemed shocked to see her but smiled at her regardless. “Can I help you, Allie?”

  They knew each other because of Charlotte’s letters, but Miss Bethany Wilde had no idea of what was about to transpire.

  “I, I,” She didn’t know why she was so hesitant. She needed to do this. “I want to be a mail order bride.”

  Miss Bethany’s eyes opened wide. “Really? I thought you enjoyed your job.” She sat down behind the big desk and motioned for Allie to sit opposite.

  “I can’t stay there anymore.” She slowly turned her head to the side until the latest bruise was visible to the older woman.

  She gasped. “Mr. Montgomery did this?” Her voice was almost a screech.

  Allie nodded, then lifted her hand to her face. “I’m afraid he’ll go too far one day, and he’ll…” Tears began to fall down her cheeks.

  “Kill you? My dear girl, that just won’t do.” Miss Bethany came around to her and hugged her tight. “As it happens, I have a young gent from Dayton Falls looking for a bride.”

  “Dayton Falls? Where Miss Charlotte is living?” Joy filled her heart. She would be reunited with her dear Charlotte.

  Miss Bethany grinned at her. “I do have other gentlemen on the books as well, but not from Dayton Falls. Your choice entirely.”

  Allie was certain Miss Bethany already knew her answer, but she told her anyway. “I’ll take him.”

  Miss Bethany was on her feet in seconds. “No,” she said, shaking her head. “It doesn’t work that way. You
have to read his letter, then make your decision.” She shoved a letter toward the younger woman.

  As Allie read the letter, Miss Bethany pulled out four more letters. “It is customary to read at least five letters, then decide.”

  She handed those letters over to Allie, who waved them away. “You can pretend I read them,” she said cheekily. “I’ll take this man.” She pointed at the letter. “The barber.” She looked up at Miss Bethany. “It’s not as exotic as a sheriff, but he does sound nice.”

  The other woman nodded. “We’ll organise a letter to go back to him.”

  Allie stood. “I have to do this quickly. I can’t risk going back to work; I could be dead tomorrow.”

  The two women stood. “Get your things together, Allie,” she said. “I will do for you what I did for Miss Charlotte. Take the train in the morning, and I’ll send him a telegram to meet you at the station.”

  Chapter Two

  Allie was prepared for the long journey after what Charlotte had told her.

  Stealing through the partly-lit street was nothing new for her – she did it every day since she began work at the crack of dawn and didn’t finish until after sunset. She was a servant in every sense.

  Charlie Jones, the barber from Dayton Falls, had written he needed a wife to keep his house clean, cook meals, and help him out in his barber shop in town.

  She didn’t think he was anywhere near as rich as the Montgomery’s – they were filthy rich – but she didn’t think he was dirt poor, either.

  Somewhere in between perhaps.

  And she just bet he was handsome. And tall.

  She lay back on the carriage seat dreamily thinking about her new husband-to-be. Hopefully he would be at the station when she arrived. She didn’t want to be alone for too long.

  She glanced down at her dress. Would he be disappointed that her clothes weren’t of the same caliber as Charlotte’s?

  She was a mere servant compared to Charlotte’s high standing in the community.

  The train whistle sounded – they were pulling into Dayton Falls. She looked herself over again. She’d washed her face, brushed down her clothes, and pulled her hair together the best she could under the circumstances.

  She unfolded the piece of paper screwed up in her hands. She’d been grasping it tightly since before she boarded the train. “Charlie Jones,” she said quietly. “Charlie Jones.”

  She had rehearsed his name over and over during the long and grueling days on the train. Surely she wouldn’t forget it now?

  As the train ground to a halt, she grabbed her well-worn bag with her meagre belongings and bolted from the train. She didn’t want to stay a moment longer than was necessary.

  She almost knocked over a well-dressed man on the platform. “Charlie Jones?” she asked, nearly toppling him.

  “No Ma’am,” he said, and went on his way. She tightened the grip on her bag.

  She stood planted to the spot for about fifteen minutes, then heard the conductor and began to panic. “All aboard!” he roared, as the train was getting ready to leave again.

  “Allie!” She turned to a familiar voice, and much-loved face.

  “Oh, Miss Charlotte,” she said, tears streaming down her face.

  The two embraced, they were so happy to see each other. She didn’t see the little group behind Miss Charlotte to begin with.

  Charlotte stepped back. “Allie, this is my husband, Sheriff Angus Doyle, and our children.”

  Angus tipped his hat. “Please to meet you, Ma’am.”

  “And this smiling gentleman is Charlie Jones.”

  He stepped forward. “I am very pleased to meet you, Ma’am,” he said, fiddling with his hands as though he didn’t know what to do with them.

  As Allie turned toward her groom-to-be, Charlotte called her out. “What is that, that… on your face?” she asked quietly. She held Allie’s face and had a good look. “Oh my goodness, Allie. How did you get that bruise?”

  Allie stared at the ground. “I shouldn’t say.”

  Charlotte’s eyes opened wide. “Did my father do this? Is that why you wanted to leave?” She pulled Allie close to her and hugged her. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered, her voice breaking.

  “Please don’t tell anyone,” Allie whispered.

  Charlotte nodded, sadness on her face. “Well,” she said more cheerfully, “You’re in the right place. Welcome to your new and better life.” She looked across to her husband and smiled. “I love it here, and I know you will too.”

  Charlie reached forward and took the bag from Allie’s hands. “Let me take that, Miss Allie.” He put his arm behind her to guide her out of the train station. “You must be very tired after your long journey.”

  Charlie Jones seemed like a nice man. A gentleman. Someone she could perhaps come to love over time.

  “I am a little,” she said. “But not so much we can’t go and get married right now if that’s what you want.”

  She watched as his face went from wary to beaming in a matter of seconds. “Yes, Ma’am,” he said, then scooped her up and spun her around.

  Her arms went around his neck, and she whispered in his ear. “Charlie,” she said quietly. “Unless you want to wear my breakfast, I suggest you stop flinging me about, and put me down gently.”

  She couldn’t wait to marry this man. Life promised to be interesting from now on.

  * * *

  “And do you take this woman, to be your lawfully wed wife,” the preacher asked.

  Charlie stared down at his new bride and smiled. “I surely do, Preacher,” he said.

  “I now pronounce you man and wife.” He looked from one to the other of them. “You may now kiss your bride, Charlie.”

  Allie’s eyes opened wide, and he stared at her. Should he kiss her? Right here in the church? But those lips looked so darned kissable, and he couldn’t resist.

  He studied her face. She was ever so pretty. Her brown hair had sun streaks through it, and it glistened under the sunlight. He’d noticed it on their way to the church.

  And her eyes. He could get lost in those mournful mushroom colored eyes. She seemed to have a sadness about her.

  A sadness that he intended to rid from her.

  Charlie held her face with both hands and leaned down close to her face. He slowly moved in and brushed his lips against hers.

  She tasted sweet like red wine, and he wanted more. He glanced at her eyes. She looked kinda scared. Was he scaring her? He sure hoped not.

  He stood up. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I shouldn’t have done that.”

  She licked her freshly kissed lips. “You’re my husband. You’re entitled,” she said softly, so only he could hear.

  He wondered what she was really thinking. Was she annoyed at him? She didn’t look annoyed, but she didn’t look happy either.

  There were a small handful of town people in the congregation, including Charlotte and her family.

  Mrs Jensen, Mrs Green, and Mrs Jackson were also there, along with Mrs Foggerty who owned the only boarding house in town.

  The man who started it all, the one who took the first mail order bride was also there – Pete from the Post Office, along with his lovely bride.

  The bride and groom made their way back out of the church, followed by everyone else.

  Charlotte was grinning from ear to ear, and Charlie was happy. The fact the two women were friends meant his new bride may not get so homesick.

  Allie stood there, surrounded by strangers, but it didn’t seem to faze her. She was smiling and reached for his hand. Whether that was because she liked him, or for reassurance he wasn’t sure, but he’d take all he could get at this point.

  “I’m so happy for you, Allie,” Charlotte said, hugging her friend. “And you too, of course, Charlie.” She turned to him. “I just know you will be as happy as Angus and I are.”

  She squeezed her friend tight again, then stepped back and threw rice over the two of them.

&nbsp
; “Congratulations, my dears,” Mrs Foggerty said. Charlie wasn’t in the least surprised to see the elderly lady here. She attended every wedding that was held in Dayton Falls. She was a town icon.

  “There’s a small reception at our place,” Charlotte said. “You know the way, Charlie.”

  He looked down at his bride. She was shivering. He pulled off his jacket and draped it across her shoulders. “You’re cold,” he said. “I can’t have my bride cold on her wedding day.” He pulled her close to his side and tried to warm her up.

  He hoped today was the beginning of a happy life for both of them.

  * * *

  It was late afternoon by the time they got back to Charlie’s place.

  Charlotte had put on a lovely reception for them. It must have been a lot of work for her, and Allie really appreciated the effort she’d gone to.

  But now she was home. Her home for the rest of her life.

  She swallowed hard.

  Had she really fled her family home and traveled for days to marry a perfect stranger? She imagined Charlotte had the same thoughts go through her mind when she arrived. And look at her now. She and Angus seemed perfectly happy. Blissful even.

  They even had a brood of offspring. The thought made Allie melancholy. Would she and Charlie end up like that?

  She certainly hoped so.

  “Let me take your bag,” she heard Charlie say. After dropping her bag to the ground, he held her around the waist and lifted her off the wagon.

  She stared down into his face, taking in clear blue eyes, and his long blond lashes. They matched his hair perfectly.

  When he pulled his hat off his head, she’d noticed the kink in his hair. It was just a tiny curl, but it was there, and it was endearing.

  A lock of hair fell over his face, and she wanted to reach out and push it back. But they’d only known each other a matter of hours, and she didn’t want to appear forward. That just wouldn’t do.

  Oh no! He’d noticed her staring and stared right back into her big brown eyes. She felt the heat creep up her face.

  She’d used make up to try and cover the bruise, but Charlotte had spotted it anyway. She hoped that Charlie didn’t, but wondered how long she would manage to disguise it.