A Bride For Christmas (Spinster Mail-Order Brides Book 2) Read online

  The woman gasped. “Oh my goodness, you poor thing.” She brushed Melody’s hair back off her face. “I’m Mrs Grogan, the doctor’s wife,” she said hastily. “Mr Williams, the young lady needs food.”

  Mrs Grogan stood.

  “But I have no money…”

  “Don’t you worry about money. Mr Williams will pay.” She turned toward Melody’s betrothed.

  He shuffled forward. “Yes, of course I will,” he said, looking far more like he’d rather not.

  “Sit up slowly, and we’ll see how you go. If you faint again, I’ll get my husband over here.”

  That was more than enough incentive for her to take it slowly and not risk fainting again. She really didn’t want another stranger involved.

  She sat on the side of the bed for nearly a minute, then Mrs Grogan helped her up. Mr Williams rushed in, shoving some notes into Mrs Grogan’s hands.

  The older woman led her down the road to what turned out to be known as Edna’s Diner. The place was near empty, and they had their choice of tables.

  Mrs Grogan led her to a cubicle at the back, away from prying eyes, no doubt, and Edna soon joined them.

  “Good morning, Mrs Grogan. What will it be?” She looked curiously at Melody. Vying for an introduction no doubt.

  “Two white teas, bacon and eggs for Miss Harken. Oh, and toast. She needs a decent feed.”

  Edna nodded and walked back to the kitchen.

  While they waited, Mrs Grogan pried every detail of her life since her father had died. It wasn’t pretty. “You poor girl,” she said, patting Melody’s hand. “You’ve been through so much.”

  Melody said nothing. She was certain tears would begin to flow again if she said another word.

  “And that Mr Johnston. What a scoundrel! We shall tell our dear Sheriff Doyle. He’ll put out an alert.”

  Her breakfast arrived, and Melody leaned into the aroma. Her mouth was watering from the smell alone.

  “Go on, eat up,” Mrs Grogan told her, taking a sip of tea. “It looks very appetizing.”

  She glanced down into the huge plate of food. Melody had never had seen such a large breakfast, let alone eaten one that big. She tucked in eagerly. She hadn’t eaten in over twenty-four hours. No wonder she fainted!

  “This is lovely,” she said, taking another bite.

  Mrs Grogan smiled. “I’m sure it will help.” She took another sip of her tea. “It’s lovely having a fresh new face in Dayton Falls. You’ll make a lovely wife for our Mr Williams.”

  Melody stopped with her fork mid-way to her mouth. “He doesn’t want to marry me.”

  “He will.” The doctor’s wife had such a smug look on her face, Melody was almost convinced.

  She didn’t want to marry a man who didn’t want her, but how would she survive? At twenty-seven, her options were severely limited.

  “I feel so much better, Mrs Grogan. Thank you.” Melody wiped her mouth with the linen napkin in her lap.

  “Don’t thank me, my dear. Mr Williams paid for it. And so he should – such a scoundrel, leading you on like that!”

  She could see the older woman was becoming agitated and changed the subject. “I’ll arrange for my trunk to be moved to the hotel, and get settled in there.” She began to stand. “Mr Williams has offered to pay. After that, I have no idea what I’ll do.”

  The older woman stood with her. “I have a better idea. Why don’t you come and stay with Dr Grogan and me. We have a spare room, and could do with some help around the place.”

  “Oh, I couldn’t…”

  After she’d paid for the meal, Mrs Grogan turned to face her. “You could, and I’d like you too. Frankly I’m getting too old for this caper. Helping my husband in the clinic all day, then making the meals at night. Not to mention cleaning the house.” She sighed. “I’m tired. I’ve had enough.”

  Melody stared at her. She seemed genuine enough.

  “As long as you’re sure?”

  Mrs Grogan put her arm around Melody. “I’m absolutely certain. My husband will be happy too. He’ll finally get someone who knows what they’re doing to help out in the clinic.”

  Melody nodded.

  “We’ll pay you a small stipend, of course.”

  Melody stopped walking. “Board and lodgings is more than enough.”

  “We’ll see.” She smiled at Melody and they continued on their way to the post office.

  “Mr Williams,” Mrs Grogan said assertively. “Miss Harken will be staying with Dr Grogan and myself. Please make arrangements for her trunk to be delivered.”

  He reached behind the counter and handed Melody her carpetbag. “You’re not staying at the hotel? I said I would pay.”

  “And so you should,” Mrs Grogan said, thoroughly irritated. “Leading the poor girl on like that. You ought to be ashamed of yourself.”

  Mr Williams bent his head. Perhaps he did feel a little guilty. “I’m very sorry, Miss Harken. It was never my intention to…”

  “Good day, Mr Williams!” Mrs Grogan turned tail and headed out the door.

  When they got outside she turned to Melody. “Serve him right, leading you on like that.”

  “I’m sure he didn’t mean it. I arrived unexpectedly, after all.”

  Mrs Grogan waved her hand across her body. “Let’s not worry about him now. Lord knows he needs a wife after… Oh dear. Forget I said anything.”

  Melody frowned. Was there something she should know?

  “Here we are.” She let herself into the large log cabin sitting on the outskirts of the main street. Medical Centre burned into a wooden sign, which hung over the main door.

  “Henry, this is Miss Melody Harken. She’ll be staying with us for a while.” She gave him no choice, and Dr Grogan nodded.

  “Hello,” he said, frowning.

  “She’s a doctor’s daughter, and we need help.” Mrs Grogan then showed Melody to her room, giving the doctor no chance to object.

  It was clean and tidy. A little smaller than the room she’d had back in Westlake, but big enough. It contained a wardrobe, an armchair, and a single bed that was made up ready for guests. There was also a small table next to the bed containing a lantern.

  “There’s a spare blanket in the wardrobe should you need it. Towels are in the bathroom cupboard.” Melody sat on the side of the bed. It was comfortable. After the harrowing time she’d spent on the train, she knew she’d sleep well tonight.

  She might not be a bride, but a comfortable and safe night’s sleep was just as important to her at the moment.

  “Settle yourself in, and I’ll be back in a while to show you around.”

  Melody felt more wanted now than she had in several weeks, but wondered what the future held for her. Mr Peter Williams certainly didn’t want her, just like Doctor Robert Flint.

  She had no idea what her life would be two days from now, let alone two weeks.

  Chapter Four

  Pete closed up the Post Office for lunch. He would deliver Miss Harken’s trunk to the medical center, then wipe his hands of the whole sorry saga.

  Why on earth he’d sent that letter, he’d never know. The last thing he needed was a bride. And a mail order bride, a complete stranger? What was he thinking?

  He mentally slapped himself. He knew exactly what he was thinking. He was lonely. He was also sick of eating beans and bacon, and the occasional eggs.

  Mrs Grogan was right when she’d said he’d lost more weight. He’d had to tighten his belt yet again, and it wasn’t something that made him happy.

  He’d never been overweight, but this was a first, being so far underweight. People didn’t understand that what he did was physical. Adding mail to pigeon-holes all day. Reaching up and down, moving boxes, running around to deliver telegrams – it was hard work.

  Despite that, he enjoyed what he did.

  But he’d craved companionship. Did that mean he needed a wife? Perhaps.

  Or maybe not.

  It was more than two
years since he’d lost his precious Priscilla, and if he was truthful with himself, it was his fault. If not for him, she wouldn’t have been pregnant, wouldn’t have lost the baby, and subsequently bled to death.

  He wiped a trembling hand across his eyes.

  The guilt was what made him change his mind. How could he even contemplate a new bride, when he lay awake each and every night thinking about his beautiful Priscilla?

  He locked the Post Office door and snatched up the trunk, trying to force his mind onto other things.

  Without warning, Miss Harken entered his thoughts. He wondered what she was doing now. Was she sitting and laughing with Mrs Grogan, drinking tea, or perhaps wandering around town?

  As much as the older woman grated on him at times, she was there when he needed her. He was well aware she’d do anything for anyone who needed help.

  He understood that from first-hand experience. She’d helped him through after Priscilla’s death, and was there again today.

  Melody’s face flashed into his mind. She was such a pretty girl. She had a softness about her looks, despite everything she’d been through.

  He’d like to get his hands on that scoundrel who robbed her!

  Whoa! She was not his problem.

  He forced his mind away from Miss Harken, and carried the trunk to its destination. He knocked on the door and waited for Mrs Grogan to answer.

  He put the trunk down while he waited.

  He could hear voices coming from inside, so knew someone was there. The aroma of freshly baked bread drifted through the door.

  His mouth watered.

  The door suddenly opened. Melody Harken stared momentarily at him. “Thank you for bringing the trunk, Mr Williams.”

  She stood there in the open doorway, with the face of an angel. Miss Melody Harken, according to her letter, was a twenty-seven year old spinster.

  But there was nothing spinsterish about her. Her wavy brown hair, her blue eyes that reminded him of bluebells, her luscious pink lips.

  He mentally slapped himself. He needed to snap out of it. “I, I have your trunk,” he said, stuttering like a love-struck schoolboy.

  “Through here, Mr Williams.” She led him to a room at the back of the house. She hovered just outside the room as he placed the trunk inside. It wouldn’t be right for them both to be in her bedroom at the same time.

  “Thank you.” She immediately led him back through the house and past the kitchen. The delicious aromas hit his senses again.

  He was about to leave when Mrs Grogan came running out, breathless. “Mr Williams,” she called to him. “There is beef and vegetable soup on the stove, and freshly baked bread - just out of the oven. Stay for luncheon?”

  He hesitated.

  “As a thank you for bringing the trunk.”

  What did he have to lose? He had to eat anyway. “That would be lovely. Thank you Mrs Grogan.”

  She grinned. “Don’t thank me – Miss Harken did all the work.”

  He very nearly backed off, but his belly rumbled at the pleasant aromas coming from the kitchen.

  “Sit yourself down, Mr Williams.” He did as he was told. After all this time in Dayton Falls, this was the first time he’d been in the Grogan’s kitchen.

  Mrs Grogan had delivered food to him many a time, but he’d never eaten here.

  Doc Grogan arrived moments later, and after giving thanks for their food, they began to eat. “This is amazing, Miss Harken. You’re an excellent cook.”

  “I’ve been cooking for my father for many years,” she said softly, and a sadness came across her face. “More bread?”

  He wouldn’t say no. It was delicious, probably the best he’d ever eaten. He emptied his soup bowl, and wiped it out with a piece of bread.

  Before he could object, the bowl was whipped away, refilled, and placed in front of him again.

  “You’re spoiling me.” But he wouldn’t say no. It was probably the best meal he’d had for a very long time.

  The two women turned to each other and grinned.

  “You don’t cook for yourself, Mr Williams. You’re far too skinny – Miss Harken’s soup will help get you through the day.”

  It was fact. His weight loss was worrying, but not unexpected. “I do appreciate it, and it is quite delicious.” He tucked in again.

  He could certainly get used to this. Too bad he’d changed his mind about marrying Miss Melody Harken – she was a really good cook.

  Dear Mr Williams,

  Would you be kind enough to accompany Miss Harken to church on Sunday? Oh, and we are expecting you at luncheon again tomorrow. See you at noon?

  Regards,

  Mrs Bertha Grogan

  The letter had been slipped under the post office door sometime after closing.

  Pete read the letter over again. He hadn’t misread it – was he being set up? Surely the old lady wouldn’t do that? She knew how much Priscilla had meant to him.

  Luncheon did sound wonderful though, especially if it was as good as yesterday. He hadn’t minded having beans and bacon for supper last night. After such a special meal in the middle of the day, he hadn’t even been all that hungry.

  And he’d slept better last night than he had since… He shook the thoughts away.

  He checked his pocket-watch. It was almost time for him to lock up for luncheon. He spun around as the door opened.

  “Miss Harken. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

  She laughed and the sound made his heart sing. “I should be in the kitchen, do you mean?”

  That really was what he meant, and perhaps he was a little disappointed she was here now and not tending to the food. “Did Mrs Grogan cook today?”

  “No, that was me. Everything is under control, and Mrs Grogan asked if I could bring these letters for posting.”

  He stared at her momentarily. “I could have brought them back with me.”

  She slapped her hands to her mouth in surprise. “Silly me. What was I thinking?”

  What was she thinking indeed? She handed the pile of letters over, as well as the money for stamps. “I’ll only be a few minutes if you’d like to wait? We can walk together.”

  She smiled and her whole face lit up. “I’d like that.”

  He saw to the letters, then took his coat from the rack, then pulled it around himself. “Do you have a coat, Miss Harken?” he asked concerned.

  “I do have one back at the Grogan’s.”

  “The closer we get to Christmas, the colder it gets,” he said, as they stepped out the door and he locked up.

  “Oh, it is quite chilly. I’ll have to fetch my coat next time.”

  He pulled off his coat and offered it to her. “Oh, I couldn’t,” she said, brushing it aside.

  “I insist, Miss Harken.” He draped his warm woolen coat over her shoulders, and they began their short journey.

  “Tell me about yourself, Miss Harken,” he said amiably. “What did you do for your father? And what happened on that train?”

  She hooked her arm through his, and told him about the horrid Mr Johnston, and he was appalled. That a so-called gentleman could do such a thing to a lady, was beyond reprehensible.

  He felt comfortable in the company of the captivating Miss Harken, but knew he shouldn’t.

  “And here we are, Mr Williams.” She turned to him and he found himself staring into those stunning bluebell-colored eyes.

  It was difficult to pull his gaze away, and he swallowed hard. What was he doing? He had no interest whatsoever in this woman.

  This beautiful woman with silky brown hair, with waves the like of which he’d never seen before. Despite all her recent sad history and let downs, she was still very likeable, and sociable. If he hadn’t decided not to marry again, things could be different.

  She leaned forward and opened the front door, leading him into the kitchen. Doc Grogan sat at the heavy wooden table awaiting his meal.

  “Nice to see you again, Mr Williams.”

 
Melody took the coat from her shoulders and placed it on the coat rack. “Sit yourself down, Mr Williams,” she told him. “Luncheon won’t be long.”

  She flicked her long hair back over her shoulders, then turned toward the stove. As she opened the oven door, the enticing aroma hit his senses.

  “That smells divine,” he said before he could stop himself.

  Miss Harken smiled. “Lamb shank stew,” she said. “I hope you like it.” She dished the food out onto two plates for the men, then set a plate in front of him.

  He leaned into it and breathed it in.

  Once the women sat down with their food, they all linked hands and said thanks for the food and the opportunity to spend time together.

  “I could get used to this,” he told the others. The two women turned to each other and smiled. Just like they’d done the day before.

  He took a mouthful of food and savored it. “Miss Harken, Mrs Grogan, you are amazing cooks.” He ate another mouthful, and then another. He thanked the Lord for bringing Miss Harken to Dayton Falls. And for the opportunity of companionship with these compassionate people.

  In the back of his mind he heard a little voice that reminded him he’d brought her to Dayton Falls. It also told him he didn’t want her.

  If he’d been alone he would surely have argued with that little voice. He’d have told it that was before he knew her.

  “Oh!” Miss Harken suddenly jumped up from the table and placed a tray of freshly baked bread on the table. “Would you mind cutting the bread, Mr Williams?” she asked, pushing the tray toward him, along with a sharp knife.

  How could he say no? He did as asked, and felt her eyes on him the whole time. It was all he could do not to reciprocate.

  “There you are – all done,” he said as he sat back down at the table.

  “You get first slice since you did such a wonderful job.” She laughed that enticing tinkling sound that drew him in so much, and his heart fluttered.

  He reached for a plate and a slice of bread, not taking his eyes off her for a moment. “Thank you, Miss Harken.”

  “You may call me Melody,” she said softly.