Glory’s Groom: The Alphabet Mail Order Brides Book 7 Read online

  Glory’s Groom

  The Alphabet Mail Order Brides Book 7

  Kathleen Ball

  To the wonderful people in my Facebook Group- Kathleen Ball Western Romance Readers, you encourage me every day.

  Also to my wonderful mother-in-law Ginny Ball, I love you!

  And as always to Bruce, Steven, Colt, Clara, Emery and Mavis because I love them.

  Contents

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  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

  Epilogue

  The End

  Harriet’s Hope

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  About the Author

  Other Books by Kathleen

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  Chapter One

  “Now you can all stop acting like you’re surprised by my offer, considering how you girls all share secrets and everything else about your lives with each other.” Madam Wigg waved her hand in front of her face as she looked around the room. “I’m quite certain it’s old news around here already that my health is failing me and I’m making sure all of you foundling girls are given the chance to have a new life outside these walls.”

  Glory’s heart sank. So it was true, they were all leaving. She’d so hoped that what they’d heard was just some strange kind of joke but it wasn’t. She glanced at her roommates, Imogene, Harriet and Faye. They were more like sisters to her.

  They’d all discussed what had been going on at the school during their regular late night talks. The four of them shared two adjoining rooms at the school and had spent many hours over the years sharing secrets and talking into the wee hours of the morning.

  Even though she knew deep down that this moment was coming she kept hoping it wouldn’t and somehow she’d be spared. Madam Wigg already spoken to Abigail a few days ago, and Beulah had told them earlier today that Madam Wigg had come to her, Emmaline, Dorthy and Catalina with an offer too.

  “It’s no secret that my health is failing. I’d be doing you all a disservice if I just let you stay here forever without even giving you the opportunity to see the world and to have the chance to spread the teachings of the Wigg School and Foundling Home to those who need it. I took you all in as babies, with the intent to give you the best life I could. And that’s what I’m still trying to do, whether you believe me or not.”

  Now there could be no denying that they’d have to leave the only home they’d ever known. Some of the girls were excited about starting new lives but not Glory. If she could stay forever, she’d be ever content.

  Faye leaned forward in her chair, resting her arms on her legs. “But Wiggie, you don’t look sick. I just find it hard to believe your health is failing.”

  “Faye, I know you always like to see the sunshine and rainbows in life, but that’s not always how it works. Everyone dies. And at my age, it’s best to be prepared.”

  Faye’s brow furrowed. “You’re not even that old.”

  Wiggie just shook her head and flapped her hand again. “Well, you can try telling that to these old bones.” Wiggie looked at each one of them. “So, the offer is the same for you girls. Before I pop my clogs, I’d love nothing more than to see my teaching shared around the country. And, it would make me happy to see you all in charge of your own schools, content while leading the lives you deserve. Everyone needs the chance to explore life on their own, find someone who can love them the way my dear husband did, and to even have children of their own someday if they choose. That’s what I’m offering you today.”

  Madam Wigg stared at Faye. “And don’t you even try to tell me that isn’t something you’ve always thought about in the back of your mind. I’ve seen the far-away looks, the moments you were lost daydreaming about some handsome gentleman who will sweep you off your feet like in those silly novels you read.”

  Faye’s cheeks turned red as Glory, Harriet, and Imogene smiled. “You do daydream about it a lot, Faye,” Imogene teased with a laugh.

  Faye shot Imogene a look that sent the Imogene woman into another laughing fit.

  “I will fund the school once you’ve got everything set up and ready. There are so many opportunities out west where the poor children aren’t being given the chance for a proper education. I’m relying on you ladies to help me share my beliefs of inclusion and that everyone deserves the chance to learn.”

  “But, out west? It’s so uncivilized.” Harriet said. It was exactly what Glory was thinking. Harriet like herself didn’t speak up much. Was Harriet as frightened to leave as Glory? There were too many unknowns out, on my, did she say the west? They were being sent into a place that had outlaws and Indians? It couldn’t be true. She took a deep breath to keep from panicking. Surely Faye would tell Madam Wigg that they wouldn’t go wouldn’t she?

  “And we’d be on our own. How could we manage without having each other to lean on? Who knows what could happen to us out there.” Glory shuddered for extra emphasis.

  Now would be the perfect time for Faye or Imogene to refuse. Glory waited but neither said a word. Her shoulders slumped. She was friends with all of the women who taught in the school, but especially with Faye, Imogene and Harriet. She couldn’t be without them.

  “You’ll all be fine. I’m not sending you out there all on your own. And don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about. Everyone knows that Abigail has been corresponding with a man out west and now the other women I’ve spoken to have started the process too. It’s really the only way to afford sending you all out to these places before the money for the schools is sent to you. And don’t worry that you’ll be going out to marry some stranger who could be dangerous, or that you’ll end up with some cantankerous old coot with no teeth of his own. I assure you, I’m going to be making sure every man you consider corresponding with is a suitable candidate and will personally do as much digging as I can to find out whether they are to be trusted or not.” Wiggie looked around at the girls who were all staring at her dumfounded. “What? You ladies all look like you’d never even considered the possibility of that happening. Well, no matter. Now that you do realize it could happen, you can rest assured knowing I’ll make sure you choose the right men.”

  Wiggie struggled with her skirts as she tried to stand up. The old rocking chair that she sat in kept moving every time she did, causing the soft material to slip along the wooden seat. She muttered under her breath as she continued to struggle. Faye stood up and put her hand out for her to take.

  “Thank you, dear. Now maybe you’ll all believe me when I tell you this old body is just about plum worn out. I can’t even get out of a chair on my own without looking like a half-dead fish flopping around on the ground.” Wiggie stood up and brushed at her skirts. “Heavens, look at how wrinkled I am. I look like I’ve been rolling around wrestling with the children outside.”

  Faye laughed and shook her head. “Wiggie, you look exactly the same as you did when you walked in the door. You’re just trying to make a fuss so we won’t put up any more arguments and try to change your mind.”

  “Well, I’m leaving the idea here with you girls discuss. I know you will be
as soon as I leave. I want you to at least consider it. I love you all like daughters, and I only want what is best for you. I hope you’ll understand that while I’ve created this nest for you to grow in, it’s time to spread your wings and share everything I’ve spent these years teaching you.” Wiggie smiled at each of them. “And I have no doubt in my mind that each and every one of you will soar once you realize just what you’re capable of doing outside the security of these walls.”

  There was silence when Wiggie left. What next? Look through ads from men who couldn’t find wives? Maybe she should just close her eyes and point to one. Finally after much discussion with Faye, Harriet and Imogene she picked one. The man who wrote the shortest ad, A man from Texas.

  Wife needed at once on Texas Ranch. Please send inquiry.

  A man without expectations.

  * * *

  All too soon it was time to go. Glory put a brave face on but what she really wanted was to hide in her special spot in the school where she went to be alone. It would be a long journey to Texas and she packed all her books about Botany. She knew so much about plants and cures. Perhaps she could be of some help in Texas. She’d studied up on plants that grew in the south and had put her knowledge in a handy notebook. She’d study and read more on the trip.

  She didn’t have much else to pack besides a few dresses that Faye had made for her. Things never mattered much. It was time to say her good bye to Madam Wigg, the only mother she’d ever known.

  Glory swallowed hard as she entered the office. She was tongue-tied as always but Wiggie opened her arms and Glory hurried to her. None of the girls at the foundling home had been loved starved. Wiggie had always been there for them all. An impossible task some would say but Wiggie made it work.

  “Glory I’m not the least worried about you. You are a strong, capable woman even if you haven’t realized it yet. You are going to blossom and I just know good things will come your way. I wanted to tell you even though you picked the shortest advertisement, your husband to be was in the military and is highly regarded.”

  Glory drew back as her eyes widened. “How?”

  “You must know by now I know everything that goes on with my girls. You have a gift for teaching and the school you end up at will be lucky to have you.”

  Tears filled Glory’s eyes. “I’ve been the lucky one.”

  Wiggie gave her a gentle smile. “Come kiss me on the cheek before we both start crying.”

  Glory kissed the older woman’s cheek and Wiggie kissed her cheek in return.

  “Remember you are loved and you are more than worthy of the love you’ll find.”

  Glory nodded and almost tripped as she left. She said a few goodbyes and it was all too much. Grabbing her bag she walked out of the Wigg School and Foundling Home and walked to the train station. She said one last good bye to Wiggie and then she was soon joined by Harriet and Imogene. Faye was still saying her goodbyes. She’d always been outgoing. She joined them and they quickly formed a tight circle, their hands holding the ones next to them.

  Glory laughed nervously, blinking her eyes hard as tears spilled out down her cheeks. “You’re sure you have to go? I’d be willing to stay if the rest of you all were.” Faye could tell that even though she said the words jokingly, Glory was truly being serious deep down. She was having a hard time knowing they were all going to be moving around the country and wouldn’t be together any more.

  Letting go of the hand she was holding, Faye pulled her into her arms. “Glory, we might not be able to talk every day like we’re used to, but we can all write to each other as much as we can. And maybe someday we can all get together for a visit.”

  Glory sniffed and wiped at her eyes when they pulled apart. “I hope so. I don’t know how I’ll manage without all of you.”

  Faye swallowed hard against the lump that was forming. “You’ll manage just fine, Glory. And you’ll still have us. We’re never more than a heartbeat away from each other.”

  “My train is leaving,” Glory announced as she gave then each on last quick hug. She wished she had more time. A couple more years would have been just fine. She got on the train and immediately took her handkerchief out of her pocket. She managed to keep it damp for most of the trip.

  Chapter Two

  Glory flew from her seat and ended up on the lap of a very heavily bearded man who smelled particularly ripe as the stage skidded to an abrupt stop. The man practically pushed her to the ground as he got up and made sure he was first out of the coach.

  Gasping for air, she stood and tried to put her hat back on straight. Hopeless, she was absolutely hopeless. Her hair refused to stay pinned up. She must look, well there was no hope for it now. Smoothing down her skirt she saw fresh spit tobacco on it. Perhaps she could wipe the putrid stuff off with her handkerchief.

  “Lady I ain’t got all day. I already unloaded your bag. Time for me to go.”

  Glory nodded and grabbed up her shawl, her reticule and put one white glove on. She’d lost the other one along the way. Her heart raced as she stepped down from the coach and almost ended sitting on her bottom in the middle of the dark dirt road. Where was the step? There was always a step for passengers to disembark easier.

  A well-groomed man with black hair and kind blue eyes rescued her from certain embarrassment.

  “Thank you, kindly. I’ve always been a bit clumsy but there wasn’t a step.”

  The man stepped back and stared at her. He frowned slightly. If he frowned what would her groom think? The stage raced down the street and a rather large group of Union soldiers started whistling at her. Glory quickly turned her back to them but it didn’t stop them.

  “Ma’am, might you be Miss Glory Wigg?” The dark haired man asked.

  She took a deep breath. “You must be Mr. Kent Sandler.” Her body relaxed slightly but she was still strung tight. He was clean and nice looking. She fretted the whole trip from New York City. The beginning of the trip there were mostly well groomed men with clean clothes on the train but the closer she got to Texas, a chill went up her back, the closer she got the worse the men smelled and acted.

  “What happened?” Kent asked as he looked her up and down. “Did the stage tip over or something? Are you hurt?”

  Smiling, she touched her hat. “No this is the way I always look. Why do you ask?”

  “Well, uh, never mind. The preacher is at the ranch waiting on us.” He held out his arm and she hesitantly took it. “The wagon is just up ahead.”

  She stopped suddenly practically pulling Kent back against her. “My bag! Where is my bag?” Letting go of Kent she hurried back to where she got off the coach. “The driver said he unloaded my bag.” Her shoulders sagged.

  “Was it a bag made of cloth with flowers on it?” he asked.

  “Oh, yes! Where is it?” By the frown on his face her heart dropped.

  “The man who got off ahead of you took it.”

  “Everything I owned was in that bag,” she said quietly. “It’s best we get going. The preacher is waiting.”

  “I’m sorry if I had known it was yours…”

  She took his offered arm and walked to the wagon with him. Eyeing it she didn’t see any steps. How was one supposed to climb up onto this thing?

  Before she could wonder more, Kent put his warm hands on her waist and lifted her up. She smiled down on him and furrowed her brow when he turned a bright shade of red. Making herself as comfortable as she could on the wooden bench, she waited for Kent to join her.

  She never got to sit in the front of anything. Maybe Texas would be fun after all.

  Kent sat down next to her, grabbed the lines and yelled, “Haw!”

  The next thing she knew, she flew into the wagon bed with her skirts up around her thighs. “Umph!”

  The wagon came to a sudden stop and then Kent climbed into the back of the wagon. “Are you all right?” He fixed her dress right off. Then he gently helped her to stand and lifted her back onto the seat. He sat next to he
r again. “I guess I forgot to tell you to hold on.”

  Her hat and most of her hair pins were in the wagon bed but at this point she didn’t care. “I never rode in a wagon like this before. You couldn’t have known.”

  “I am sorry. Hold on this time.”

  They were on their way. Should she laugh or cry? It was a choice she’d made often enough. This time she did neither. She swallowed hard and sat straight and tall, as tall as one could while holding on.

  “Why do you still have soldiers in your town? I heard all soldiers had left the south except for the most troublesome places.” She scanned the area expecting to see an outlaw or two.

  “Most towns still have soldiers. We stay mostly on the ranch.”

  “What animals do you have on the farm?”

  He chuckled. “It’s a ranch and it’s huge. It takes days to ride the whole perimeter of it. We mostly have cattle and horses. We have chickens.”

  “Do you ride the perimeter often?” She’d rather he’d stay near. He obviously didn’t know that the soldiers were only in the dangerous towns.

  “No, I mostly break horses. You’ll like it there. Everyone is nice and helpful. We’re like a big family.”

  The people of the foundling home and school had been her big family and look at what happened. One day you had a family and the next you didn’t. Then you’re pushed out to Texas and expected to put on a brave face and marry a man you didn’t know. Her heart still ached for Imogene, Faye and Harriet.