Molly's New Song (Brides 0f Pelican Rapids Book 5) Read online

  What would it be like to have a wife to greet him at the end of the day? Dinner already waiting, and better than that, a smile and conversation to share the events of the day. He’d do his best to show an interest in her activities. Sewing, visiting neighbors. And after dinner, she’d play the piano.

  If she could get in there.

  He rounded the dining table and stopped in the entry to the parlor. Thankfully, he didn’t have much furniture to begin with. A sofa, a matching wingchair, a side table. But as little as he had, it was now all bunched up along one wall. The piano was placed right between the fireplace and the front window—shoved up against it so close, it would’ve caught fire, if there was a fire.

  He walked through the narrow space between sofa and piano and hit his knee against the piano bench.

  Clearly, the piano would have to be moved before fall brought a chill to the air. He’d have to move the dining table, which he’d made himself from nearby oaks, to the old sod house, and put the piano in the dining room. He and Molly would have to dine at the small kitchen table.

  Obviously, Molly had the impression his house was larger than it was. Had he misled her? He had bragged about building a new house to replace his grandparents soddy, but it never occurred to him she’d think it big enough for a piano. Hadn’t she explained she’d become acclimated to living in the small overseer’s cottage? And since the servants had all left, it was a good thing since the cottage was small enough for her to manage by herself. Still, the cottage was large enough for her piano.

  And his farmhouse wasn’t. No two ways about it.

  He rubbed his neck and huffed a sigh. It would be easy enough to extend the house out ten or twelve feet—all the way across. Wouldn’t even have to change the pitch of the roof. He glanced to the west wall. He could build it within a couple of months if the wedding was delayed that long. Mrs. Milton always expected her brides to stay with her for a while to get better acquainted with the groom.

  But where would the money come from? He’d already used his meager savings in building the house. the size dictated by the amount he had to spend. He’d vowed not to go into debt. Taking out a mortgage before the farm was producing an excess seemed irresponsible. A trait he’d learned from his father who had never gone into debt in his life and had managed to make a comfortable living for his family.

  Here in Minnesota, Luke’s cultivated acreage of alfalfa and wheat was barely enough to see him through the winter. Now he’d have a wife to support. Possibly children. Yes, Molly had mentioned several times she wanted children and as soon as possible.

  Truth was, he did too.

  Maneuvering to the window, he hit his shin on the side table. Pain shot up his leg, but he ignored it and raised the window. He stuck his head out to get a view of the full length of the house. If it were extended all the way, there would be room for another bedroom. Right beside his and Molly’s. The perfect place for a nursery.

  His stomach growled, reminding him his ham sandwiches waited.

  After eating, he sat at his little desk and drew up plans for the extension. Then he examined his bank book. Yep, it would take a mortgage which, for a farmer, was so risky. He’d pray about it and sleep on it. A decision would have to be made by tomorrow.

  He’d stepped out on faith when he asked Mrs. Milton to find him a wife. If the Lord could do that, surely He would provide a way to build a bigger house.

  Chapter 5

  Bear ye one another’s burdens. Galatians 6-2

  The Chicago depot was a nightmare of confusion. And loud. Trains belching, hawkers yelling, whistles blowing. Molly stood stunned, looking in one direction and the other, trying to get the attention of someone. But people rushing in all directions ignored her.

  Which gate to take? Her ticket didn’t say. She assumed her luggage was going on the right train. Too bad no one had tagged her.

  She noticed a young woman standing in front of the schedules and threaded her way in that direction. The lady looked to be about the same age as Molly and alone. “Excuse me, can you tell where I might go to get the connection going to Pelican Rapids, Minnesota?”

  The woman jumped, shooting an eye-popping stare at Molly. Her mouth hung open like Molly had asked her directions to the moon. “You’re going to Pelican Rapids?”

  “Y…yes. Is there something wrong about that?”

  The woman shook her head. “No, I’m going to Pelican Rapids myself. It’s just that’s such a small town, it’s unusual to find a fellow passenger with the same destination.” She reached out a hand. “I’m Mandy Carter. Pleased to meet you.”

  Molly smiled. “Molly Stewart. You’re an answer to my prayers, Mandy. I was just asking God to send someone to help me through this labyrinth.” She gripped Mandy’s hand.

  “Our train doesn’t leave for almost an hour. That’s just enough time to get a cold lemonade, and I know there’s a stand just around the corner.” Mandy flashed a smile that revealed a gold tooth in the corner of her mouth, right before the molars began. “Mandy and Molly—we’re going to be great friends.” She hooked Molly by the arm and swept her along the crowded corridor. What a lovely, friendly person Mandy was.

  There was nowhere to sit to enjoy their lemonade, so they hugged a wall to stay out of the frantic traffic. “So, Molly, what brings you to Pelican Rapids?”

  “I’m one of Mrs. Milton’s mail-order brides from Georgia.” If Mandy was from Pelican Rapids she’d know Mrs. Milton had brought several brides from the South.

  Mandy nodded. “Yes, Mrs. Milton is famous for her brides. I didn’t know there were any more eligible bachelors left. Who are you marrying?”

  “Luke Ferrell. Do you know him?”

  Mandy spewed her lemonade. Droplets hit Molly’s bodice, making her step back.

  A horrified look crossed Mandy’s face. “Oh, I’m so sorry. Yes, I know Luke well. My mother thinks I’m coming home to marry him.”

  Now it was Molly’s turn to drop her jaw. “What?”

  Mandy shook her head, making the feather in her hat twirl crazily. “Not to worry. I’m engaged to another, though my mother doesn’t know that. I’ve been visiting my grandparents in New York.” She leaned in as though sharing a secret. “I went there to find a dentist to work on my teeth, and guess what, he fixed my teeth and asked me to marry him.” She reared back, a satisfied look on her face. “That’s why I’m coming home, to tell the folks.”

  “Why does your mother think you would marry Luke?”

  Mandy threw her head back and let out an exaggerated sigh. “You’d have to know my mother to understand. She thinks if she wants something to be true, if she keeps saying it, it will come true.”

  When Molly scowled her sympathy, Mandy quickly added, “Oh, don’t get me wrong. I love Mama, but she can be so…difficult. Thing is, I didn’t even realize it until I got away from her and just in time, too. I’m not a spring chicken any more, and if I hadn’t left Pelican Rapids, I would never have gotten married. I fear it’s too late for my older sister, Jenny, and if my younger sister doesn’t change her ways, she’ll never catch a husband.”

  “Why don’t they ask Mrs. Milton for help?” For that matter, why hadn’t Mandy?

  “Oh, Mama doesn’t believe in selecting a mate through the mail. She’ll look down her nose at you, my dear, but just ignore her.”

  Molly sipped her lemonade thoughtfully. “So, you never had feelings for Luke?”

  “Oh, I admit I did at first. When he first arrived at his grandparents’ farm, I went out to pick the eggs every day. He let us have them to sell in the store. But after several months, it became obvious he only thought of me as a friend. And I’m so thankful he did. If I’d married Luke, I would never have met Thomas.

  “You’ll love Luke, Molly. He’s such a nice man, and handsome.”

  “He sent me a tin-type. Is his hair brown? It looked lighter than mine.”

  “Much lighter. In the summer it gets blond from the sun.” Mandy laughed. “Luk
e is bad about forgetting his hat.”

  “What color are his eyes?”

  Mandy twisted her mouth to the side. “That’s a good question. His eyes seem to change color at times. They have some blue and green, maybe some brown too. I think you’d call it hazel.” Mandy wagged her brows. “You’ll like what you see. I hope I get to attend your wedding, but I’m only planning on staying a week. Do you know when your wedding day is?”

  “No, Mrs. Milton will be making the arrangements, but I gathered she expected Luke and me to have some time to get acquainted.” Molly hoped it wouldn’t be delayed too long. She was eager to claim her husband and settle down in her own home.

  “Yes, I think that’s how it works.” Mandy glanced over her shoulder, her head tipped, obviously checking the large train station clock.

  “Actually, we have more in common than you realize,” Molly said. “I left without my father’s knowledge. He was opposed to this match, and I just hope he doesn’t follow me.” That was the first time such a thought entered her mind, but she wouldn’t put it past him. “Although I’m hoping after he gets used to the idea, he’ll come to the wedding.”

  “Oh, I hope he doesn’t cause any trouble. Parents have a hard time realizing their children have grown up and can make decisions for themselves.” Mandy took Molly’s glass. “Here, I’ll take these back and we’ll be on our way. The trip to Pelican Rapids is a long one. We’ll have plenty of time to discuss our troublesome parents, and I’ll tell you all about Luke.”

  Chapter 6

  These six things the Lord hates. Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. – Proverbs 6:16-19

  Dew still glistened on the grass when Luke charged into town on Feckless, one of his roan work horses. He’d brought the pair from his parents’ farm in Wisconsin where his pa managed a small herd of dairy cattle. He had broken Feckless and Reckless to the saddle as two-year-olds, and had trained them to respond with speed and agility.

  Reckless’s name to the contrary, he was as well trained as any in the West and would be a perfect mount for Molly. That brought to mind the reason for this early morning trek.

  Molly was never far from his mind.

  In his saddlebag, he carried the house plans he’d sketched the previous night.

  He hoped the sawmill had enough lumber in stock. He’d worked at the sawmill when he’d first come to Pelican Rapids, and the mill owner, Mr. Jensen, had paid him in building supplies to erect the house. His father had drummed into his brain the necessary to avoid going into debt under all circumstances. Trouble was, it had taken all year to earn enough to repair the fences and barn, as well as build the new house. But he’d been proud of that accomplishment. He’d avoided having to put up the farm for a loan.

  Now, here he was on his way to the bank to do just that.

  Well, his father also said, a man had to do what he had to do for his family. When he’d decided to take a wife, Luke hadn’t realized all he might have to do.

  He slowed Feckless to a walk as he turned on Ash Street. A lady came out of the bank, making him pull in the reins. He’d always thought the bank opened later than this. Curtis Mills, the manager, was said to be the richest man in town, and that must mean he knew how to manage money. Luke needed advice and money.

  Feckless snorted as Luke dismounted and searched the saddlebag. “Sorry, ole son, no grass to munch on here, but I shouldn’t be long.” He patted the horse’s flank and tucked his papers under his arm.

  The bank was empty of customers, but Mr. Mills sat at his desk behind the banister. He looked up when Luke closed the door. “Can I help you, Luke?”

  Luke removed his hat. “I was thinking about taking out a loan.”

  “Come on, then. I’d be happy to discuss it with you.” Mr. Mills held out a hand to the chair by his desk.

  Luke came through the opening and lowered himself in the straight chair, one so hard it would be impossible to get comfortable in. He laid the sketch of his plans on the desk, along with materials list and estimated costs. “I need to build onto my house, and this is the amount I figure it’ll cost.” He pointed to the total.

  Mr. Mills’s smile disappeared. “I see. How’s the farm doing this year? I see you have a good stand of corn, but predictions are for lower corn prices.”

  Luke cleared his throat. He hated talking about the farm. Truth was, it was still in poor shape. He hadn’t been able to get enough acreage cleared to plant a full crop of anything. “I have some alfalfa.”

  “Livestock feed doesn’t bring much. You’d do better with wheat.”

  Luke coughed. “Yes sir, the farm would make more in wheat, but I’ve a mind to start a dairy and make cheese. I brought my folks’ old equipment and the grandfolks’ old soddy will make a good place for the cheese to ripen.”

  The smile returned. “A dairy farm you say. We don’t have one in the area, and cheese would be a good money-making venture. How many cows do you have?”

  Luke tried to find a more comfortable position. “Well, I’ll need to borrow money for that too. I’ve a mind to add three or four Jerseys by winter and double the number each year so I’ll have enough in four years to support the farm.” And a family, he hoped.

  Mr. Mills shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I don’t see that you’ll have enough income for a loan of this size.”

  “I’ll be putting up the land. It’s worth more than that.”

  “That’s true, Luke, but this bank isn’t in the business of taking a man’s land. We want customers who are able to pay loans off from their income.”

  “But if it’s a risk I’m willing to take, I’d think the bank could go along with it. You see, Mr. Mills, I’m getting married, and I need to provide my wife with a decent place to live.”

  Mr. Mills slapped the desktop. “That’s right. I heard you’re getting married to one of the Carter daughters. Well, that’s your answer. I’m sure Mr. Carter will lend you the money to make a more comfortable home for his daughter. He might be willing to give you the money.”

  Oh no. Luke drew in a lungful of air. He’d thought he’d squashed those rumors. “I’m not getting married to Mandy Carter, or any of the Carter daughters. My wife-to-be is coming from Georgia. It was arranged by Mrs. Milton’s agency.”

  Mr. Mills reared back like Luke had slapped him. “A mail-order bride?” He seemed to realize his tone was derogatory, and his tone turned conciliatory. Almost downright condescending. “Don’t get me wrong. Those ladies Mrs. Milton brings in are lovely, but they have nothing to bring to the marriage—except themselves.”

  “That’s all I ask of my wife.”

  “Yes…sorry. I didn’t mean to offend, but I’d heard you were to marry Mandy Carter. Let me jot down these figures. I’ll discuss it with the board and let you know how much we can loan you. How’s that?”

  “When will I have an answer?”

  “By next week.”

  Luke got to his feet. “Fair enough. Thank you, Mr. Mills.” He shook the banker’s hand and took his leave. Next stop, the mercantile, to stop Mrs. Carter’s stupid rumor once and for all.

  He stuffed his papers back in the saddlebag and mounted Feckless. A short distance, he crossed the Pelican River and turned straight up Main Street to the Mercantile.

  Fortunately, the store was void of customers, but Mrs. Carter was standing at the fabric table, straightening bolts of calico. As soon as the little bell heralded his entrance, she looked up, a wide smile on her plump face. “Hello, Luke. What brings you back to town? Did you forget something the other day?”

  He didn’t bother to remove his hat. “I stopped at the bank. Mrs. Carter, you have to stop telling people Mandy and I are getting hitched.”

  She laughed. “It’s just a matter of time. I’ve seen you two together. Remember the spring picnic? You two wen
t off by yourselves.” She peered at him slyly from under her lashes.

  He’d rescued Mandy from her family at her request. That was all. “I enjoy Mandy’s company. We’re friends, but that’s all there is to it. And I’m getting married to a lady from Georgia as I told you before, but I’m telling you again in case you didn’t hear me.”

  “Oh, I’ve heard all right. But you haven’t even met this woman. You know nothing about her except what Ella Milton has told you.”

  It was a good thing they weren’t near a wall. He would be tempted to put his head through it. “I’ve received four letters from Molly herself. I know she’s the one I want to marry.”

  Mrs. Carter kept smiling as she nodded. “Words written on paper. How do you know if any of it is true?” She hiked her nose in the air. “This mail-order bride is supposed to come in next week, I hear. Mandy is already on the train and will be arriving Friday at noon.”

  Luke groaned. “That’s when Molly is scheduled to arrive.”

  “How interesting that will be. Did you know Mandy got her teeth fixed? When the mister and I went to visit his parents last month we couldn’t believe the transformation in our Mandy. She has such a beautiful smile. And Grandma Carter took her to buy a new wardrobe, including a wedding gown.”

  “That’s nice. Did you meet the man she wants to marry?”

  Mrs. Carter chuckled and slapped at his sleeve. “She’s just trying to make you jealous writing about her beau. There is no beau. You mark my words, you and Mandy will be married before the summer’s over.”

  It was useless to argue. “Good-day to you, Mrs. Carter.” He turned on his heel.

  She followed him to the door. “As soon as you meet this mail-order bride, you’ll find she’s not what you’ve pictured in your mind, and you’ll come to your senses. And it might be you won’t be what she expected. She might get back on the train and leave.”