Page 37 of Mail-Order Bride Substitute
She pulled back. “I don’t know how to drive the horses.”
“Nothing to do but hold the reins.” He waited.
She shook her head. “What if something goes wrong?”
“I’ll be here. Take them.”
Rather than argue, she took the straps of leather. They were warmer than she expected. She felt the tug of the horses and the wagon slowed to a crawl.
“Slacken the lines.” He wrapped his hands around hers to indicate what he meant.
Her heart kicked against her ribs at his touch even though it was only to show her how to guide the horses. As the horses moved onward, her heart settled back into place.
Riley pulled the letter from his pocket. “This looks like it’s been around the world and got trampled on by wild animals.” He broke the seal and unfolded the two sheets of paper.
Olivia’s throat closed off. She knew what was written there. She and Sylvia had worked hard composing the letter.
Dear Mr. Shannon.
“Shouldn’t you say Riley? Isn’t that how you address him?” She’d asked her friend.
Sylvia had paused. “It’s a little awkward seeing as we’ve never met.”
“And yet you were going to travel west and marry him. Sight unseen.”
“I liked what I knew about him. He sounds kind and thoughtful. Interested in me.”
Olivia had groaned in mock dismay. “I would hope so if he’s asking to marry you.”
Sylvia had turned back to the page before them. “First, I’ll explain why I’m not coming.” The pen scratched several lines. “Now about why you’re going in my stead and why I think it’s a good fit for him. Have you decided what we should say?”
They’d discussed this many times and yet when it came to putting it down in black on white, the words had been incredibly difficult to choose.
Finally, they had agreed to simply give the facts and Sylvia wrote:
Olivia is well educated having spent two years at college in Philadelphia where she excelled in all her subjects but especially in art and music. She is known for being helpful with community events and to her aunt and uncle who are her guardians. Her uncle is Harris Tate. The owner of a shipping company with the same name.
They’d talked at length about whether or not to reveal this information. Olivia was afraid it would give Riley the idea she was rich. She didn’t want to be accepted for that reason.
“When he finds out I don’t have a penny of my own, he might be disappointed.”
“On the other hand, it might be in your favor for him to understand you aren’t desperate. You have options.”
That had brought a laugh to Olivia’s lips. “I am desperate.”
“But you do have options. I fully believe your uncle would fund you to return east. You could teach at the college you attended.”
“I could.” She’d been offered a position. “But I want something more real. More lasting. A home, a family, and a strong man.” She hadn’t meant solely physical strength. She longed for a man who would stand up for what he wanted. Protect those he loved. Fight adversity and face challenges.
In the end, they agreed to leave those words in, and Sylvia had continued.
She loves children and often helps with them at church. She looks forward to having some of her own. She is eager to relocate. Although she hasn’t done much cooking in the past, she is a quick learner. From what I’ve come to know about you, I believe you will be patient with her as she adapts to her role, just as I know you would have been with me. She plans to arrive on the noon train Monday, August 11. We trust this plan meets with your approval. If not, there is plenty of time for you to write and say otherwise.
Sylvia had signed the note. “Do you want to sign too?” she’d asked.
Olivia had shaken her head.
As Riley read the letter, she stared at the back end of the horses, and squeezed the leather reins hard without pulling back on them. She would not look at Riley as he turned the pages and read.
