Charlotte's Mail Order Husband (New Montana Brides series) Read Online Free Page A

me.
    I look forward to your arrival with great anticipation.
    Sincerely, Zebulon Parsons
    After reading the letter, Lottie decided to talk to Mary Tarleton. “Mary , I have another letter from Zebulon. I would like for you to read it, since part of it concerns you, and I would like to have your help.”
    Mary took the letter, read through it quickly, and said, “I have one with the same information. Do you have doubts, or questions?”
    “I’ve not done any traveling, and I am reluctant to spend someone else’s money, particularly in the amount involved here. Working in the bank, I’ve handled money, but the most expensive thing I have ever purchased was a ready-made dress, and I was afraid to wear it for fear of ruining it. I’m afraid if I did it on my own; I could be taken advantage of in my ignorance. Could you help me?”
    Mary laughed. “Lottie, I haven’t traveled either, and I have never purchased anything of significant expense. I would be glad to go along with you, but I don’t know that I would be much help either. Zebulon has apparently looked into this, since he spelled out the type of accommodations you should have.”
    The next day, Mary and Lottie went to The First National Bank and withdrew the sizable amount of funds her brother specified. She went with Lottie to the train station, where they selected a date of departure, purchased a ticket, and obtained the Saint Louis arrival time. “I will telegraph the arrival date to Zebulon, so he can make the steamboat arrangements. I imagine he will telegraph any further information about that end of the trip.
    “Lottie, this is a delicate subject and I don’t want to o ffend you or embarrass you. My brother is concerned you might not have sufficient clothing to make the trip, and has asked me to help you with it. If you are willing, and I strongly suggest you take advantage of this, I will take you shopping.”
    Lottie’s eyes filled with moisture. “That is the most thoughtful thing I could have imagined. I do have some nice dresses that I wear when working, and to church. I have no idea what would be needed.”
    “Another question. What about your delicate underthings?”
    Lottie’s face colored. “I don’t know what to say.”
    “We are going to Hutzler’s, and put ourselves at their mercy,” Mary said.
    Hutzler’s took pride in being a destination store. Mary and Lottie spent three hours in the store. Lottie was appalled at the amount spent. “Mary, this is not right. I’m not co mfortable doing this/”
    “I’m sorry you feel that way. It’s what Zeb wanted. He’s asking you to uproot yourself from family and home; move to the unknown, and he sees this as a practical thing to do. I understand there is a general store in Helena, but things have to be ordered, and shipped in the Wells Fargo wagon. If you feel really strongly about it, you can put them back, but I don’t recommend it. You will need to keep the small trunk and the carpet bag.”
    Mary had the clerk weigh the purchases to make sure they fell within the twenty five pound limit. In the end, Lo ttie had the store clerk put back about half of what had been selected. Mary just shook her head in wonderment. Before they parted, she gave Lottie a small handbag. “This will provide for your meals and other expenses. You are not to skimp. I know you will try, but do not do it. I will be at the train station to see you off in the morning.”
    Lottie just nodded. This woman would be a wonderful friend, she thought.
    At home that evening…
    Dear Zebulon,
    After we purchased the train ticket, you sister took me shopping, and I fear we over-indulged. I am flabbergasted at your extravagance toward someone you have never met.
    By the time you receive this letter, I shall probably be on the steamboat from Saint Louis. What an adventure I have in store for me! I await the date with anxiety, and doubt. I have resolved in my mind it is something I must do, nevertheless, the uncertainty of