The Springtime Mail Order Bride Read Online Free Page A

frayed ends of her shawl. “This … this is all I have. It’s what I left New Orleans with.”
    His mouth dropped open in shock. “What? You mean you left with nothing but the clothes on your back? What kind of woman leaves … you aren’t in trouble with the law, are you?”
    “No! Oh dear Heavens, how could you even think …” she stopped as she realized how easy it was to think such a thing. “I’m not a criminal, I’m just … poor.”
    He c losed the distance between them, and looked into her eyes. “Not anymore,” he said, his voice gentle.
    “Mr. Weaver, how nice to see you again,” came a woman’s voice from behind them. “Matthew tells me you’re getting married today.”
    He turned to her, and motioned toward Samantha. “Yes, but she’ll need a dress, and whatever else you think she’ll be wanting to have out at the farm. You know we don’t come to town much.”
    The woman looked her over carefully, and again Samantha felt self-conscious. “I see, well then, where to begin…” She walked a circle around her, as Mr. Weaver had done. “Matthew, I never thought I’d say this, but fetch me your mother.”
    Matthew groaned. “You do realize what you’re about to subject this poor girl to?”
    “I do.”
    “Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He looked at Samantha. “Brace yourself.”
    “What are you two t alking about?” Mr. Weaver asked as the woman went back down the hall.
    “ Dear cousin Araln,” Matthew laughed. “You’ve never seen her in action.  There’s nothing she loves more than a wedding, except maybe the chance to equip a new bride for the rigors of matrimony.”
    Samantha watched as Mr. Weaver’s eyes widened. “Just so long as the rigors of matri mony don’t cost more than twelve dollars.  It’s all I’ve got, and I still gotta give the preacher something.”
    “N ot to worry,” Matthew said. “If mother goes over your budget, which I’m sure she will, then consider the rest a wedding present. I’ll tell her you’ve a budget of six dollars.”
    Mr. Weaver removed his hat. “Thank you, Matthew. That’s mighty kind.”
    “Don’t mention it,” he said with a smile.
    Not a moment later, a tall, thin gre y-haired woman came rushing up the hall to the storefront. “Arlan! Why didn’t you tell any of us you were getting married today?” Why, I could have sewn a new dress for the occasion.” She turned to Samantha. “And this is your bride I take it? Why she’s …” The woman stopped, her mouth half open as she took in Samantha’s careworn appearance. “Oh … you poor dear, what happened?”
    “ She’ll need clothes, shoes, things for her hair, whatever you can think of. You know it might be months before I come back into town.” He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a list. “Here’s ma’s list. You can fill it while we’re with the preacher.”
    “But Arlan, I want to be there when you say I do. After all, I am your aunt.”
    He stared at her a moment. “All right, being as how ma couldn’t make it.”
    “Couldn’t make it? Why didn’t she come with you? Especially since you’re getting married!”
    “She’s sick, Aunt Betsy, and didn’t feel up to making the trip. I’m sure she’ll be better by the end of the week.”
    “Well, don’t you leave town without a care basket for her. I’ll put some things together quick like, and you can take it on home. Now, let’s get this poor girl some decent clothes.”
    All eyes turned to Samantha, and she felt herself shiver. “I don’t want to be any trouble.”
    “Trouble?” the woman called Charlotte said. “It’s no trouble, we’re happy to help. Let’s see, you are a tiny thing.”
    “The ivory, don’t you think so, Charlotte?” the grey-haired woman asked then looked to Samantha again. “Oh but where are my manners? I’m Mr s. Quinn, Arlan’s aunt. His mother Mary is my sister, and this is my new daughter-in-law Charlotte. I’m sure you’ve