Cora: Bride of South Dakota (American Mail-Order Bride 40) by Susan Horsnell Page A
Book: Cora: Bride of South Dakota (American Mail-Order Bride 40) by Susan Horsnell
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Authors: Susan Horsnell
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical, Saga, Family Life, tragedy, Western, Short-Story, Religious, Christian, Inspirational, Bachelor, South Dakota, ranch, Marriage of Convenience, Faith, Decision, victorian era, Forever Love, Single Woman, Fifty-Books, Forty-Five Authors, Newspaper Ad, American Mail-Order Bride, Factory Burned, Pioneer, Forty In Series, Political Ally, Grandfather Age
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secured Cora’s trunk to the rear of the carriage before assisting his wife inside. He climbed aboard, the driver flicked the reins and they were on their way.
Chapter Six
One Week Later
“Whatever do you do to occupy your time out here?” Cora asked Millie as they ambled across a vacant paddock. A cow glanced up from her munching as if to ensure the intruders weren’t a threat to her meal. Obviously satisfied there was no danger, she lowered her head back to the luscious green grass.
“I take long walks, read, sew and contemplate my future. Sometimes I help Papa with the harvest.”
“Have you met any men, someone tall, dark and handsome, suitable for marriage?
Millie snorted with laughter. “I’ll probably end up being a mail order bride like you. Heaven knows, there’s no-one suitable around these parts. They’re either too young, only interested in drinking and those kinds of women or, they’re old enough to be my grandfather.”
“You’re parents weren’t very happy about me going to South Dakota to marry a stranger, imagine how they would feel if you did.”
“I may not have a choice now we live here. I won’t be left on the shelf and become an old maid. I want a home of my own, a husband and children.” Millie insisted. “Are you scared about meeting him?”
“Not so much scared as nervous. He sounds nice in his letter and even with his scar he has a handsome face.” But, what if he isn’t nice? What if he’s cruel like Papa?
“Cora!” Millie shouted as she grabbed at her friends arm and wrenched her backwards.
Cora screamed when she glanced down and saw a snake slither past.
“It’s alright. It’s harmless but I didn’t want you to step on it. Welcome to country life.”
Cora placed her hand to her chest, her heart beat rapidly. “Sorry,” she mumbled.
They continued their walk back to the house in silence. This was what made the girls such good friends, they could chatter for hours or they were equally comfortable in silence. Merely being together made them happy.
Linda heard the kitchen door click as it closed after the girls stepped inside. They were hanging their coats on pegs by the door when she approached. She waved a white envelope in the air as she addressed Cora. “This came for you.”
With trembling fingers, Cora accepted the letter. This was it, her future. She prayed he was still interested and had enclosed the references she had requested. Please let him be everything he said he is.
She opened the envelope and removed three sheets of paper. The first was a letter from a Banker. He extolled John’s virtuous character and assured her he had excellent means with which to provide both her and their family with everything they required and desired. He detailed some of John’s acts of kindness towards those in the community who were less fortunate. He was adamant she would be hard pressed to find a better man.
Cora smiled as she refolded the paper and slipped it back into the envelope.
She proceeded to read the next reference from the Postmaster. It was every bit as glowing. John was obviously a man of good standing who was well respected by those who knew him. Her heart flip flopped with happiness. She was feeling more confident by the minute.
The final letter was from John himself. She frowned when she read he was both concerned and reassured by her age. Not too set in my ways? We’ll see. He also expressed concern about how she would adapt to such an isolated life but trusted that she would adjust. John assured her of his willingness to proceed with the marriage on her arrival. He explained that he refused to have her made the subject of town gossip by taking her as a single lady to his ranch with four single men.
“He’s considerate,” she mumbled.
“What?” Millie and Linda asked.
“Is something wrong? You know you’re more than welcome to stay
Chapter Six
One Week Later
“Whatever do you do to occupy your time out here?” Cora asked Millie as they ambled across a vacant paddock. A cow glanced up from her munching as if to ensure the intruders weren’t a threat to her meal. Obviously satisfied there was no danger, she lowered her head back to the luscious green grass.
“I take long walks, read, sew and contemplate my future. Sometimes I help Papa with the harvest.”
“Have you met any men, someone tall, dark and handsome, suitable for marriage?
Millie snorted with laughter. “I’ll probably end up being a mail order bride like you. Heaven knows, there’s no-one suitable around these parts. They’re either too young, only interested in drinking and those kinds of women or, they’re old enough to be my grandfather.”
“You’re parents weren’t very happy about me going to South Dakota to marry a stranger, imagine how they would feel if you did.”
“I may not have a choice now we live here. I won’t be left on the shelf and become an old maid. I want a home of my own, a husband and children.” Millie insisted. “Are you scared about meeting him?”
“Not so much scared as nervous. He sounds nice in his letter and even with his scar he has a handsome face.” But, what if he isn’t nice? What if he’s cruel like Papa?
“Cora!” Millie shouted as she grabbed at her friends arm and wrenched her backwards.
Cora screamed when she glanced down and saw a snake slither past.
“It’s alright. It’s harmless but I didn’t want you to step on it. Welcome to country life.”
Cora placed her hand to her chest, her heart beat rapidly. “Sorry,” she mumbled.
They continued their walk back to the house in silence. This was what made the girls such good friends, they could chatter for hours or they were equally comfortable in silence. Merely being together made them happy.
Linda heard the kitchen door click as it closed after the girls stepped inside. They were hanging their coats on pegs by the door when she approached. She waved a white envelope in the air as she addressed Cora. “This came for you.”
With trembling fingers, Cora accepted the letter. This was it, her future. She prayed he was still interested and had enclosed the references she had requested. Please let him be everything he said he is.
She opened the envelope and removed three sheets of paper. The first was a letter from a Banker. He extolled John’s virtuous character and assured her he had excellent means with which to provide both her and their family with everything they required and desired. He detailed some of John’s acts of kindness towards those in the community who were less fortunate. He was adamant she would be hard pressed to find a better man.
Cora smiled as she refolded the paper and slipped it back into the envelope.
She proceeded to read the next reference from the Postmaster. It was every bit as glowing. John was obviously a man of good standing who was well respected by those who knew him. Her heart flip flopped with happiness. She was feeling more confident by the minute.
The final letter was from John himself. She frowned when she read he was both concerned and reassured by her age. Not too set in my ways? We’ll see. He also expressed concern about how she would adapt to such an isolated life but trusted that she would adjust. John assured her of his willingness to proceed with the marriage on her arrival. He explained that he refused to have her made the subject of town gossip by taking her as a single lady to his ranch with four single men.
“He’s considerate,” she mumbled.
“What?” Millie and Linda asked.
“Is something wrong? You know you’re more than welcome to stay
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