Not Quite A Mail Order Bride (Mail Order Brides) by Susan Leigh Carlton Read Free Book Online Page A

her husband passed away and she came out here to visit her sister and family. Another reason and the least important to me anyway, is we don’t have a teacher. She is probably as qualified as any teacher in the Laramie schools.”
     
    The rancher, Jake, was a known sympathizer for the Confederate cause. “She’s a Yankee, Luke.”
     
    “My Clara was a Yankee, as you call it. Jed Barnette’s wife is a Yankee. As far as that goes, Jed is a Yankee. What’s your point?”
     
    “Nothing, I guess we’re stuck with her till we can find somebody else.”
     
    “Jake, I don’t like your attitude. We’re not stuck with her as you put it. We’re fortunate to have her agree to teach our children. I must remind you, you don’t have to put your children in the school. Does anyone else have any questions, or concerns?” There were none, so Jed said, “I’ll make the offer formally, although if she hears about this discussion, she probably won’t accept it, and I for one wouldn’t blame her.”
     
    Luke called on Martha the next day and offered her the teaching position. After he explained the details, he asked if she had any questions. “I do,” she said. “Were there any concerns or objections at the meeting?” He looked uncomfortable. “Out with it, Luke. Tell me the truth.”
     
    “Well, there was Jake. Your being a Yankee bothered him. His father was a Confederate soldier, killed at Manassas. Don’t pay no mind to him, The others were enthusiastic about having you.”
     
    “I’ll have to think about it before I give you an answer,” she said. “I’ll let you know when I decide. Thank you for your efforts, Luke.”
     
    She left the room and a befuddled Luke behind. Sarah came into the room. “What just happened, Luke? Martha is crying. Did they decide not to offer her the position?”
     
    “No, I offered her the position. She asked if there were any objections. Jake Vintner complained because she was a Yankee. I put him in his place and told him you, Jed, Martha said and my Clara were Yankees. The others were enthusiastic.”
     
    “I don’t think she will accept it now. So help me, if that jerk causes me to lose my sister’s company, I don’t know what I’ll do.”
     
    “Will you talk to her?”
     
    “No, I don’t believe I will. I promised her I wouldn’t pressure her and I won’t break that promise. Luke, you of all people should understand. She’s fragile right now. She just lost her husband, remember? She doesn’t need me trying to talk her into anything, even though I think it’s in her best interests to stay out here. Jed and I don’t need her to teach. She doesn’t want to feel as if she’s sponging off us. She needs to be wanted.”
     
    “All of the other men in the room wanted her. It was just the one biased idiot.”
     
    “Sometimes one is enough. She had a letter from Ma asking when she’s coming home. I don’t believe she has decided whether to stay here or go back to Owego and the library.”
     
    “I guess the next step is up to her,” Luke said, and started to leave.
     
    “Luke, would you like for her to stay?”
     
    “Yes, of course I would, Our school needs a teacher. The children need a good teacher,” he said.
     
    “That wasn’t what I was asking,” Sarah replied.
     
    “I need to get back,” he said. And he left.
     
    * * *
     
    Two days after the meeting, two of their neighbors rode up to the main house at the J Bar B. Jed met them as they dismounted. “Good morning, Cody, Mason, What brings you our way this fine bright morning?”
     
    “Jed, we’ve come to talk to Miss Martha. Could we speak to her?” Cody asked.
     
    “Come on in and have some coffee. I think Sarah just made a fresh pot. I’ll get her,” Jed said.
     
    They sat in the living room with their coffee, while Jed went for Martha.
     
    Martha came back into the room with Jed. “Cody, Mason, I’d like for you to meet Sarah’s sister, Martha Sanders. Martha, this is