Elizabeth nodded, her expression turning thoughtful. “How wonderful. Though I’m sure you’ll miss them.”
“However,” continued Mrs. Jackson, “I can’t bear the thought of sending them off as mail-order brides, marrying men they’ve never laid eyes on.”
A soft frown creased Elizabeth’s forehead. “I understand your concern. Sight unseen does seem quite precarious. And even though I’ve seen it happen myself over fifty times, doesn’tmean that you will trust me or the men on the other side of the mail system.”
“Exactly,” Mrs. Jackson said. “And truth be told, I haven’t been asking the girls to move on when they come of age. The home is crowded, but...” She sighed, her gaze falling to the well-worn carpet. “They sleep wherever there’s place. It’s become a bit of a jumble, but they’re my girls.”
Elizabeth reached across and gently touched Mrs. Jackson’s hand. “I admire your dedication to them,” she said warmly. “You’ve given them a family within those walls.”
“Thank you.” A small smile tugged at Mrs. Jackson’s lips. “But it’s time they had families outside of them too.”
“That’s true,” Elizabeth agreed. “And we’ll find a way to help them do just that.”
Elizabeth paced the parlor slowly. She paused and turned to face Mrs. Jackson with a sudden burst of inspiration.
“Mrs. Jackson, I believe I have a plan!” Elizabeth exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement. “I will write to my sisters in Texas. They can help find respectable men who are looking for wives. We’ll arrange for a social gathering—a party at their church. They have social gatherings there at least once a month, so no one will mind.”
Mrs. Jackson’s brow furrowed slightly, skepticism mingling with her concern. “A party, you say?”
“Yes,” Elizabeth continued with a reassuring nod. “It will be a proper occasion. We’ll ensure there is a pastor present, should any matches be made. It’s much better than just exchanging letters, don’t you think? The girls can meet these gentlemen in person—and what’s more, I will personally meet them.”
The matron of the orphanage took a moment to consider this unconventional idea. Her protective instincts warred with the opportunity for her girls to find love and happiness.
“Elizabeth, I must admit, your plan has merit,” Mrs. Jackson finally said, her voice steady but cautious. “But I insist on accompanying the girls myself. I need to see with my own eyes that they will be well-matched and cared for.”
“Of course, I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Elizabeth replied. “Together, we will watch over them during this journey, and I shall have the opportunity to visit my sisters.”
“Very well,” Mrs. Jackson agreed, her resolve strengthening with the thought of embarking on such an adventure for the sake of the girls she held so dear. “We shall take great care in guiding them toward their futures.”
Elizabeth said, “It seems the stars have aligned perfectly for us. My children are now old enough that I can leave them in my husband’s care for a few weeks. It’s an opportune moment for me to visit Susan and her family, as well as Alice and her husband, in Fort Worth.”
Mrs. Jackson nodded, her eyes reflecting the hope that was slowly replacing her initial apprehension. “That sounds like a sensible plan, Elizabeth. I’m sure your sisters will be delighted to have you.”
Without further delay, Elizabeth retrieved a sheet of stationery and a well-worn fountain pen from her desk. She settled herself by the window, allowing the afternoon light to guide her hand as she penned a heartfelt letter to her sister. The words flowed effortlessly, filled with the news of their impending visit and the unique purpose behind it.
TWO WEEKS LATER, Aresponse arrived, bearing the familiar scrawl of Susan Dailey. Elizabeth eagerly broke the seal and unfolded the letter, her green eyes scanning the lines hungrily.
“Dearest Elizabeth,” Susan had written, “nothing could excite me more than the prospect of your visit! You and Mrs. Jackson shall have the coziest rooms in our home, and we’ll find a way to accommodate the girls as well. Fort Worth will welcome you with open arms!”
Elizabeth called to her husband. “We need to go to Brown’s Foundling Home!”
Bernard walked to her. “I’m happy to drive you. Did you receive the letter?”
Bernard had started out as Elizabeth’s butler and her investigator of grooms. As they’d married, he’d chosen to keep doing the same tasks he’d done before marriage, and it had worked out well for both of them.
Elizabeth checked on the children, who were with their nanny, Angela, a former resident of the orphanage there in Beckham. “Are they all right?” she asked.
Angela nodded. “Yes, Mrs. Tandy. They’re perfect.”
“Bernard and I need to drive to the foundling home in Cheerful. We shouldn’t be long.”
Angela smiled. “Take your time and enjoy the drive. Go out for supper. I don’t mind working this evening.”
Elizabeth grinned. “We’d like that. Thank you!” As she walked down the stairs, she made a mental note to pay the girl for an extra day that week.
In the buggy, Elizabeth told Bernard about how enthusiastic Susan had sounded about her visit. “Are you sure you don’t mind staying with the children?” she asked.
Bernard laughed. “Even if I did, I would tell you to go. You need some time with Susan. And if I run into any trouble, I have Angela, Mary, and your parents close by.”
