Page 9 of Scarlett

“How about I wish to discuss something with Lady Price and was heading that way?”

“Very well. Ensure you make that clear to her.” Bettina sat back into the chair with a satisfied smile. “I think I’ll make myself tea and toast as well.”

The walk from the kitchen to the front room was a bit slow as Scarlett was careful to hold the tray as straight as possible.

She stopped at hearing Lady Price conversing with someone. Unsure of the proper thing to do, she looked over her shoulder considering whether to return and ask Bettina.

“I strongly suggest you choose a husband based on first instinct followed by what is listed that he wishes for in a woman. Many men out west depend on their wives not only to complete domestic chores, but also to help with the land, with gardening and tending to small livestock and such,” Lady Price explained.

Intrigued, Scarlett moved into the doorway. Inside the study, Lady Price entertained a young woman who looked to be of an elevated social status.

The young woman ignored Scarlett, much too engrossed in the conversation. “I would like to head to Montana or Wyoming right away. I require a husband and want to start a new life. I am willing to do what it takes. Please help me.”

Deciding she shouldn’t eavesdrop any longer, Scarlett cleared her throat and walked in. “I brought tea to you since I was already heading this way.”

Ignoring Lady Price’s raised eyebrow, Scarlett commenced pouring tea. “Would you like sugar, miss?” she asked the young woman who nodded.

“Please.”

Upon closer inspection, Scarlett noted that although very well made, the woman’s clothing was frayed and faded. Whatever would force a woman to find a new life was something she could relate to.

Lady Price motioned for Scarlett to sit. “Please join us as I think you will want to hear what I have to say to Therese.” Lady Price smiled at Scarlett. “Therese Anderson, may I present Scarlett Franklin, a dear friend.”

Therese met Scarlett’s gaze. “Very nice to meet you.”

“Now,” Lady Price said and stood. She leaned back in the chair her gaze moving from Therese to Scarlett.

“The Matrimonial Gazette, my publication, is an effort to find wives for men of good standing in both Montana and Wyoming. My dear friend, who lives on the border of both states, helps investigate the men to ensure they do not misrepresent themselves. So far, the women who’ve gone there based on her recommendations have married well and are happy. Some even deeply in love.” Lady Price smiled.

“Therese, I will help you find a husband, and you will be leaving immediately as your situation seems most dire. Of the two men you’ve chosen, I recommend the one in Wyoming, as he seems better suited in personality to you.”

Therese blinked and nodded. “Wyoming...yes of course, I trust your judgment Lady Price.”

Unsure what exactly they discussed Scarlett swallowed. “Are you speaking about mail order brides?” Her mouth fell open as she waited for a reply.

“Yes,” Lady Price said, meeting her gaze. “I help women find husbands. A sort of charitable cause in a way.”

The young woman, Therese let out a sigh. “I find myself in need of a husband. Without any other recourse, I found Lady Price. Thank God.” Therese wiped at her eyes.

Why did Lady Price think she needed to hear all of this? It made no sense to Scarlett. She stood and smiled at Therese. “Best of luck to you. I should go see if Nettie has returned. She is teaching me to make bread.”

Lady Price caught her hand as she went to take a step. “Think about it Scarlett, it may be a good solution for you. To find a good husband who will take care of you and keep you from having to fend for yourself. It’s not easy out there.” Lady Price looked through the window to the sunny day.

Scarlett followed her line of sight to the picturesque garden with beautiful flowers, green trees, and birds flitting from branch to branch. It was true. The world outside the front door of the house was nothing like a garden.

That eveningScarlett found Lady Price by the fireplace, the ever-present cup of tea at her elbow. In her lap was a cat that seemed to appear in the evenings only after the woman settled into the chair in the small parlor.

“Lady Price,” Scarlett began. “I am intrigued about your mail order bride business.”

The woman smiled and motioned to the chair next to hers. “I know it’s out of the ordinary, quite extraordinary actually. However since beginning this venture, I have found that many ladies in situations, much like yours, end up settled and happy. Several of them deeply in love.”

Scarlett hadn’t considered any emotion in the past months. Other than trying to find her way after her mother’s death, the only thing she’d felt was sadness and loneliness.

“Love...” A sigh escaped. “Do you think I could find a good husband?”

“Of course, I have no doubt. Every gentleman is thoroughly investigated by my friend out west to ensure they are of good moral character and well settled.”

“Out west, life is so different. I’ve never heard anything positive about it.” Scarlett looked to the flames in the hearth. What would it be like to have a husband? Up until that point, she’d expected to be alone for the rest of her life.

She turned to Lady Price. “I thought that if I ever married, my husband would be someone from here. That I’d marry a man who would be introduced to me by my father and stepmother.”

“Life has a way of turning things around doesn’t it?” By Lady Price’s sad smile, it was obvious she thought about her late husband. She brightened. “It just so happens, I may have the perfect husband for you. A physician. He is a bit older than you, however.”

“Older?”

With a wave of a hand, Lady Price dismissed the idea. “Not much older. You are what twenty-two?”

Scarlett peered down to her lap. “I look much younger than twenty-eight don’t I?”

“My goodness you do,” Lady Price chuckled. “Then it’s perfect, Emmett Jones is thirty five.”

Emmett Jones. The name sounded of someone mature and stoic. Scarlett repeated it in her mind. “Where does he live?”

“Montana. Laurel, Montana.”