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Constance hurried home, practically running, so she could finish her chores on time. On her mother’s time of course, and then she could visit Elizabeth that afternoon. She’d need to sweep, dust, and help with the noon meal if her mother asked. Other than that, she was finished with her chores for the day.
She put the supplies onto the worktable, and her mother looked through them quickly. “You got everything just right.”
Constance smiled. With the way her mother’s lists were, it was impossible to get the wrong thing.
Constance quickly did her chores and had them finished well before her mother asked for help with the meal. It was only Constance, Ma, and Pa who ate the noon meal together during the week. Johnny and Mary would stay at school and eat the lunches they’d taken.
As soon as the meal was over, Constance sprang to her feet to wash the dishes before her mother even had a chance to ask. When they were wiped and put away, Constance removed her apron. “Is it all right if I visit a friend this afternoon?” Constance hated feeling as if she had to ask. She was nineteen years old! Most of her friends were already married.
“Yes, that’s fine.”
Constance kissed her mother’s cheek before turning to run off. “Thanks, Ma!” she called over her shoulder.
As she hurried, she thought about actually stepping inside the house where Elizabeth lived with her husband. Her home was huge, one of the largest in town, and it was fancy. She was excited to see inside it, but she was even more excited at the idea of marrying a man who didn’t like rigid schedules. Oh, she couldn’t wait.
Once she got to Rock Creek Road, she knocked loudly. She was invited to be there, and she was proud of that fact.
The door was opened by the man she recognized as Elizabeth’s husband. “I have an appointment with Mrs. Tandy,” she said.
“Yes, of course.” He led her through the house to a room where Elizabeth sat at a desk. “You have a visitor.”
Elizabeth looked up and nodded, smiling at her husband. “Thank you.”
“I’ll check on the children. Take your time,” Mr. Tandy shut the door as he left the room.
“Let me find the letter I told you about. You can read it and respond if you are interested in marrying the man.”
Constance took the letter offered to her. “It seems odd to just read a letter to decide if a man is right for me.”
“I’m sure it does.” Elizabeth smiled. “But I do this all the time, and I’ve never sent a woman who was unhappy with her marriage.”
Unfolding the letter, Constance started to read.
Dear Matchmaker,
I am a thirty-year-old man who lives just outside Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I drive freight for a living, and I tend to be gone most evenings. I would like a bride who would not be bothered by the hours I keep, and who would be flexible enough to not adhere to a rigid schedule.
If you could find a woman like that for me, I would be the happiest man alive. I make a good living for myself, and I’m ready to start a family. Please find someone who has these traits.
Looks don’t matter to me, but I would be especially happy if she had long brown hair.
I’m enclosing money for your fee and a train ticket into Sioux Falls. Thank you for your assistance.
Leonard Berry
Constance read through the letter again. “He’s perfect. I’ll take him.” She even had long brown hair like he’d requested. They were a match made in heaven. She hoped.
Elizabeth laughed. “I’ll send him a telegram with the day and time of your arrival. When do you want to leave?”
Constance pursed her lips, thinking about how hard it would be to tell her family what she’d decided to do. “Monday,” she said. That would give her five days to explain and pack all her belongings.
“All right. I’ll see about getting your ticket and let Mr. Berry know when you’ll arrive.” Elizabeth grinned. “I’m glad you decided to go to him. I think you both need a match who can live alternate hours.”
“Alternate hours. I like that!” Constance got to her feet. “I’ll go home and explain now. That’s going to be the hard part.”
“It always is,” Elizabeth said with a smile. “Many of my siblings have gone to be brides—or grooms. It’ll work out. I promise.”
On her way home, Constance went over and over in her mind what she should say to her mother. She knew Ma would be disappointed in her decision. She could just feel it in her bones. Hopefully, through her disappointment, her mother would understand why she needed to do this. She wouldn’t dare mention the alternate hours thing, though. Her mother would never be able to understand why Constance wasn’t fond of mornings.
