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  RED ROSE

  A Western Romance

  J.C. Hulsey

  Copyright © 2014 by J.C. Hulsey

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  For information contact: [email protected]

  Cover Design by pro_ebookcovers

  October 2014 First Edition:

  10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

  CHAPTER ONE

  Pennsylvania 1866

  I wasn’t getting any younger. I had been living with my aunt and uncle in Lewiston, Pennsylvania since I was fourteen, when my parents were killed in a fire. When I reached marrying age my uncle died, so I needed to help my invalid aunt as there was no one else to help. It was now fourteen years later and there had been very few suitors in that time. I had just buried my aunt, next to her husband, last Saturday. I was walking home from the cemetery when I noticed an advertisement on the wall of the town paper.

  (WANTED! BRIDES FOR LONELY MEN IN TEXAS) My mind started racing ninety miles an hour. Was this what I was supposed to do? Be a bride for someone I had never met? This would have to be thought about and prayed about a lot. But, I didn’t have a lot of time. The day after my aunt died, even before she was in her grave, the banker came by, on a Sunday, no less, and demanded that the house be vacated in less than a week. That meant I had only three days to decide. And that still wouldn’t be enough time, because it was going to take two weeks to a month to get an answer to a letter. I had a little money from the allowance that my aunt and uncle had given me over the years. I would go to Miss Maude’s boarding house and get a room. Maybe she would let me make the beds or clean rooms for a discount, and let me stay there. The next day I went and talked to her. She agreed to let me stay as long as I cleaned the rooms and made the beds. The day after I moved in, I went to the newspaper office and inquired as to how I could be a bride for one of those lonely Texans.

  “I just received a letter yesterday from a Mr. Roscoe Brown. Would you like to read it?”

  “Yes, please.”

  He handed the envelope to me. It had been opened. I looked at it, then looked at him.

  “I have to open all correspondence to make sure it’s legitimate.”

  “My name is Roscoe Brown. I am thirty years old, six feet two inches tall, weigh almost two hundred pounds. I have been told by the fairer sex that I am not too hard to look at. I own a cattle ranch just outside of Bufford, Texas. I am looking for a woman who is willing to work hard, helping me to grow this ranch into something that we can be proud of. Preferably with no children. Looks aren’t that important, although I wouldn’t care for a woman with a wart on her nose. I do expect to have children in the NEAR future. I will be waiting eagerly for your reply. Sincerely Roscoe Brown.”

  I read and reread the letter. I prayed and asked God if this was the right man for me.

  I read it over and over, trying to read between the lines, trying to learn as much as I could about this man who might become my husband. All I could get out of it was exactly what it said.

  He was a Texan who wanted a wife. I asked the editor for paper and pen to write a letter.

  I sat down at the desk and tried to construct words that would impress a man, a strange man.

  “Dear Mr. Brown. My name is Maggie Rose Maguire, but everyone calls me Rose. I live in Lewiston, Pennsylvania. I am twenty eight years old, fair skin with bright red hair. I don’t have a wart, but I do have a few freckles. I have been living with my aunt and uncle for the last fourteen years taking care of them. I haven’t had the time nor the inclination to have a suitor. I am five feet five inches tall, weigh about one hundred ten pounds. As far as my looks, my aunt always told me I looked fine. I have never had anyone else tell me how I looked. I am a hard worker, however, I know absolutely nothing about living and working on a cattle ranch. I am, however, a fast learner and would be willing to try almost anything. I would be willing to be your bride, if you approve of what I have told you. Sincerely, Rose Maguire.”

  I put the pages in an envelope, sealed it and handed it to the editor.

  “I’ll add a note telling him to send a train ticket, if he’s interested in pursuing this matter. Then I’ll run it to the post office right after lunch.”

  “Thank you. When may I expect a reply?”

  “If it goes out on the morning express, you could hear in as soon as a week or two.”

  I left, I was running late. I was supposed to be finished with my work by now. I slipped in the back door of the boarding house and up the stairs without Miss Maude seeing me. I finished my work and went to my room to think about what I had just done.

  Things were about the same day after day. When two weeks were up, I rushed to the newspaper office.

  “Is there any news yet? Did he reply?”

  “Nothing yet, but today’s mail hasn’t come yet. Maybe there’ll be something in it.”

  “I’ll check back tomorrow. Thank you.” I turned and left.

  When I got back to my room at the boarding house, I sat on my bed and thought to myself. “Why wait until tomorrow? I just know there is a letter for me on that train this morning.” I stood up, turned and went back to the newspaper office.

  “Oh good. I was hoping you would decide to come back. I just received an answer from your fellow in Texas.” He handed me a sealed envelope.

  I sat down on the chair and took a deep breath.

  “He wouldn’t have sent a letter if he wasn’t interested, would he?”

  “I don’t believe he would.”

  I tore open the envelope and took out a folded piece of paper. I unfolded it and there was a train ticket with some money in it.

  “Oh my! This must mean he wants me.”

  “Yes, I guess it does. Congratulations. You might say you’re engaged.”

  “Dear Rose, I hope it’s ok to call you Rose? If you agree to come, I’ll call you that when you get here. I have enclosed a train ticket for July fifth on the morning express. It is for one of those new Pullman Sleeper cars. I understand the seats make into beds at night. There is also a dining car, where you can eat. You’ll have everything, just like home. I also sent enough money for other expenses you may incur. Please give three dollars to Mr. Glover for taking care of this agreement between us. I will be waiting at the train depot on August eighth, when the express is expected to arrive. Sincerely, Roscoe.”

  I hurried back to my room. Today was July second. I still had a couple of days to get everything ready and packed. I hope the July Fourth celebration won’t hold things up any. I’ll try to get everything ready today, so I’ll be ready to go on the fifth.

  I went to the general store to look at some ready-made dresses. There were two that I thought would be suitable for traveling. There was a white one that could be used for my wedding dress. I purchased the three dresses along with undergarments. I had never had this much money to spend on myself. If this is what it’s like to be a Texas bride then I like it. I went to the little Baptist church that I had been going to for years. I knelt down in the back pew and closed my eyes.

  “Dear Lord, I hope and pray that You are leading me on this path to travel all the way to Texas and it’s not just a whimsical idea of mine? I do so want a family, but I want most of all to serve You and to be a shining light for You. Amen.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  As I arose, I felt a gentle calmness come over me. I felt immediately that God approved of this giant step that I was taking in my life.

  The town was extremely festive on the fourth of July. However, I didn’t attend any of it. I stayed in my room thinking about what my new life
was going to be like. I hoped Roscoe liked me when he saw me. I hoped I liked him.

  I had my bag and trunk packed and ready to go on the morning of the fifth, I called for a buggy to take me to the train station. I told Miss Maude goodbye and how much I appreciated her letting me stay with her.

  “I think you’re making a big mistake. Going off to Texas to marry a man you know absolutely nothing about.”

  “But you told me you married your first husband, when you, had only known him for a week.”

  “Things was different back then. Well, if I can’t talk you out of it, at least be very careful. If this Texan is mean and cruel to you, you write to me and I’ll send enough money for you to either come back here or go someplace away from him. Will you promise to do that for me?”

  “I promise. But if that were to happen, I wouldn’t stay with him anyway. Goodbye to you, and God bless.”

  We hugged and I went out and climbed into the buggy. We arrived at the Train depot where a man unloaded my trunk, carried it to the platform by the tracks and handed my bag to me. I paid him the dollar that we had agreed on.

  “Have a safe trip, ma’am.”

  “Thank you.” I walked over and sat on the bench next to the office. I noticed there weren’t very many people around. Was this the right day? Was this where I was supposed to catch the express to Texas? I stood and went inside the office. Behind an iron cage was a short, thin man with a receding hair line. He was wearing a white shirt with elbow suspenders holding his sleeves half way up his arms. He looked over wire rimmed spectacles and asked, “Can I help you?”

  “Is the Southbound express train supposed to leave from here?”

  “Yep, she should be here any minute now. You going someplace, are you?”

  “Yes, I’m going to Texas.”

  “That’s a mighty long trip. You got yer ticket already?

  “Yes sir, right here.” I showed him my ticket.

  He looked it over and said, “I’m glad to see you got the sleeper car. Like I said, it’s a mighty long trip. I think I feel her coming in now. Let’s go take a look see.”

  We walked out and watched as the train came rumbling down the track toward us. It looked as though it wasn’t going to stop. Then I heard this awful screeching as the engineer applied the brakes. The train stopped abruptly and the conductor got off, placed a little step in front of the door and helped people get off.

  “Come on, Missy, I’ll help you git on board.” He held my arm and led me toward the train. “You have a safe trip and try to enjoy yerself. So long.”

  “Goodbye and thank you for your help.” The clerk helped me on board. I turned and walked between the seats until I came to the middle of the car. There was probably fifteen people already seated. I took an empty seat facing forward. I looked up and saw a young man about my age coming down the aisle. He stopped beside me and asked.

  “Is this seat taken?”

  “No, please be seated.”

  “Thank you.” He sat facing me.

  I noticed how handsome he was. He was probably twenty seven or twenty eight years old, had wavy blonde hair when he removed his bowler. He smiled with the whitest teeth I had ever seen. He was an impeccable dresser, wearing a pinstriped suit, a white shirt with starched collar. He was sporting a pencil thin, almost invisible mustache. If you didn’t look closely, you wouldn’t see it. He was carrying a small black satchel which looked a lot like a doctor’s satchel.

  As he sat down I heard the conductor call, “All aboard! All aboard! The train did a little jerk as it began to move, quickly picking up speed as it rolled down the track. I soon got used to the motion of the cars and I was as comfortable as I was riding in a buggy. In fact, it might have been smoother than a buggy.

  “My name is Dr. Chester Wainsworth, but everyone calls me Chet. I’m on my way to Bufford, Texas. I’m going to replace Dr. Brewster. He’s been the only doctor there since the town started more than twenty years ago. Where are you going, if I may inquire?”

  “How odd? I’m going to Bufford also. I’m going there to get married. My fiancé lives just outside of Bufford. He owns a cattle ranch there. I suppose we will see a lot of one another, since you are going to be the doctor there.”

  “I surely hope so. It will be nice to know someone once I get there. Have you ever been to Texas before?”

  “No, this will be my first time. I understand the weather is a lot different than here in Lewiston. Is this where you’re from?”

  “No, this was just a stopover for me. I graduated from medical school in Philadelphia and received this assignment right away. I’m very excited about practicing in my own office, in my own town. If I might ask, how did you meet someone from Texas?”

  “I’m a mail-order bride. I only know my fiancé through letters.”

  “Don’t you think that could be dangerous? Marrying a complete stranger?”

  “I believe God is guiding me on this path and I’ll not doubt His guidance.”

  “I just want you to know if there is anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I hope everything will work out for you.”

  “Will you folks be joining us in the dining car?” The conductor asked.

  “Yes. Would you please accompany me to the dining car?” he asked me.

  “I don’t mind if I do.” He offered his arm, which I took and we walked up the aisle and into the dining car. I had read about this new invention of Mr. Pullman, but I had no idea that it would be this lavish? It was as fashionable as any restaurant I had ever seen. The porter showed us to a table and handed us a menu.

  “I believe I’ll have the meatloaf special. How about you?”

  “That sounds fine, I’ll have the same.”

  “We’ll both have the meatloaf special with coffee. Is coffee alright?”

  “Yes, coffee is fine.”

  The meal came and it was indeed a great meal. I wish I could cook meat loaf this good. As we ate, we became better acquainted.

  “What made you want to become a doctor?”

  “My little brother had an incurable disease. When he died, I decided then and there that I wanted to help people. Try to keep them from suffering like he did. I knew he was going to die, but surely there was a way to ease his pain. That’s what I hope to do as a doctor.”

  “How about you. If I’m not being too presumptuous, why aren’t you already married and raising a couple of kids? I feel that we are friends enough for me to ask that.”

  “My parents died when I was fourteen. I lived with my aunt and uncle until they died. After my aunt’s death, the banker told me he was repossessing the house and I had to move. I saw the advertisement at the newspaper office, and as they say, the rest is history. A lot of successful marriages have started off like this. Since we’re being so personal, why aren’t you married?’

  “I’ve been too busy with school, trying to learn as much as I can, and I haven’t found the right girl yet.”

  “Maybe there will be that girl for you in Bufford. And when you get married, we can visit and socialize together.”

  We finished our meal and went back to our seats. The conversation had come to a stop, both of us were beginning to tire of the trip already.

  CHAPTER THREE

  The sky outside the window was turning darker. Raindrops danced up and down, like ghosts, along the glass causing a blurred vision of the landscape as it raced against the train, but slowly falling behind. The window fogged up and I wanted to draw pictures on the glass the way I did when it rained at home. I didn't, however, because I wasn't a child anymore.

  The rickety sound of the train is unforgettable as it rolls down the track. I could barely hear the raindrops hammering away like rain on a tin roof. The sound of the distant roll of thunder and the train itself rolling down the tracks is almost hypnotizing. As I tried looking at the rainy landscape, the speed of the train wouldn’t let me get the chance to appreciate its beauty. It was quiet on the train. As quite as it can b
e on a moving train. There were few people and they were mostly dozing because it was starting to get late. The porter came by and asked if we were ready to turn our seats into a bed for the night. It was an amazing sight, one minute they were seats and the next, they were beds, one on the top and one on the bottom. There was a curtain to give us privacy. It was a struggle changing out of my clothes into a nightgown, but I accomplished it.

  The clickety-clack of the rails caused me to fall asleep almost immediately. I awoke with the sun shining in my eyes. For a moment I didn’t know where I was. And then the realization of it hit me. I’m on my way to be married. I hurriedly changed my clothes, went to the end of the car where the facilities were located. I noticed as I exited the little room, the porter was already changing the beds back into the seating position.

  I didn’t see Dr. Wainsworth, so I made my way to the dining car. He waved as he saw me enter. I walked over and sat down across from him.

  “I hope you don’t mind me going ahead. I didn’t want to wake you. I’m a real bear if I don’t get my coffee when I first wake up. Shall we order?”

  We ordered eggs and bacon with buttered biscuits, and coffee.

  “It’s quite a different experience sleeping on a train. How did you sleep?”

  “I didn’t notice any difference, except the sound.”

  We finished eating and he paid again.

  “Please let me pay for my own meals. I have enough money.”

  “What kind of gentleman lets the girl pay? And I do consider myself to be a gentleman. Now, I’ll hear no more about it.”

  The trip was long and we got to know one another better than most folks ever know one another. We had become so close that we were beginning to finish one another’s sentences. I was beginning to feel something deep inside as we talked more and more to each other. I had never had anyone to share my thoughts and feelings with before. This was a new experience for me. When he touched me even in passing, I felt a tingle and caught my breath. My heart seemed to skip a beat.

  I shouldn’t be feeling this way about a man. I’m on my way to be married. This has to be an infatuation of a lonely spinster. I couldn’t explain it because I had never been around the opposite sex except in town at the post office or the general store.