Judith: Bride of Wyoming (American Mail-Order Bride 44) by Hildie McQueen Page A

life.”
    “There is no way to know. It’s very sad.” Judith looked toward the stables. “Does Sean know?”
    “I’m not sure if Patrick has told him yet. I’m sure he will speak to him. The only reason I know is because I went to get some flour earlier this morning and I bumped into him at the mercantile.”
    Judith hoped the priest was the one to break the news to Sean. In spite of everything, Angela had given birth to Bethany. She was the mother of his only child. “No one deserves to die alone like that.”
    “I don’t agree,” Eloise replied. “The woman was not a good person.”
    “True, she was not.”

Chapter Fourteen

    The sun’s rays streamed between the trees lighting the ground. Judith sat with a blanket around her shoulders and watched Bethany toddle across the porch. In her hand was a letter from her dear friend, Alice.

    My Dear Judith,

    I’m writing to you on Christmas Day and it’s a most wonderful holiday for me. I can only hope the same is true for you and that you’ve found happiness with your pastor. I’m happy to report that my marriage to James Martel has taken a turn for the better. While it began under a false pretense, and there was much concern as to his motives, I now rest assured in his high regard and love. I was forced to engage with my stepfather despite my every effort in believing that I wouldn’t have to, but you’ll be pleased to know that I’ve inherited a fishing company thanks to the foresight of my mother. I come to my marriage an equal partner and I can continue the legacy of not only my father, but James’ as well.
    I miss you and the other girls dearly and I pray that each of you has found joy and prosperity in your new situations.

    Yours Affectionately,
    Alice

    It seemed she’d had found true love and Judith was glad for it. Not only had she’d also found love, but also the one thing she’d never had. A family.
    Along with Sean and Bethany, she’d gained a sister in Eloise and extended family with her new nieces and nephews. Good family friends, the Browns often came to supper and now as they all gathered to celebrate Bethany’s first birthday, it was a bigger gift to Judith to have so many people she’d grown to love in attendance.
    Sean stood with his nephews at the creek teaching them to shoot with a slingshot, while Eloise’s husband and Martin Brown stood over a fire cooking a wild boar a short distance from them.
    “You’re deep in thought,” Eloise lowered to the rocker next to hers. “It sure is a beautiful winter day. Everyone must think we’re crazing for being outside though.”
    “I don’t know about you two, but it’s a nice break from remaining indoors,” Lorna added.
    Judith smiled. “It’s perfectly wonderful.” She looked to Eloise. “I was just thinking how lucky I am to have found all of you. When I came here, I was alone, with no one to count on for support. You and Lorna immediately became my guardian angels. The family I never had.”
    Sniffing to keep from blubbering, Judith giggled. “I don’t know why I’m so emotional of late. One minute I’m laughing and the next I cry over the silliest thing.”
    “Could you be in the family way?” Eloise gave her a knowing look, her gaze dipping to Judith’s still flat stomach. “When was the last time you had your flux?”
    Her eyes threatened to pop out of their sockets as Judith opened her mouth and then closed it not sure what to say. “I don’t remember to be honest. I’ve been so busy.”
    Lorna chuckled. “How about any nausea or dizzy spells?”
    Judith shook her head. “Not that I can tell. I feel better than ever, well, except for the moodiness. Last night at dinner when Sean praised my cooking, I cried like a baby. He wasn’t sure whether to apologize or feel pleased.”
    The women laughed. Eloise and Lorna continued asking her questions regarding her physical being until they all seemed satisfied with the determination that she was, indeed,