West For Love (A Mail Order Romance Novel) by Karolyn James, Claire Charlins Page A

bodily cycle had just come to an
end.
    She focused on the letter and
decided to write to Mary first.
     
    Dear
Mary -
     
    How
the weeks go fast! I’m not sure where the time actually goes, but it does go.
My travels were safe and everything was as planned. Thomas is a handsome man,
Mary. More than I feel I deserve. The wet nurse, Jo, is the kindest woman I
ever met - other than yourself, Mary! She is warm, welcoming, understanding,
and what she provides Thomas Jr. is something that leaves me amazed every time
I see it.
    I
won’t try and paint a perfect picture, Mary, because perfection is not quite
here yet. Thomas and I married and we have found a way to survive together.
I’ve fallen for that man, Mary. I love him so. But his eyes aren’t the same to
me. I understand and cope but how I wish he could feel the same. When we touch
each other, he enjoys but then leaves the room. I fear he is still lost in
grieving and perhaps rightfully so. He is reminded of his loss each time he
sees his son. Each time Jo provides milk to his son. And each time he looks at
me. I’m not her, Mary, and I can’t be! I know nothing of her, and if I did, I
wouldn’t be anyone but myself.
    I’m
sorry if this letter sounds sad. I’m truly not sad. I swear on that. By God’s
will I have the strength to carry through this time right now. To make the
house a home, to cook wonderful meals, to hold Thomas Jr. and watch him grow.
And to watch Thomas as he works so hard on his land. He’s a wonderful man,
Mary. A man who I want to give my all to. I promise you, Mary, I will never
stop loving Thomas and will never step away from him.
    In
the beginning Thomas Jr. didn’t take to me. He cried when I held him. But then
came a day where he fell asleep on my shoulder. Oh, Mary, what a feeling!
Holding that warm baby, able to trust me enough to sleep. That was the same day
Thomas insisted we get married. We even shared a kiss- okay, a few! - but please
promise never to share that with anyone. I don’t want to be judged as a woman
who kisses men out of wedlock.
    It’s
beautiful here, Mary. The land so vast. The town is far away, but the people
are generous. They understand Thomas, they understand me, and most of all, they
accept us. They accept us together and that does help when things feel... I
don’t know, so lost sometimes.
    I
cannot thank you enough, Mary, for all you’ve done for me. By saving those
letters. By sharing them with me. By giving me the chance to finally find my
place and my own happiness. And I do have it! Right here! When Thomas touches
me, it’s a feeling that I know is real in my body and heart. When he looks at
me, I feel... oh, I don’t know how to describe it, Mary... but my face burns
when he looks at me.
    I
hope all goes well with yourself and Henry. I miss both you, I really do.
That’s the hardest part for me. I often think of Henry’s nice suits and
terrible whistling! But each time I look at the wet nurse, Josephine, I think
of you Mary.
    If
you find time, I would appreciate to read your words.
     
    Sincerely,
     
    Anna
     
    Anna gave the letter a once over
and while she wasn’t sure of the way it sounded, it was how she felt and with
Mary, she knew she could be honest. Mary would understand. Mary had sent many
women off to be married. While Anna wasn’t sure if any of the women wrote back
to Mary, she wanted to believe that some did. And Anna was certain that not all
women find love and happiness.
    Anna then went to the next letter,
the one to her sister.
     
    Dear
Abigail -
     
    I
miss my big sister! I think of you, Abigail, that face of an angel. Bright blue
eyes. Beautiful, long hair. I miss it. I miss our talks, our laughs, and how we
always had each other.
    I’m
almost pained to write this letter because I fear how it will make you feel.
But Abigail, my sister, I am truly happy! I have fallen in love with a man
named Thomas and his infant son. I am happily married right now as I write
this. I take care of