“Did you two have a good walk?” Augusta asked.
“We did!” Margaret gushed. “And look, it’s a letter from Val!” She waved the envelope at them.
Josie left her desk, went to her, and took it. “How exciting. But…” She frowned. “Why is she writing so late? I hope nothing’s happened.”
Augusta joined them. “You’re right. I was expecting a letter before Christmas letting us know her return date. At least we’ve heard from Phoebe and Braxton and know how they’re doing. Isn’t it wonderful how much they’re in love? And married on Christmas, no less!”
“How romantic,” Margaret sighed. She took off her coat, hat, and gloves and put them away. “Well, don’t just stand there, Josie. Open Val’s letter.”
Josie stared at the envelope for a moment, then tore it open. She unfolded the letter and began to read, but only to herself. “Oh… oh my… oh no!”
“What is it?” Augusta asked. “For goodness sake, read it to us.”
Josie blew out a breath, closed her eyes, and cringed.
“Oh dear,” Margaret murmured.
Josie looked at them, cleared her throat, and began to read.
Dear Augusta, Margaret, and Josie,
I have wonderful news! All six brides have wed. There were a few challenges, but everything worked out for Elizabeth Ann, Clara, Marianne, Elinore, Cornelia, and Ella. Their husbands are all good men, and I’ve spoken with the town preacher about bringing another batch of brides to Wild Rose Ridge this coming summer.
Now for my big news. Preacher Micah Sutton is a lovely man, and we are engaged! Yes, I fell in love, if you can believe that, and we will wed this coming spring.
I know this might come as a shock, and I also know that my position with The Sister’s Mail-Order Bride Company must end. I’ve thought of returning and working with you until it was time to bring another batch of brides to Wild Rose Ridge, but Micah wishes me to remain here to help him with the church and the town.
Wild Rose Ridge is rough around the edges, but it grows on you. Bringing the young ladies here has brought something to the town I cannot describe. More brides would be good for this place.
I shall return to you early summer to escort another batch of brides to Wild Rose Ridge. I trust you’ll find enough candidates for this endeavor between now and then.
I know this leaves you in a terrible position, but I’m sure you’ll be able to find another assistant to help you. In fact, you might do well with two.
Please don’t be angry with me. The last thing I expected was to fall in love, but it’s the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me.
I’ve enclosed a list of things you should be looking for in an assistant, including a job description. Please write if you have any questions. I would love to hear how you’ve been getting along since I left. I don’t know what else to say other than please forgive me.
Sincerely,
Val
Josie lowered the letter, her mouth hanging open. “She’s not coming back…”
“Not right away, she said early summer,” Margaret added. She turned to Augusta. “What are we going to do?”
Augusta grabbed the nearest chair and sat. “Oh my. Let me think. This is… oh dear. And who is Ella?”
“Bernadette Bankston’s friend, remember?” Josie said. “Ella traveled to Wild Rose Ridge to open a dress shop, I believe.”
Augusta blinked a few times. “What about Bernadette? Didn’t she get married?”
“Now, sister,” Margaret said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “It’s not as bad as all that. I’m sure everything’s fine. If it wasn’t, Val would have said so. Besides, Phoebe and Braxton got this place organized for us. Surely, we can keep it that way until we find a suitable assistant…”
Cleopatra entered the office from the back parlor. They’d been doing a good job of keeping the cat and George separated. But somehow, the cat managed to get downstairs.
George let out a loudwoofand gave chase the moment he saw the cat.
“George!” the sisters cried at once.
