“Hmmm?”
“Where is your head, Rosaline Berry? I was asking if you wanted to come for tea on Sunday when you have your half-day.”
“Oh, that sounds lovely. I’ll be there,” Rosaline said distractedly.
Donna stopped walking and faced her friend. “Did something happen?”
Rosaline gave in and told her friend about the night at the hall and how her heavy heart had been preventing her from singing ever since. She talked of her concerns now that Mr. Voss had started hiring her out to other farm owners to sing at their events.
“I know I should be grateful. Mr. And Mrs. Voss have given me so much. But I’m struggling to be content,” she sighed.
Donna’s mouth hung open as she gaped at her friend. “Grateful? Rosaline honestly! There are beggars in the poorhouses that get treated better than you do!”
“It’s because of them that I didn’t end up in a poorhouse, Donna. I owe them my loyalty.”
Donna gave her friend a pitying look. “Do you know what I think?” She took her friend’s arm again as they continued their stroll.
“What?”
“We need to find you a way off that farm. I’ve been thinking about this for a while. There’s no hope of you ever meeting a husband while you’re there. The Vosses keep far too close an eye on you for that. Your only hope is to become a mail-order bride. There was Mrs. Swinton who lost her husband. She answered an advertisement in the paper and now lives a happy life married to her new husband. It made me think of you when I heard the story.”
Rosaline gave her a puzzled look.
“You hear about them all the time these days. Men seeking wives post an ad in the papers, and girls from across the country apply and leave to be their brides. Just think! You could have a frightfully fun adventure!” Donna explained. “Don’t you want a new life? A husband and children to call your own?”
Rosaline sighed. “I’ve honestly stopped hoping for a family of my own. I feel I should be content with the life I have now. I’m sure I could find work on another ranch, but marriage and children of my own?” She looked off into the distance. “That seems like a fairytale.”
“Well, I want better for you.” Her friend stopped and gripped both her hands in hers. “I want you to marry a good man with a nice house. I want you to be marvelously happy and have a dozen children!”
Rosaline laughed as her friend danced and twirled her around in a circle. She could always count on Donna to cheer her up.
They twirled and laughed until they had to stop and catch their breath.
“We better get back or they’ll send out a search party soon,” Donna said breathlessly, her round cheeks blushing pink. “I’ll race you!”
They picked up their skirts and ran back to the store.
***
Half an hour later Rosaline was on her way back to the ranch. She used both her hands to carry the basket laden with goods in front of her.
A breeze was scattering the forgotten pieces of newspaper that the poor old man hadn't managed to catch. Bits were torn and blowing over fields or stuck in shrubbery along the way.
She stopped and put down her basket as a piece caught in the hem of her cloak. Bending down she retrieved the paper and casually glanced at the heading.
“Mail-order bride.”
Her heart leaped into her throat.
“Widower seeking godly wife to join his family.
Marriage of convenience.
Wifely duties will include cooking, cleaning, and raising a baby.
Looking forward to receiving your reply.”
She stood in disbelief, looking at the torn piece of paper in her hand. Was this a sign? she wondered. Rosaline felt a tug in her spirit. She folded the piece of paper and tucked it carefully into the pocket of her apron before retrieving her basket and walking back to the farm.
