Mail Order Bride: Mariana & William’s Story (A Clean Western Cowboy Romance)

By Joyce Melbourne

A Frenchwoman makes a long and arduous journey to a small town in California. When she arrives, her journey is not complete and the trek to her future husband is as dangerous as the much longer one across the ocean and across America. Her fiancé is a mysterious man but it’s the ultimate surprise, which he springs on her that shakes her to the core.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susan Hart
• Release date: Aug 31, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311060273

Joyce Melbourne

Joyce Melbourne lives in Southern California with her husband, numerous animals, and an unkempt garden, which she loves. She's been interested in romance and all of its sub genres for many years.

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Mail Order Bride: A Clean Western Cowboy Romance (Marianna & William’s Story)

By

Joyce Melbourne

Copyright 2015 Classic Western Romances Presents

Synopsis: A Frenchwoman makes a long and arduous journey to a small town in California. When she arrives, her journey is not complete and the trek to her future husband is as dangerous as the much longer one across the ocean and across America. Her fiancé is a mysterious man but it’s the ultimate surprise, which he springs on her that shakes her to the core.

Marianne sat on her case and watched the rain pour off the veranda and turn the street into red-colored mud. She stood and walked the wooden slats as far as the roof would protect her. Beneath her feet the water ran in rivulets, picking up the dirt of the town, carrying it, spinning back down towards the creek.

Marianne pushed the wire door stepped into the office. The postmistress, still seated behind the counter, spoke without looking up. Don't look much like paradise today, does it, dear?

No, said Marianne. Not much like paradise. She considered the bundles all piled up in one corner, some of which were hers. She ran her hand along the polished oak counter and dinged the bell to see if it would work.

The postmistress frowned. Springtime comes like this in these parts. The mountains have their way with the weather. And there's not much you or I, or anyone else can do about it. Best just take a seat and wait.

How long?

Until the postmaster returns and the rain abates.

Marianne put her elbows on the counter. The postmistress took a handkerchief and dabbed away a few blobs of mud that had splashed up onto the girl's face, staining her cheek like tears.

Just an instinct, I believe, she said, on seeing Marianne jut out her chin in indignation. On account of my own daughters always having dirty faces. Never could stand to look at it. She smiled at Marianne. Now, I think I'll be drinking some tea.

Coffee, please said Marianne and went back out to the porch.

The postmistress brought tin mugs and they drank outside, the steam rising in the wet air. Marianne sat on her case as she had become used to doing. The coffee was bitter and grainy and it seemed to Marianne to be much like the mud that swirled beneath her. But it was warm and she drank it nevertheless.

You must be tired, said the postmistress.

Marianne nodded.

Its not a good journey for young lady to do on her own. A whole five days on the steamer.

I was with the post, said Marianne. There was always someone. I believe I was quite safe.

I believe you might say that this office is a civilizing influence. Ten years before, all we saw in these parts was prospectors and fur-trappers. That sort would rob you as quick as look at you

But still, said the postmistress, a long journey. She sipped