Mail Order Bride - Janine's Destiny: Faith Creek Brides, #16

By Karla Gracey

Janine Chivers needs rescuing. She has been turned out of her position as a governess, and there is no work in New York for her to take on. She needs to find a new position, and soon. But, will she have the courage to travel across the country and become a bride to a man she has never met?

Samuel Cleverley has a murky past, and a battle to try and clear his name. Losing his beloved wife Miriam has left him heartbroken, and with a young son, Ethan, to raise. He knows the boy needs a mother, but can he bring a woman into his miserable life, knowing he cannot offer her love, nor even a good name?

• Language: English
• Publisher: KG Publishing House
• Release date: Jun 8, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386131243

Book preview

Mail Order Bride

Janine's Destiny

Faith Creek Brides: Book 16

Karla Gracey

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Epilogue

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Chapter One

The door slammed shut . Janine jumped, her body tensing at the sound. She turned and looked at the shiny black paint and the brass lion’s-head knocker, knowing that she would never see it again. She didn’t know whether to celebrate, or burst into tears. She picked up her small hold-all bag and made her way down the steps. She had nowhere to go, no position lined up to replace this one, but for some peculiar reason, she felt utterly liberated. The children had been monsters, their parents even more so. She would not miss any of them. Her only regret was that she had left on impulse, with no character reference to take with her to find further employment. It would be hard to find a new post as a governess without one. But, she had not had a character when she had taken up her very first position, and so there were families who were prepared to take a chance. Being a sensible girl, though, Janine did have copies of the letters of recommendation from her previous two families, and they would surely be a help to her. She would scour the newspapers for a position, as soon as she could find herself some cheap lodgings for the night. She picked up her worn carpet bag, marveling that her entire life could be contained in something so small, and began to make her way down the street.

As she walked along the bustling New York streets, she remembered a boarding house where her mother had once stayed when she came to visit. Mrs Minchin had always been very kind to Mama and kept a clean and decent house. Janine hurried along three blocks, to the narrow street she needed. The boarding house had a pretty façade, with freshly painted shutters and an immaculately scrubbed front step. Janine pulled the cord to her right and a pleasant bell chimed inside. It was not long before she heard footsteps, and the door opened smoothly. Oh, hello, Miss Chivers, how lovely to see you again, the kindly landlady exclaimed, ushering Janine inside.  The hallway of the house was small, with a neat staircase to the left and a large dresser to the right. A grandfather clock stood beside the door, chiming for the quarter hour as Janine entered.

Now, how may I help you today? Mrs Minchin asked, looking Janine up and down. Janine could feel how tightly she was clutching at the bag at her side. She wondered if her knuckles had gone white. But Mrs Minchin seemed to miss the tension in Janine’s frame. Is your mother coming to visit once more? You know we would be delighted to see her again, such a charming lady. Janine frowned.

I am afraid that Mama passed away two months ago, she said sadly. She still struggled to say the words out loud. It did not feel real to her at all. She missed Mama’s chatty letters, and her irrepressible nature. She had always counseled Janine that anything was possible, if you worked hard and did your best. But that had not helped Mama at the end, nor Janine in the King’s household.

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss, Mrs Minchin said softly, reaching out a hand and patting Janine gently on her arm. I know how close you were.

Thank you, Janine said, pulling away, bringing her bag up in front of her chest, as if it could somehow be a barrier between her and the world. She was still uncomfortable with other people’s sympathy. Somehow, it made it all feel too real. I need a room, she added a little brusquely.

But of course, Mrs Minchin said, looking a little rebuffed, but rallying quickly. You can have the room your Mama had when she stayed here if you like, or I have a smaller room – up in the attic – if you think that might suit you better?

Janine smiled wanly, it was so kind of Mrs Minchin to think of her discomfort. I would like the room Mama had, if you don’t mind? It would be nice to be somewhere where Mama had been, and held such happy memories for her. Mrs Minchin had most kindly allowed Janine to visit whenever she wished, and they had spent many hours playing cards, sewing and gossiping together in Mama’s room.

Of course, I don’t, Mrs Minchin said, smiling warmly. But, I’d have understood if you didn’t, too.

I’ll show myself up, if you don’t mind? Janine said, already taking the first steps up the stairwell, determined not to let anyone see the tears that were pricking at the back of her eyes, or hear the distress in her voice as a lump began to form in her throat. Mrs Minchin smiled at her.

You go ahead. I can get on with preparing the supper. I’ll make it extra special, as you are here with us. She reached into the pocket of her crisp white apron and produced a ring full of keys. She deftly slid one off and passed it to Janine, then bustled off down the corridor.

Janine ran up the stairs. The door to the room was wide open. She went inside, closed it quietly, then flung her bag into the corner and threw herself onto the bed. She lay, face-down, sobbing into the pillow. She had needed the