Mail Order Brides of Gold Creek (A Western Romance Book)

By Faye Sonja

Three inspirational stories of women who risked everything for love and traveled thousands of miles to the western frontier.

Part 1: The Crippled Bride and The Ambitious Miner

Meet Ava with a heartbreaking past, and a crippling injury. She's always had everything she needed financially, but now this has changed. Being crippled, she has lost everything and she hated politician.

What will happen when Ava discovers that her new husband has political ambitions, an arrogant streak, and a struggling gold mine?

Part 2: The Silent Bride and The Hesitant Widower

Meet Rosella with her past that has taken away her voice.  She is left silent, unable to speak . . . And so she needs to move on and put her traumatic past behind! To start afresh, she becomes the Mail Order Bride of a gentle horse whisperer Benjmin. As an animal lover, Rosella believes she has found her second chance.

What will happen when Benjmin discover that his new wife is silent, unable to whisper to the horses?

Part 3 The Deaf Bride and The Sensible Teacher

Meet Luanna who is imaginative and brave but at the same time she is also deaf.

But she's never let her deafness hold her back - not even from finding love. So . . .  she takes a risk, and leaves her servants job in Chicago to become a wife to school teacher Nicolas, in California.

Nicolas doesn't know who is more unruly - his school children, or his new wife!

Will Luanna learn to temper her wild imagination, and adjust to life as a wife in a small Californian mining town?

3 parts of heartwarming mail order brides tales of love, romance, and triumph over adversity in one book.

Love on the western frontier was a rare treasure. Follow these inspirational women who risked everything to travel to the untamed West in the hopes of finding love and starting a new family.

If you're a fan of clean western romance, you will love this book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Faye Sonja
• Release date: Feb 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393088233

Faye Sonja

Faye Sonja is a multi-voiced writer who aspires to use different voices in telling her stories, seeing characters coming alive through the multi-faceted writing styles give her great satisfaction. As a young girl, Faye Sonja has been fascinated with stories of the Old West, especially the theme of Mail Order Bride where a woman will find the courage to leave her homeland, take the plunge to seek out the love of her life out there in the unknown land. Such an act requires bravery, such an act requires faith. It takes a woman with strong Christian faith to step out on such a pursuit for her love. It is Faye's desire that readers will once again have the courage to believe in love again from reading her books, to be inspired through the characters in her story who through perseverance, in the face of obstacles, overcame the hurdles using that simple faith and belief of theirs. 

Book preview

PART 1

The Crippled Bride and The Ambitious Miner

1

*   *   *

Philadelphia, Winter, 1849

Philadelphia had a bitter cold this time of the year, and a frost had enveloped the stately homestead of the prestigious Duggar family. Upstairs, Ava Duggar surveyed the white covered streets below, trying to ignore the throbbing in her leg, knowing that she had a full day of work ahead of her and no time to focus on the old injury that played up this time of the year.

Downstairs, she heard the sound of the door flinging open, and the wind blustering through, so fast and bitter that Ava felt it against her skin almost immediately. Assuming that she must have forgotten to batten the door down, she limped over to the bedroom door, towards the cane that was her old faithful friend. Bother, she said, limping over to the landing, thinking about the struggle ahead. She grabbed her cane and first balanced her weight on her good leg, her right leg, before gently lowering the left leg after it. The process was slow and painful, and Ava couldn't believe she'd been silly enough to leave the door wide open during a frost.

Mama? she called out, in surprise, eying the older woman as she peered over the landing. Why, what are you doing up? You haven't been outside, in this weather, have you? You're supposed to be resting with your cold!

It took a moment for Ava to see that her ma was doubled over, kneeling on the floor, her shawl falling down over her head. It wasn't her ma who'd opened the door at all, but her pa. Ava looked up startled, surprised to see the tall figure standing there. As the Mayor of Philadelphia, Pa Duggar was supposed to have been in New York for the month. Ava hadn't expected to see him for at least another two weeks, and the sight of him immediately troubled her.

Pa...? she whispered. What are you...? She stopped talking altogether when she saw the fury in the man's eyes.

Oh, what is it this time? Ava thought, her heart beating fast as she thought back to what might have angered her pa so. Another rage over absolutely nothing, Ava thought, probably because someone has dared to speak to him the wrong way, and he is taking it out on Ma, like usual.

Seeing that her ma was in distress, Ava descended the stairs as quickly as she could, wincing as she went, but determined to get to the bottom as fast as she could to protect her ma from her father's blows.

How could you do this to me?! To this family?! her pa bellowed, so loudly that he practically drowned out the howling wind behind him. Ava longed to pull the door closed behind him, as snow and sleet were pushing onto the parlor floor, but there were more pressing matters to attend to, with her ma crying helplessly on the floor.

Pa! What are you doing?! Ava cried out, her cane dropping to the floor as she knelt down to protect her ma.

She's done nothing to earn your pity, girl! her pa yelled out. She is a disgrace, a blight to this family, and I'll be darned if I let her stay in this house a minute longer!

Ava gazed up in horror. Pa, why do you say all these terrible things...

It was then the whole sad story came piling out. Ava could scarcely believe her ears as her pa bellowed and yelled, giving details of her ma's betrayal of the family, of her husband, in excruciating detail. Ava would have run from the room if she could have. Instead, she had to listen, in shock and disbelief. An affair? Her ma? She shook her head, refusing to believe that any of her pa's accusations were true.

Papa, please, stop this, she begged, but he continued to bellow, to slam his fist down, to tell of the scandalous things that made Ava's cheeks burn and her heart hurt.

For Ava, tears were a luxury she seldom let herself afford. In fact, she hadn't allowed a tear to fall down her cheeks since her accident thirteen years earlier. But under circumstances like these, the tears sprung to her eyes without warning, a reflex that Ava couldn't control.

Mama, tell me this isn't true, she pleaded, kneeling down beside her weeping mother. Tell me these are lies - falsehoods. Oh, they've got to be.

Her ma looked up at Ava with blotchy, plum red cheeks, her eyes watery and regretful. Oh Ava, please forgive me.

* * *

It took nights of praying before any sort of peace took place in Ava's heart. During this time, her Pa had vanished back to New York, with the promise that he would throw Ava and her Ma out of the house if they were still there when he returned.

Ava came gingerly down the stairs, the pain in her damaged leg nothing compared to the pain she felt in her chest as she saw her Ma bent over the table, her head buried in her arms, her back rising up and down in time with her sobs.

Surely, he can't be heartless enough to cast us out onto the streets! Ava cried. What kind of man could be cruel enough to do such a thing?

Ava's ma wrapped the blanket around her shoulders even tighter. Her voice was grave and quiet as she spoke. I don't deserve his mercy, Ava.

Ava stood up quickly, without thinking, and winced at the pain in her leg. Pa might not show you his mercy, but God will. Ma, I know this is true. This isn't right. No matter what you've done, you don't deserve to be cast out onto the street with nothing.

Her ma looked up with the slightest bit of hope in her eyes. So does this mean that you've found it in your heart to forgive me, Ava?

She sat back down and took her ma's hand in her own. Of course, I have mama. It's not my place to judge you. Besides that, I could never be as cruel and heartless as papa is being to you, to us! She felt anger stem inside her again and fought to quell it. The time for being angry was already passed. Ava had to look forward now. She has to make a plan for what happens next. Without her pa's money, or support, or even a roof over their heads, Ava and her ma were likely to starve to death on the streets unless Ava could come up with a plan.

Oh, what are we going to do? her ma cried out in despair. Ava, how are we going to survive?

Ava's resolve was firm as she rubbed her ma's back and stated: Don't worry Mama, it will all be alright.

* * *

That night, Ava reached below her pillow and took out the notice she'd had hidden there for days. She could have sworn that even as she'd slept the last few nights, that the words had made their way into her thoughts and dreams. She could recite the words off by heart at this stage.

Wife Wanted For Californian Miner:

To be a good wife to a miner in the Californian mine fields.

Looking for a hard worker, a kind and loving woman to be the wife of respected, wealthy miner.

California, she thought. On the other side of the country, it may as well have been on the other side of the globe. She could barely picture it, even in her mind.

Gold, that was the other word that she turned over in her mind. She'd heard the tales of the rough, lawless towns out West, about how the gold rush had caused men and women to leave their lives in the pursuit of the precious metal.

Would she be one of them? Could she be one of them?

She sighed, closing her eyes. What about the stagecoach journey, she thought. The weeks of travelling will be so difficult with my leg.

She shook her head each time a doubt like this crept in, as if to expel them from her mind. What other option was there for her? For her Ma? She read over the notice again. Wealth. Gold. Despite the difficulties, this seemed the only option. Her Ma was too old to work, and Ava herself would never be hired for work as a governess or teacher with her handicap.

She looked up. God? Have you placed this notice in my hands?

She wouldn't necessarily have to love the man - this miner who lived in California. She'd just need to be a good wife to him, and to work as hard as she could to make a life out there. And then, with time, she decided, she would be able to send any spare money she had back to Philadelphia. Perhaps even send for her Ma eventually to join her in California.

The decision was finally made, and Ava made the long descent down the stair case.

* * *

Ava sat down at the sturdy timber table that had played host to thousands of family dinners in far happier times, and explained the situation to her Ma.

Ava's ma wept as she spoke. Ava, I cannot let you do this.

There's no other choice for me or for us, Ava replied firmly. Outwardly, her resolve had to remain firm. If she allowed cracks to show on the inside, she might break on the inside. Once I'm there, I'll be able to send money back here for you.

Her ma looked up in disbelief. Ava you're speaking as though your mind is already made up. You've not thought this through, my child! How are you supposed to conduct yourself in a mining town, with your leg?

Ava felt taken aback. The injury was a subject that was rarely broached between them. Like many things in their conservative family, it was something that hung unspoken in the air; a taboo subject never mentioned. Like other topics, it that had been buried over the years.

Ava was quiet for a moment, then spoke softly. Mama, I will be able to get on with my injury. This has been part of my life for many years now. I can cope.

Her Ma was not willing to let the subject rest with that. Ava, you also know nothing of being a wife...

These words also stung Ava. Another subject that was rarely broached. Ava cleared her throat before speaking bravely. I know I've become a spinster now, Ma, and I've been happy enough here with you. I'd made my peace with what.... Her words faltered her for a moment. With what happened when I was eighteen - being jilted at the aisle. It's hardly a memory I can ever forget, but now is the time to move on. I'm thirty-one now. Without Pa's money, Ma, we have no other way to support ourselves. I must marry.

But marry a stranger? her Ma rasped.

Well, there's hardly anyone here in Philly that I can marry, is there? Ava asked with some indignation. Pa will make sure of that.

Ma reached out her hand and grasped Ava's. Ava, perhaps I can still speak to your Pa, convince him to at least let you stay here. I'm the one that should take the blame, not you.

Ava shook her head. Papa is convinced that I was somehow in on the deception. He sees that you and I are so close and attached to each other in so many ways. She stopped and looked into her Ma's watery eyes. And we are Mama. That's why even if Pa let me stay, let me keep his money and support, I couldn't do it. I can't leave you on your own, Mama, to fend for yourself.

Oh Ava, you don't know what you're getting yourself in for. Her Ma dropped her head again in sorrow.

I do Mama. I have thought this through to the end.

Ava I don't think you can...

I can, she replied firmly. And I'm going to.

*   *   *

2

*   *   *

Gold Creek 1849, Spring, one month later.

Jackson Abrams set off over the dusty earth of Gold Creek, feet heavy but firm as he strode towards his destination - his gold mine. This is going to be the day, he thought.

The day I strike it rich.

He could feel it in the air. The sense of possibility seemed to crackle in the hot Californian sun. The gold mine - his gold mine, as he'd come to think of it, was located about three miles East of his homestead, down by the creek, and he preferred to walk each day rather than ride on horseback. He liked to feel the thud of the earth against his feet, and he appreciated being able to take the time to survey the settlement as he walked, taking off his hat as he greeted each member of the town, bowing politely, taking in their glowing respect and admiration.

Jackson, Miss Clarabelle greeted him, bowing her head shyly.

Miss Clarabelle, he replied in turn, bobbing his hat and smiling politely at the young lady, who giggled softly and turned her head away before Jackson could see.

Next up was Doc, out the front of his practice. Howdy Jackson! he called out. You're looking impressive today! Big day, is it?

Jackson spun around and grinned. It's going to be, Doc! I can just about feel it!

Well, make sure ya bring some of that gold back up here when ya done! Share it with the rest of us! The old man called out in a wheezy voice.

Jackson grinned, his wide smile showing off his perfect teeth. It was the kind of smile that would have made Miss Clarabelle blush, if she hadn't already hidden herself away under the awning of the General Store her father owned.

Make no doubt about it! Jackson called. When I finally hit that gold, we're all going to strike it rich!

You're a good boy, Jackson, Doc called out, and the other townsfolk milling about nodded in agreement, looking at him with eyes glimmering with admiration.

Yes, he thought, this is my town.

* * *

Jackson lifted his hat up when he finally reached his mine, a deep pit, eight feet into the ground, which backed up onto the creek bed on one side, and the flat farm land on the other.  As he arrived, there were polite greetings from the men, some Howdy bosss and other nods of respect, as his workers lifted their hats in turn. Less jolly than the usual greetings they gave him, but Jackson didn't think too much of it at first glance.

With his feet apart, he surveyed the operation. He walked over and gave his pal Benjamin a friendly slap on the back. Benjamin was his eyes and ears on the ground while he wasn't there, a sort of second-in-command.

What's it looking like today? Jackson asked. Think our luck's about to come in old chap?

Benjamin hesitated for a moment, his weight resting on a spade as he leant forward, seemingly deep in thought.

Jackson could read the worry in the other man's face. What's going on Benji?

Nothing, Ben muttered, straightening himself up, as he began digging in the ground.

Jackson placed a hand on Ben's shoulder. Tell me, son. I can see that something's not right here. Your face looks troubled. You can't lie to me. Your words may say one thing but your face is telling me something else entirely. Jackson glanced up at the sun and squinted. Such a perfect day. A day he'd been sure was going to bring him good news. Now the sinking feeling in his stomach was telling him otherwise.

Ben tried to wriggle out of answering again. It's nothin' to get worked up about boss. It's just that...

Now Jackson was really starting to become concerned. He glanced around at the other men and noticed that they were all also carefully avoiding his gaze. Ben you better tell me what's going on, right away. I'll not ask you again.

Ben sighed and tipped his hat back, leaning on his shovel. As he began to explain, he avoided full eye contact with Jackson. It's just that...the mine seems to be causing considerable damage to the creek bed.

What do you mean? Jackson asked, whipping his head around to survey the creek bed. At first glance, he couldn't see anything wrong.

Well, I don't know how to tell you this boss, but it looks as though if we keep digging and excavating like we have been, the entire creek bed might collapse, taking the mine with it. Ben scratched his head. There are signs of crumbling, and the wall looks liked it might cave in if we keep going.

Jackson barely knew how to react; he couldn't believe his ears. Like we have been? He turned and looked around at the men in the pit, noticing that they had slowed down, that barely any progress had been made that day. He also clocked the sullen, glum looks that haunted their faces. What do you mean by this, Benji? Are you telling me that we can't mine anymore?

We can... Ben started to explain, slowly. But I'm not sure how long we have until the entire thing falls in. Days, maybe or a week if we're lucky.

Jackson was at a loss for words. This can't possibly be happening, he thought. The mine had barely produced any gold so far; most of the gold deposits that he felt sure still lay in there would still take weeks of digging to reach. Months maybe. His operation was a long term one, not short term.

But we can't stop now, he said, lowering his voice so that only Benjamin could hear. No need to alarm the other men, or let everyone know the level of his concern. Do the others know how bad it is?

Ben shook his head. They know something is up, but they don't have the level of expertise that I have, I suppose, to be able to tell how serious the situation is.

Jackson scratched his head for a moment. Right, he said firmly, making a decision. Keep digging then.

But boss... Ben tried to say, in protest.

You heard me man, Jackson said. We can't give up now.

* * *

On his way back into town, Jackson overhead two women sniggering as he passed them. He was used to female attention, but something told him that this time that the words that slipped from their mouths were not the usual flattering comments he'd come to expect.

As he walked past he caught a snippet of their comments.

...Mine collapse.

He's pushing them too far, another one whispered, holding her lace gloved hand up to her mouth as she did.

What did these women know of what went on down at the mines? He thought. But his worries ran deeper than that. If the wives of his men were gossiping about the mine and the chance of a possible collapse, that meant that his workers did actually know of the danger, and they'd been talking about it at home, speaking ill of him behind his back.

He didn't feel betrayed, not especially. Whenever a man was powerful like him in any community or settlement, this kind of thing was to be expected. Yes, he appreciated loyalty from his workers, but he'd also come to expect some degree of traitorous activity. He had ambitions to enter politics, the big leagues in San Francisco, once he was done with his time in Gold Creek. So he knew gossip and perhaps even betrayal were some of the things he'd need to get used to.

No, what bothered him was that bad gossip like this would spread quickly in such a small community, ruin his good reputation before it had really had chance to take foot. And he couldn't afford to sully the good name he had worked so hard to make for himself. He had founded Gold Creek, and that had earned him the love and respect of the residents. That glimmer of admiration they had in their eyes as he passed was something he'd gotten used to and that he now craved and had come to rely