A Maid for Mason

By Regina Walker

In the heart of New York, Mary Ann's life is defined by the toil of her immigrant parents and the mansion where she serves. The master's daughter, full of audacious dreams, tugs Mary Ann into a world of unconventional schemes. One fateful decision leads her into an unexpected arrangement: corresponding with a man pioneering the untamed western frontier. Through their letters, Mary Ann discovers a realm of boundless horizons and the promise of a new life.

Mason, a young widower, battles to nurture both his land and his spirited son, James. Alone but resilient, he relies on the support of his sister and her husband. They urge him to entrust James to their care, but Mason clings to his son, fearing separation. In the wake of loss, thoughts of love have no place in Mason's heart as he strives to navigate his uncertain path.

 

⚠ Yet, Hannah, Mason's persistent sister, refuses to watch him struggle alone. With a sisterly determination, she intervenes in the form of a well-intentioned deception. ⚠

 

♥ Amidst the sprawling frontier, can two lives entwined by good intentions find the courage to embrace love? ♥

• Language: English
• Publisher: Regina Walker
• Release date: Aug 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223933274

Regina Walker

Regina Walker crafts compelling characters facing some of life's hardest challenges. Her heart's desire is to always point toward Jesus through the way her characters face challenges, relationships, and adversity. Regina is an Oklahoma import, although she was born and raised in the beautiful state of Colorado. She likes to curl up on the couch and binge-watch crime shows with her hard-working husband. When she's not wrestling with a writing project, she can be found wrangling their children, riding their horses, or working around their small hobby farm.

Book preview

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 NLT

Chapter One

Mason

Tall, with a shadow of a beard starting to darken his face, and bright blue eyes, Mason Barkey was a sight to behold. His deep voice turned heads, but his gentle demeanor was evident in the way he cared for his son and his cattle ranch.

Standing across from him, his sister Hannah folded her arms over her chest. A head shorter than him, but adorned with the same blue eyes, she stared fiercely at him.

I do not need a wife and placing an advertisement with some agency is ludicrous. I don’t want to hear about it again, Hannah, Mason said.

Hannah laughed. You’ve got three choices, Mason James. You either write this ad yourself, and get a wife coming to care for you and little James or you let James come live with my husband and me.

That was two choices. Mason narrowed his gaze at her. He bent forward, placing his palms on the wood table he built for the home he and his late wife shared.

Right, that was two. Your third option is that I write this ad on your behalf, but then you get no say over how it is written. Hannah tapped her toe on the wood floor.

Mason rolled his eyes and scoffed. I take none of the above options. James and I are getting along just fine.

You are not. The two of you only eat a hot meal if I make it, you only wear clean clothes if I wash them. You cannot do this all alone, and I’m trying to run my home and care for my husband, not to mention my part in the ranch, Hannah said.

Hannah, this is ridiculous. You cannot send for a stranger and expect us to fall in love. It’s too soon, anyway, Mason said.

It’s been two years, little brother. Two whole years. I know losing Sarah was the most awful thing you’ve experienced, but you can’t live your whole life afraid to try again.

Actually, I can. And I intend to. Not that I’m afraid to try again, just that I refuse to do so. We were happy. I loved her. I will never love another woman with the same depth that I loved Sarah.

No one is saying you have to love another woman the same. You can find a comfortable arrangement with a woman who cares for you and James. So, what will it be, little brother?

Mason slapped his hand on the table. I already told you, I’ll have none of the options you gave me. Let’s get back to work, we have a long day ahead of us.

Who is going to watch James? Hannah asked.

He’ll ride Splash. She’ll take care of him, Mason said.

You can’t move cattle with a two-year-old riding a horse, have you lost your mind? I’ll stay behind with him. Charles and John and the wranglers can help you move the cows, Hannah said.

I hate when you stay behind. You’re valuable out there moving the cows. You keep your head about you, Mason said.

Then you stay home with James, Hannah suggested.

Mason laughed aloud and shook his head. I’ll leave the child sittin’ to you, and I’ll get to work.

Chapter Two

Mary Ann

Mary Ann, you simply must come with me. Three feathers stuck straight up from Eliza’s hair, which was styled high on her head. The feathers arched over and bounced as she moved toward Mary Ann.

I can’t. Your mother is hosting tonight, and I have too much work to do. Mary Ann brushed the back of her hand across her forehead, wiping away sweat and frustration.

No one will notice. Let everyone else do the work, Eliza said.

That’s not fair to my mother or the kitchen staff. Besides, I have nothing to wear to the parade. I don’t have a closet full of fancy dresses. She motioned for Eliza to turn around.

Grumbling under her breath, she turned. Mary Ann tightened her corset, let her take a breath and exhale, and then tightened it again.

Which dress are you wearing? Mary Ann opened the cabinet and ran her fingers lightly along the dresses hanging neatly before her.

The pale yellow one, with the blue flowers. Eliza stared at her reflection in the mirror.

Your mother didn’t like how low it hung in front, remember?

But Mary Ann, Eliza swiveled to face her, the streets will be teeming with eligible bachelors. Who knows, one may catch my eye.

Mary Ann couldn’t help but roll her eyes dramatically as a puff of breath left her with a chuckle. She helped Eliza into the pale-yellow dress. The blue flowers sprinkled all over the fabric were dainty and feminine. Mary Ann tugged at the fabric on the sleeves, making sure it was full and round over Eliza’s shoulders. She tugged at the skirts, making sure every pleat lay just right.

You look lovely, Eliza.

Eligible? Eliza raised her eyebrow.

Yes, eligible. Mary Ann pointed at the young lady’s bosom, where her dress hung low and exposed the fullness of her chest.

Good. Eliza pouted her bottom lip and blew a breath upward, which made the feathers hanging over her head start dancing. You need to hurry and dress. I require assistance in town.

I already told you—

And as your employer, I’m telling you.

You know you have to clear that with your mother. Mary Ann’s hands landed on her hips and she gave Eliza a serious look.

Eliza sashayed to the bedroom door, yanked it open, and yelled for her mother.

Eliza, Mary Ann’s voice forced between gritted teeth.

With her skirts lifted and gathered in one hand, Anna entered the bedroom. She twirled her hand in the air, ordering Eliza to spin without having to say anything.

The young woman turned slowly, waiting for her mother’s approval.

I’m still not fond of the cut of this dress, but I suppose it will attract some attention at the parade today. What is it you need?

Will you be attending the parade, Mother?

You know I have a party to prepare for here. Marquis de Lafayette will be dining here tonight. I cannot run off to the parade if I am to have everything perfect here.

Yes, Mother. May I take Mary Ann? Eliza gestured toward the housemaid, her only real friend.

Did I not just tell you I am preparing for a party? I could hardly spare her to help you dress, Eliza.

Yes, but isn’t that her job? To help me? The young woman pouted at her mother.

That is not her only job. Mrs. Williams looked at Mary Ann for a moment, then back to Eliza. You’ll have the driver. Can’t he keep you company while you watch the parade?

It’s not the same. And he could never help me with my dress should I have any trouble or require assistance.

You are not incompetent, Eliza. You can handle your dress. Mary Ann, she turned her attention to the housemaid, go find your mother. See if she thinks she can accomplish what is necessary without your assistance today.

Yes, Ma’am. Mary Ann bowed her head and disappeared from the room.

She found her mom polishing the silverware in the dining room. Mama, I have a—

Are you finished helping Miss Eliza dress? Her mother’s stare was hard. The required tasks of the day seemed to age her visibly.

Yes, Mama. Mrs. Williams sent me to find out if you can accomplish what is necessary today, without me?

Catherine gave an exasperated sigh. Why, Mary Ann?

Because Miss Eliza would like my assistance on her trip to watch the parade. But Mrs. Williams doesn’t want you to be without the help you need.

Mary Ann knew her mother was a fair woman. She was a kind mother and made many sacrifices so Mary Ann and her sister could have small enjoyments in life. They worked hard for everything they had, but in the end, what always mattered most was that they all came home to one another at the end of the day.

Do you want to attend the parade? Mama set a polished fork into the tray. The sharp ting of silver on silver rang in Mary Ann’s ears.

I don’t want to leave you with all the work, Mary Ann said softly. Her cheeks reddened.

Very sweet of you. The parade is a big deal. I suppose I can accomplish what is required here and you may accompany Miss Eliza. But you have to cook dinner at home tonight and do the dishes for Clara.

Yes, Mama. Thank you. Mary Ann gave a little curtsy then spun on her heel, taking the stairs two at a time until she reached the top and knocked on Eliza’s door. Panting, she told Mrs. Williams between breaths that her mother said she could go.

Very well, then. Accompany Eliza to the parade and see to it that she has what she needs.

Yes, Ma’am. Mary Ann nodded her head as a wide grin spread across her face.

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Mary Ann focused on the approaching carriage and the men on foot, all in uniform, walking in front of and beside the cart.

Eliza grabbed her by the hand and tugged her away from the crowd. Come on. We aren't really here for the parade. But we had to lose my driver.

What on earth are you up to now, Miss Eliza?

Eliza shot her a sideways glare. I hate when you turn all proper manners when we leave the house. You're my friend, Mary Ann. The only real friend I've ever had.

Mama says it's important, in case you ever have to end my employment. I don't want a reputation for being disrespectful help.

Eliza seemed to consider this as she tugged Mary Ann behind the crowd until they reached the open sidewalk. Maybe you can do something other than be a housemaid.

Like what?

Oh, I don't know. Eliza slipped into an unassuming door between two shops. The young women ascended a staircase, Mary Ann still being tugged along by Eliza.