“When does the journey begin? I have no place to stay and I’m needing to leave right away.”
Long ago, Ida had made a decision not to ask too many questions of these girls. There were so many reasons for them becoming a mail-order bride and a lot of them were not good. The less she knew, the better. That way, when their suitors or fathers came looking for them, she could deny any knowledge of why the women chose to leave.
“As soon as I can find eight women. I’m hoping in the next two weeks,” she said, thinking that would be nearly impossible, but she would do her best. The longer it took her, the more someone might find out what kind of town Treasure Falls was. “You’re welcome to stay at my place until all of you depart.”
Years ago, she’d built on several bedrooms for just this type of problem.
“I can’t leave now?”
As much as she’d like to say yes, it would be safer for the ladies to be in a group. And the men were expecting all eight at once.
“No, I like my girls all traveling together to protect one another,” she said. “Are you interested?”
The woman glanced toward the train station and then back at Ida. “Yes, I would like to become a mail-order bride.”
Ida wanted to dance a jig right there in the street but knew that would attract a lot of attention. One down and seven to go and she’d just put up the signs.
She picked up the woman’s suitcase and took her by the arm. “What’s your name, dear?”
“Mary,” she said. “Mary Beattle.”
“Well, Mary, I’ve been doing this a long time and I’m thrilled to help you find a husband. Let’s get back to the office and sign the paperwork. You are a virgin, dear?”
“Yes, ma’am,” she said.
“Good. From what I’ve heard about Treasure Falls, Montana, you’re going to love it.”
Tears appeared in the girl’s eyes and Ida wondered about her story.
“I hope so,” she said as they walked down the street with Mary looking over her shoulder every few minutes.
With every mail-order bride, she always hoped they found happiness. Even the girls going to Treasure Falls.