Page 2 of Mail Order Mukluks (Brides of Alaska #1 | Brides of Beckham #68)
“I’ll do everything I can to earn my keep.” It felt strange to rely on the generosity of a virtual stranger, but she wouldn’t be able to sew anything if she were working at the hotel. “I’ll choose some fabric on my way home.”
“Perfect. And you’ll be here on Sunday of next week?”
“Yes. Thank you for your hospitality.”
As she walked to the hotel, Belle’s thoughts were on Everett and the life she would lead as his wife.
Never before had she allowed herself to let someone else care for her.
When her mother had died, she’d stepped up and taken care of her younger siblings.
It was only when her father had remarried that she’d allowed herself to move on.
It hadn’t been easy, but it had been necessary. She wasn’t certain what she expected from Everett, but she could only hope it would be as she’d dreamed.
*****
T HE FOLLOWING SUNDAY , Belle took all of her belongings with her to church in a single carpet bag. She spotted Elizabeth at the back, already pacing with her youngest.
Belle walked straight to Elizabeth and held out her hands for the baby.
“Oh, no, Belle. You should be able to sit and listen to the sermon,” Elizabeth protested.
“It’s good practice for when I have my own,” Belle said, taking the baby, who immediately nestled into her arms. “I love them when they’re tiny like this.”
“Thank you,” Elizabeth said, seeing that the baby was in good hands.
After church, they went back to the house on Rock Creek Road, and Elizabeth showed Belle where she would be sleeping. Belle had expected a room like she had at the hotel, within the servants’ area, but it was a real guest room. It was beautiful.
“Are you sure you want me here? I wouldn’t mind sleeping in the servants’ quarters. I’m used to it after all.”
Elizabeth linked her arm with Belle’s. “You’re a guest in my home for the next week.
You’re going on a very long, arduous journey, and I would like to see you have a bit of time to rest before you go.
I did purchase some fabrics I thought would look good on you.
And I have two sewing machines, as I’ve worked with other women this way.
Come and see if there are any fabrics that appeal to you.
If not, we can always go to the mercantile this afternoon. ”
“That’s too generous!” Belle protested.
“No, it’s truly not. I want to do this with you.” Elizabeth grinned. “Truthfully, I may let you do more with the baby to help me. It would be good for me.”
“That baby is a joy to hold. I would be honored.”
Elizabeth led Belle into a room that had been furnished for this purpose.
There were two sewing machines, a comfortable-looking sofa, and a cedar chest with several bolts of cloth atop it.
“I have the fabrics I think will look best on you on top, but you’re welcome to look through the chest. I’m thinking you need a good black dress for mourning, two day dresses, and something new for church.
You can swap out with the dress you have. ”
“That’s more than I need! One day dress should be enough.”
“No, it won’t. You need to wear something when you do the wash. From the sound of the conditions there, you may be going to a river to beat the laundry with a rock.”
Belle sighed. “I’ve certainly done it before.”
“Hopefully, he has a well you can use.” Elizabeth held up the first of the bolts of fabric—a sky blue color. “This will go beautifully with your eyes.”
Belle nodded. “I really like that. The flowers set it off beautifully.”
They spent the next few minutes deciding which dress they wanted to make with each of the fabrics. They decided to make five dresses because Belle couldn’t decide between a pale pink and a violet print.
As they sat down to work on the dresses chosen, Belle looked over at Elizabeth, so happy the older woman had talked to her at the party.
She hadn’t known it then, but her entire life was about to change.
No more serving strangers. No, if she was serving, it would be her family and friends.
Alaska would be cold. And very different than what she was used to.
But that was all right. She was going to change her life for the better.
*****
B ELLE SAT AT THE BECKHAM train station with Elizabeth at her side. “I want you to remember that if it doesn’t work out, you have somewhere to return to. I would be happy to have you be a governess for my children if it came to that.”
Belle smiled. “I would enjoy that more than what I was doing, but what I really want is to be married and have children of my own.” She gripped her bag with all her worldly possessions tightly.
“Thank you for being my friend. And for getting me out of that hotel. I have hope again, instead of just daydreams, and you’re the reason. ”
The two women embraced just as the conductor called out Belle’s train. “Remember, when you get to Seattle, you’ll stay for two nights with Harriett Farmer. I know you’ll enjoy your time with her and her children.”
Belle nodded. “If she’s the one who started your wonderful business, then I definitely want to meet her. Thank you for arranging all this for me.”
“I’m happy to do it. You deserve all the happiness in the world. Don’t ever forget that.” Elizabeth sniffed away a tear. “Your itinerary is in your bag. This journey is more complicated than most, but Everett will meet you when you get off the steamship.” She stood. “Be happy, my friend.”
“I’ll do my very best.” Belle walked to the train and presented her ticket. After finding a seat, she looked out the window to see Elizabeth waving goodbye. Why did she feel like she was leaving a sister behind?