Page 6 of Colorado Bride

“Certainly, Ben.I can help you with that.Actually, I wondered if I wouldn’t be seeing you after the Melissa affair.”

She stood and headed to her desk.

“Let me get a pad and pencil so I can make some notes as to what you are looking for in a wife.”

“I thought about that last night and have a list.”Ben was glad he’d taken the time last night to be ready for today.

“Good.I like to see a man prepared.Let’s hear them.”

He took the sheet of paper out of his pocket and unfolded it.

“She needs to be loyal.My mother lives with me and she’s not the kindest woman, so my bride will definitely need patience.She should be able to cook, clean and do whatever else is necessary to run a home.Knowing about ranching or farming is a plus, but I can teach her if I have to.I’d like her to be fair of face, but that is not required.Although, consummating the marriage will be easier if she is not ugly.Above all, I don’t want a city girl, one who doesn’t want to live anywhere but the city.”

Maggie laughed.“Most of my gentlemen request someone good looking as the first requirement not the last.I then have to explain to them that not all my ladies are considered beautiful, though a great many are.Candidates shouldn’t be expecting beauty in a mate, but genuine things that will make a marriage last, such as education, hobbies, likes and dislikes and eventually perhaps even love.Those are the items that will make a marriage strong.”

Ben nodded.“I agree…well with everything but the love part.I’ll never love someone again, like I did Melissa.I’m looking for a woman I can grow old with, Maggie.”

Ben handed her the list.

She put the list and her pad on the coffee table in front of the sofa.

“I’m glad to hear that, Ben.I’ll send this information to my associate, Sally Wyatt in our New York office.Have no worries.Sally is good at her job.And I’ll look at our prospects in Denver and Pueblo.”

“I’d prefer that the woman come from your New York office, then there is no way she would know about my almost marriage to Melissa.Do you get women In your New York office who want to live on a ranch or know about ranching or farming?”

“We do get girls who are in from the country and are looking for husbands.Sally and I will find the perfect match for you.”

“How long before I know if you’ve found a wife for me?”

“Usually we can find a bride for you in one or two weeks, but I’ll ask Sally to make this a priority.”

“Thanks, Maggie.I appreciate it.”He relaxed against the back of the sofa.“What are the financial arrangements to be?”

“You’re welcome, Ben.Now financially speaking, you’ll be required to pay for her passage, both ways if the two of you decide not to marry.You’ll also need to provide her with appropriate clothing and lodging when she gets here of up to two months at a hotel.”

“I hadn’t expected it to be so expensive.”

“You’re investing in your future, Ben.Don’t expect it to be cheap.Now, why don’t you come over for noon-time dinner after church on Sunday?”

“I’d like to, but I have to take Mother to church.”

“You can always bring your mother.”

Ben could tell that Maggie was only being polite.No one wanted his mother as a dinner or supper guest.

“Thanks Maggie, that’s nice of you to say, but I’ll take you up on your offer at a different time.”

He almost laughed.She was doing her best to keep a straight face, but the flicker of relief was there.

“Well, you know the offer is always open.I’ll get the letter out to Sally with tomorrow’s mail and send her a wire to start looking for your bride.”

He wondered if the cost of the telegram would be added to his bill.

“How do you afford to do a wire?They are so expensive.”

She waved her hand dismissively.“I send only the key words we’re looking for.In your case it will be loyal, kind, patient, cook, clean.That will give her a place to start.She’ll begin by eliminating everyone who can’t cook, then she’ll move on to each attribute.”

“How will she know if someone is loyal or patient?”