Page 10 of Colorado Bride

Dear Sally,

I have a rancher here in Golden who needs a bride.His name is Ben Logan and he’s a very handsome man but does have a large fault.His mother, Doris Logan, lives with him and is a harridan.Ben is very patient with her and needs a wife who would be the same.He wants someone who will treat her with kindness even when she doesn’t deserve it.The woman is after all his mother.

In addition he wants someone who can cook.His mother does the cooking now but is not the best and resents doing it, letting Ben know with every meal.

I honestly don’t know how he puts up with Doris.

The candidate needs to be aware that Ben was left at the altar by a woman who is not unlike his mother.I feel he got very lucky when Melissa jilted him.But he thought himself in love with her so some anger and hurt still exists.Winning his heart will be a difficult thing but, for the right woman, most definitely worth the effort.

He’s also looking for someone who doesn’t mind living in the country and knows some about farming or ranching.

Send me a wire when you have someone so I can let Ben know.

Tell Mark hi for me.

Take care,

Maggie

“So what do you think?You’re the most patient and kind person I know and the arrangement sounds like you’ll need all your attributes in those areas.”

“Me?Married?”

“Yes.You.Married.I think you would be perfect, and I’m not wrong very often.Maggie and I have a great record of finding the right bride for the right husband.Do you mind the prospect of living in the country?”

“No.I kind of like the idea of not having lots of people around.”

“Do you know anything about farming or ranching?”

“Well, actually I do, from growing up in the orphanage.There it was my job to milk the cows and gather the eggs.The orphanage had four cows and three dozen laying hens.It was a good thing, too.There were days when milk, bread and scrambled eggs was all there was to eat.”

Emily stood and paced the area in front of the sofa.

I never thought I’d be married.Always thought I’d be alone, though I would love to be married and have children of my own.My own family, my own children to raise, not someone else’s.Do I want to try to find another job raising another woman’s children?

“I have always wanted a husband and children.I just never thought it was my destiny to do anything except raise other people’s children.”

She stopped in front of Sally.

“All right.Yes.I’d like to marry Mr.Ben Logan.Did she by chance send a picture?”

“Yes, she did.He’s quite good-looking.According to the back of the picture, he’s six feet tall, with blue eyes and brown hair.”

Emily picked up the photograph.The man staring out at her was indeed attractive.Veryhandsome as a matter-of-fact.She handed the picture back to Sally.

“What would a man who looks like that see in me?”

Sally cocked her head.

“You are beautiful.”

“I’m overweight and frumpy.”

“If you’d wear something besides those hideous gray dresses, which I understand you wear so you look horrible to the men you work for, everyone else would see your beauty as well.Luckily, Maggie’s seamstress has readymade clothes.Mr.Logan sent money to cover clothing and listed the clothes that you will need.I’m sure he made the list with help from Maggie.”

“Well, what is on the list?I haven’t been able to really go shopping for…well, ever.”

“Four dresses, two in light weight material for summer and two in wool for winter.At least one of the dresses should be acceptable for Sunday’s and dances.A heavy winter coat.”