Bride of Paradise (2 page)

Ingrid looked skeptical but reluctantly agreed.  “You be careful.”

“I will.  Thank you.”  Kristen hugged her mother and jumped up to go to her room, trying to decide what the right thing was to wear to the seminary.  The right thing that was red white and blue of course.  She had sashes and ribbons, so she really just needed to make sure she found a red, white or blue dress. 

She dug through her things and pulled out her newest white dress.  She’d spent hours sewing the lace onto it, so it would be just right.  Kristen liked to have her clothes be perfect at all times.  It made her feel put together and confident. 
Her mother laughed at her, but she didn’t care. 

She decided on a blue sash and a pretty red bow for her hair.  She’d wear it back in a twist with the bow woven through it.  It would be perfect!

*****

Sally was thrilled with the turn out for her meeting.  She had a bowl of punch on the back table along with some cookies and some small plates for all of the women to use.  “If you’d like some refreshments, please get them now,” she called out.  “We’ll be starting the meeting in five minutes.”  She counted heads.  Ten.  There were ten women who were at least interested in hearing her proposal.  Even if half walked away, that would give her five women to work with.  She couldn’t be more pleased.

Once everyone had taken a seat, Sally strode to the front of the room.  “I’m sure you’re all wondering what this meeting is about.  My husband says I’m crazy to even attempt this.”  She waited while everyone laughed.  “I’m Sally Anderson.  I’m the wife of the president of the seminary.  Over the past few years I’ve noticed a pattern from our graduates.  You see, while they’re studying, all the men want all their focus to be on God, so they don’t worry about courting a woman, and then they get to their assignments, and the first week or two is wonderful, but then they realize they’re in a small town, with few women, and they’re lonely.”  She linked her fingers together over her ample bosom and announced, “And that’s why you’re here.  I want to find brides who are willing to go out and marry our ministers.”

*****

Kristen stared at Sally Anderson in disbelief.  Really?  She’d called these women out here to be mail order brides for ministers?  Or were the ministers really the mail order husbands?  She didn’t know.  Mail Order Ministers seemed to be the best way to describe them all.  She listened to the mumbling around her.  Did she even want to marry a minister?

A small voice inside her insisted, “Yes.”
  She’d always had a strong relationship with God and wanted to serve him any way she could.  Maybe this was his plan for her.

 
While two of the others got up and left, she stayed to listen to what Sally Anderson had to say.  After all, she may find herself a wonderful husband by staying around.
 
Of course, she could also end up married to a man who just wanted a maid and wanted to control her, but she could do that if she left as well.  She’d stay and take her chances.

After the meeting, she talked to another young woman at the back of the room.  “I’m Kristen.”

The other woman was a petite blond with sparkling blue eyes.  Her dress was old and a bit tattered, but it was clean.  “I’m Ida.”

“It’s nice to meet you.”  Kristen looked around to see if anyone was listening before lowering her voice.  “Do you think you’ll do it?”  After she’d explained why they were there, Sally Anderson had announced that she would hold a two day seminar on how to be a good minister’s wife. 

Ida nodded slowly.  “I don’t really have a choice.  My parents can’t afford to support me any longer.”  She sighed.  “I know Mrs. Anderson, and she suggested I come here tonight to find a husband.”

“Well, we’ll do it together then.”  She shrugged.  “I don’t have a real reason to do it, but I’m just feeling very restless.  There are no men here I’m interested in, and I love the idea of seeing other places.”

Ida wrinkled her nose.  “Leaving my parents is scary for me, but I’ll do it if I have to.  I need to.”

“Well, the seminar will be Monday and Tuesday.”  She gestured to the sign-up sheet on the refreshment table.  “Shall we sign our names that we’re attending?”
  Kristen was practically bouncing up and down excitedly.  This was just what she needed.

Ida nodded slowly, but waited for Kristen to go first.  She was obviously nervous about the whole idea.

Kristen read over the required information.  “Name, birthdate, church, and address.”  No problem.  She knew her minister would have nothing but good things to say about her.  She quickly scribbled her answers to the questions and moved out of the way for Ida to do the same.

“Which way is it to your house?” she asked Ida who pointed in the opposite direction from which she needed to go.  “Well, I’ll see you Monday morning then.”  She
smiled at the other girl.  “I’m glad we’re doing this together.”

She walked home quickly through the quiet streets.  She wasn’t nervous, but she knew her mother wouldn’t want her to be on the streets any longer than absolutely necessary.  Sure enough, when she arrived home, her entire family was sitting in the parlor waiting for her.
  She hurried into the kitchen to wash her hands before talking to them. 

Ingrid stood at the door.  “Well?  What was the meeting about?”

Kristen didn’t want to admit it to her mother, knowing she’d disapprove, but she wasn’t going to hide anything.  “I’ll tell everyone together.”  She walked into the parlor and took her seat beside her sister on the sofa.  “It was a meeting about a seminar the president of the seminary’s wife is going to have on Monday and Tuesday.”

“Seminar?”  Ingrid wrinkled her nose.  “About what?”

“To teach women how to be good minister’s wives.”  Kristen bit her lip while she waited for her mother’s reaction.

“Minister’s wives?  They’re going to try to marry you to a seminary student?”  Ingrid looked hopeful.  She wouldn’t have a problem with Kristen marrying a seminary student.

Kristen shook her head slowly.  “The graduates are lonely.  We’d be sent to ministers who have already been placed in other parts of Texas.  Kind of like a mail order bride program, but in my head it’s more of a mail order minister thing.”

“So you’d leave Dallas?”  Ingrid frowned, obviously not liking that idea at all.

“I’d leave Dallas, but I’d stay in Texas.  I’d still be close enough to visit.”  Unless she went somewhere far, like El Paso or Galveston, but she didn’t say that out loud.

“Absolutely not.  You are not going to this seminar.”
Ingrid shook her head to emphasize her decision.

Kristen sighed.  “I’m an adult now, Mama.  I think this would be good for me.”

Laura looked at Kristen.  “And I’d get my own room!”

Kristen grinned.  “And she’d get her own room!”
  She winked at Laura.  The sisters were close, but they each wished they had more privacy at times.

Kristen’s father,
Dirk, smiled at her.  “It’s time for Kristen to do something.  You want her all the time to marry.  Let her marry a good Christian man.”

Ingrid sighed.  “You do what your father says.”   She stood up and left the room, leaving no one in any doubt of how she felt about everything.

Kristen jumped up and ran to her father, throwing her arms around him.  “Thank you, Papa!”

Dirk patted her head awkwardly, always uncertain of what to do when one of his daughters showed him affection physically.  “You just be good, Kristen.”

Chapter Two

The two days of the seminar were grueling.  They learned how to make different dishes, how to give advice to parishioners wives and how to be supportive to their husbands.  At the end of the second day, there was yet another sign-up sheet, so each woman could meet with Sally Anderson personally, and discuss what man they would be best suited for.  There were six women left at the end of the second day, and Sally seemed thrilled to have that many left.

Kristen signed up for a time slot on Wednesday morning, so she would talk to Mrs. Anderson before she got dirty working in the garden at the orphanage. 
She carefully dressed in her favorite red dress and tied a blue ribbon in her hair.  Her white sash completed her ensemble perfectly.  She walked the short distance to the seminary, excited about the prospect of meeting with Mrs. Anderson one on one.  She’d enjoyed her during the class, but she could tell she’d be a lot more fun in a less formal setting.

She knocked on the door, and straightened her dress, making certain there were no wrinkles.  Mrs. Anderson opened the door wide, “Come in, Kristen!  I’m so glad you’re here.”

Kristen took the seat she was offered and sat with her ankles crossed like her mother had taught her, her hands folded politely in her lap.  She smiled as she waited for Mrs. Anderson to take her seat.

“Are you still feeling positive about the idea of marrying one of our ministers?” she asked.

“Oh yes, ma’am.  I love the idea of serving God as a minister’s wife.  Also, I really want to see more of our great state than just Dallas.  I mean, I’ve lived in Dallas my whole life, and really?  I don’t think I’ve ever been out of the city except for a picnic once.”  Kristen knew she was babbling a little and forced herself to stop.

Mrs. Anderson smiled.  “Do you want to stay close to Dallas?  So your family would be within a day or two drive?  Or do you want to go out further than that?”

Kristen bit her lip.  She wanted to say she wanted to go further, but she knew it would upset her mother.  “My mother would definitely be happier if she could see me at least at Christmas time.”

“I understand!  What does your father do?”
 

“He’s a manager at one of the textile plants,”
Kristen explained.  It was the reason she had so many dresses and was able to color coordinate so well.  They weren’t a wealthy family, but he got good discounts that she wasn’t afraid to take advantage of.

“I see.”  Mrs. Anderson smiled her head tilted to the side.  “I think
Samuel Benner is the man for you.  He lives in Paradise, Texas, which is only about a day’s drive from here, so your parents could go see you, or you could come visit them on occasion.”

Kristen smiled, nodding happily
.  “That sounds good.  Tell me about Samuel.  Do you know him?”  She couldn’t wait to hear all about her future husband.

“Oh, I know each of these men personally.  They were all students here at the seminary.”  She paused as if thinking about what to tell Kristen.  “He’s a tall thin man.  He has dark hair and eyes, and he has a true love for the Lord.  He’s wanted to be a minister since he was a little boy, and like most of the men who came to the seminary, he didn’t take time away from his studies to court a bride.  He got all the way out to Paradise, and realized he was
lonely.”

“That makes sense.”  But didn’t tell her much at all.  “Do you know what he likes to do?  In his spare time?”

Sally Anderson sat back in her chair startled.  “You know, I don’t think I do.  He never really had spare time while he was a student.  I know his favorite foods, and I know he’s a hard worker, but I really only saw him around the seminary.”  She thought about it for a moment longer.  “I know he’s an animal lover.  I remember there was a time when a mother cat was killed, and he took in all the kittens and bottle fed them.  It was a real chore, but he was willing to do it.  I know he enjoys reading a great deal.”  She shrugged, obviously wishing she had more information to share with Kristen. 

Kristen nodded.  He sounded like a fine man.  “He sounds like we might suit well.  Where do we go from here?”

“Let’s each write him a letter, and we’ll see if he’s even interested.  I started this based on all the unhappy men who send me letters, but if he’s not interested, we’ll find someone else.”

Kristen nodded.  “That sounds good.”  She accepted the pen and paper Mrs. Anderson gave her and wrote a letter quickly, using her usual neat penmanship.  “Dear
Samuel Benner, I’m writing you because I’ve been told you are searching for a wife.  My name is Kristen Walston and I’m nineteen years old.  I’ve been a Christian my entire life and was born and raised just a few blocks from the seminary you attended.  I’ve recently gone through a two day class taught by Mrs. Sally Anderson teaching me what I need to know about being a pastor’s wife.  From what I’ve heard about you, I believe we’d suit.  I enjoy working in a garden, cooking and being with small children.  I’d love to travel to Paradise to be your bride.  I’m anxiously awaiting your response.  Yours in Christ, Kristen Walston.”  She folded the letter in half and handed it to Mrs. Anderson. 

Sally didn’t read the letter, but tucked it under the letter she’d written and addressed them both.  “I’ll get these off in the mail immediately.  I’m glad you chose
Samuel.  Some of the men who have come through the seminary have touched my heart more than others, and he’s one of those.”

As Kristen walked to the orphanage she had a slight smile on her face.  Soon, she hoped, she would be Mrs.
Samuel Benner, pastor’s wife.  What better way to serve the Lord could there be than to support a man as he shepherded his flock?  She sighed happily.  She was doing the right thing.  She just knew she was.

*****

Samuel rubbed the back of his neck as he walked into the parsonage, inhaling the scent of fresh-baked bread.  The casserole and bread had been left on his table for him and he was thrilled with that.  Most nights when he got home from work, there was food waiting.  He felt a lot less lonely on the nights people remembered to cook for him.

He looked down at the two letters in his hand, knowing he’d read them while he was eating his dinner.  He always saved letters for his dinner, because then he felt as if he had a companion eating with him.  It was a small way to trick his mind out of feeling lonely.

He said his prayer and served himself a plate of the casserole.  He forked up his first bite and smiled.  Mrs. Landry must have made this one.  She was the best cook in town, and he loved the days when she brought food by.  He opened the letter from Sally first, not recognizing the name on the other.  He stared down at the words for a moment, shocked at what she’d written.

“Dear
Samuel, I’m sorry to hear you’re lonely in your assignment, as are many of the other men we’ve trained.  I believe I’ve come up with a good solution for everyone, though.  I have started a class to train women of good moral character who desire to leave Dallas to be pastor’s wives.  One of the young women from my first class, Kristen Walston would be perfect for you.  She is a pretty little thing with dark hair and brown eyes.  I believe she is the perfect wife for you.  She is a hard worker and seems to truly love the Lord.  I hope you will read her letter with an open mind and at least agree to make the trip to Dallas to meet her.  Yours in Christ, Sally Anderson.”

He read through it all again, hoping he’d misread it.  He had been upset the night he’d sent her the last letter because for some reason, the woman assigned to bring his dinner that night had forgotten.  He was over it by the next day, but the letter had already been sent.  He took careful stock of his emotions.  Did he want a wife right now?  Was that even on his mind?

He picked up the other letter and glanced at the name again.  Sure enough, it was Kristen Walston.  He was almost afraid to open the letter.  If he did, would he be obligated to marry the woman?  Did he have any desire to marry a stranger?

He carefully opened the letter and read through her words. 
Was she seriously willing to travel that far to marry a stranger?  What were her parents thinking to even let her go?  He knew that the Andersons would have vouched for him, of course, but how could that ever be enough?  If he didn’t marry her, would she agree to marry another stranger?  Should he marry her just to keep her from marrying a wicked man who might hurt her?  He had no idea of the right thing to do at that point, but he knew it was time to pray about it.

He finished his dinner, his mind not on his food.  Once he was finished, he spent the night praying, wanting to do whatever God wanted him to do.  “Not my will, but yours Lord.  Please help me to know what
your
will is in this matter.”

When he woke the following morning, he felt that he had his answer.  God wanted him to marry Kristen.  He sighed, wondering how it would work out.  He thought it would be best if he offered to drive to Dallas and marry her there, so he could at least meet her parents before bringing her home.  He couldn’t let her father worry about her for the rest of her life, simply because he was too busy to make the drive. 

While eating his breakfast of toast with butter made from the bread brought the previous night, he hastily responded with a letter to both Kristen and Sally.  “Dear Sally and Kristen, I would be pleased to marry Kristen.  I will leave here on the thirtieth of August, a Monday, and plan to make the drive in a single day.  Please plan a small ceremony for Wednesday morning, September first.  We will then have two days to travel home.
 
Could I spend the first night or two that I’m there at the seminary, Sally?  I look forward to meeting you upon my arrival in Dallas, Kristen.  Yours in Christ, Samuel Benner.”  He walked the letter to the mercantile and mailed it before going on to the church. 

He had doubts about his decision all day, but finally decided it was in God’s hands.  He would do everything he could to make it work out.

*****

Samuel
woke at four on the morning of August thirtieth to make the long drive to Dallas.  He hoped he wouldn’t have to stop overnight, but he had prepared as if he would.  He had several sandwiches packed that would last him until he got to Dallas along with a huge jar of water.  He hated making long drives like this, but he’d do it for his future bride.  Whoever she was.

The drive was monotonous.  He headed east following the dirt road toward
Grapevine.  He’d have to drive through Grapevine to get to Dallas, and he’d probably take a quick break for lunch there.  It was his halfway point.  He’d made the drive only once before, when he’d left the seminary and moved to his first assignment as a pastor in May, but of course, he’d been going the other direction.

It started to rain about an hour into his drive, and slowed him down more than he would have liked.  Just before he reached Grapevine, he felt the jolt of the wagon, and he stopped the horses and jumped down, shaking his head.  A broken wheel.  He sighed.  He’d brought two extras along, of course, because you never knew when something would happen.  He believed very strongly in God taking care of him and protecting him, but he also felt like he should always help God out by being prepared for emergencies.

He got the wheel changed, wishing he’d thought to bring along a towel to wipe off his muddy hands.  He wiped them on his slacks.  It was raining hard enough that his pants would be clean by the time he got to Dallas, right?  It was a good thing he wasn’t meeting his bride as soon as he got to Dallas.  He’d have a chance to clean up before meeting her in the morning.

By the time
Samuel pulled his wagon up in front of the seminary, it was six in the evening.  The drive shouldn’t have taken more than eight or nine hours and instead, between the rain and the broken wheel, it had taken thirteen.  He was tired and grumpy.  He hoped that Sally and Albert were waiting for him, because he desperately needed a hot meal and a bed, hopefully in that order.

He knocked on the door to the seminary, and it flew open.  “You made it!”  Sally beamed at him, obviously thrilled he was there.  “Oh.  What happened?”  She took in his disheveled appearance.  “Did it rain?”  She peered up at the sky in wonder.  They’d only had a few sprinkles there.

He sighed, carrying his carpet bag into the house.  “It started raining just after I left paradise around five this morning.  I had a broken wheel just outside of Grapevine, and then there was a dog stuck in the mud, a puppy really.  His little foot was so deep in the mud that he couldn’t get it out, so I helped him.”  He looked down at himself, laughing.  “I know I’m a mess.”

Sally nodded.  “Yes, you are a mess.” 
Her eyes twinkled as she looked up at him.

“I’m sorry.  I just really need to eat and sleep.  I’ve been on the road for thirteen hours and I feel like a train hit me.”
  He ran his hand over the back of his neck, wishing he could get the crick out of it.  “I’m glad I don’t have to deal with anyone but you and Albert tonight.  I’m really not up for it.”

“Well, about that…”  Sally gestured over her shoulder to the pretty brunette sitting at the table. 

Samuel bit his tongue, not wanting to say what was really on his mind.  He studied the young woman sitting there staring at him intently, her eyes going again and again to the mud covering him.  She had brown eyes that seemed to study him as if he were a specimen in a glass, making him feel very uncomfortable.  She was dressed immaculately, her mint green skirt and matching flowered blouse fitting her perfectly.  He hoped she sewed, because otherwise, she’d never get such well-fitting clothes again.  A pastor didn’t have the means to pay a seamstress to make his wife’s clothes.