Page 14 - MailOrderBrideFlipBook

married to Jack Taylor.’” “Who’s Jack Taylor?” Jim interrupted. Eli looked up at the men, and spoke, his voice betraying his discouragement. “He’s the postman back in the town I came from.” Jim burst out laughing. “You mailed her a letter every week, and she ended up marrying the postman who delivered ‘em!” Eli scowled. “I don’t see the humor in this.” Whitman waved the letter. “May I continue?” Jim and the captain nodded, so Whitman continued reading. “‘We have been married most of a year now and have a little boy. We named him Eli after you. You will be his godfather.’” Jim, barely holding back his laughter, spoke dryly. “Oh, that should make you feel better.” “Would you let me finish?” Whitman snapped. Jim nodded, and Whitman read on. “‘I’ve heard how in the West there aren’t many women.’” “Not the marrying type, anyway,” Jim agreed. Both Whitman and the captain said, “Shush,” then Whitman continued, hurrying on before he could be interrupted again. “‘I found an ad for a young lady. I am sending her to you. I’m sure she will be a good wife. Your friend, Molly.’” Jim could contain himself no longer. He hooted. “A mail-order bride! Your friend Molly sent you a mail-order bride!” The captain was shocked. “You never order young lady?” “Of course not,” Eli said. “Human beings are not 11