Bernice jumped in her chair, yelping in surprise. “Land sakes, dear, calm down,” Mrs. Riley said. “It’s not like the man is some kind of criminal. He’s come to pay you a visit, not carry you off.” “Maybe it would be better if he was here to carry me off. At least then I’d know he was going to marry me.” “I’m going to answer the door – and while I do you think about what you just said. Warren Johnson is being wise by wanting to court first. For all you know, you might find out you can’t stand the man.” Bernice watched her leave the kitchen, her words hanging in the air like a storm cloud. As much as she hated to admit it, Mrs. Riley was right. Most mail-order brides got married as soon as they got off the stage – and then were stuck. Their husbands could be decrepit, drunkards, spendthrifts, abusive … and the wives would have little recourse. She still had options, even if they were unpalatable ones.
What do You think about A Mid-Summer's Mail-Order Bride?
