Abigail (Mail Order Brides of Hope Springs 3) Read online

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Other Books by Trinity Bellingham

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  About the Author

  Other Books by Trinity Bellingham

  Please Leave a Review for The Mail Order Brides...

  Contact Me

  Bonus Chapter

  ABIGAIL: Rescued by the Preacher:

  A Clean Historical Mail Order Bride Romance

  MAIL ORDER BRIDES OF HOPE SPRINGS

  ~ BOOK 3 ~

  TRINITY BELLINGHAM

  This is a work of fiction and all characters are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons or organizations, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2015, Abigail, Rescues by the Preacher, Mail Order Brides of Hope Springs, Trinity Bellingham. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any way or by any means - for example, electronic, photocopy, recording - without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

  This story is dedicated as always to my loyal and faithful readers, who I sincerely thank for their interest in my work. I also dedicate my stories to the women who had the courage to pioneer new lives in the West, often against unimaginable odds.

  Other Books by Trinity Bellingham

  Mail Order Brides of Hope Springs (Series)

  Tillie: A Clean Historical Mail Order Bride Romance ~Book 1~

  Millie: A Clean Historical Mail Order Bride Romance ~Book 2~

  Abigail: A Clean Mail Order Bride Romance - ~Book 3~

  Mail Order Bride for Christmas: A Clean Historical Mail Order Bride Romance ~Book 4~

  Or pick up the boxed set for best value...

  Wyoming Mail Order Brides (Series)

  Second Chance: A Clean Historical Mail Order Bride Romance ~Book 1~

  Love Him Love His Mother: A Clean Historical Mail Order Bride Romance ~Book 2~

  The Widow and the Widower: A Clean Mail Order Bride Romance - ~Book 3~

  Two Miracles for Christmas: A Clean Historical Mail Order Bride Romance ~Book 4~

  Or pick up the boxed set for best value...

  Bonus chapter...Be sure to check out the entire first chapter of 'Second Chance' at the end of this book....

  Chapter One

  It was cold in the back of the wagon where twelve year old Abigail Jones was huddled under a thin blanket, desperately hoping her Pa would hurry up and finish his business in the saloon so they could go home. Not that it would be much warmer there, but at least it was home... for a while anyway. Ever since her Ma had died, they'd been steadily heading for west Texas, town after town falling behind in the wake of the miles they'd traveled. They never stayed long because Pa couldn't seem to hold a job for long. Without Ma's steadying influence, he mostly drank his wages, and gambled what was left.

  Abigail tried her best to make the series of cabins they'd occupied as they crossed Texas, as comfortable as she could. She didn't mind being poor because in her experience, most folks suffered from that particular malady as they scratched a living from farms and ranches. The difference between those folks and her Pa was that he never stayed in one place long enough to reap the rewards of his labor. She prayed for his restless soul to settle, but so far it seemed to have had little effect. He seemed to be worsening and Abigail no longer knew what to do to help him.

  Life was becoming much harder for her as she grew. She desperately needed new clothes and boots, but without money, had no idea how she was to obtain them. I could always get a job and earn some money myself... if only Pa would stay in a town for long enough. Hope Springs seems like a great little town and there are plenty of stores where I could work... or houses where I could do cleaning and washing.

  Right now though, the wagon was situated at the wrong end of the town to her way of thinking. Big Jim Olson's saloon was not a place where she felt comfortable and it wasn't because of the amount of time her Pa spent in there. She'd overheard people talking about the place and wondered why it hadn't been shut down if it was so bad. Then again, adults generally had their own ways of dealing with problems and maybe there were things she didn't know.

  One things she did know though, was that Jim Olson's saloon was no place for a young girl and every minute she spent waiting for Pa, was a minute too long. That was why she wished he would hurry up and haul his sorry self out of there. She noticed there were plenty of men going in and out but couldn't figure out why Pa hadn't come out yet.

  The doings that went on in the upstairs rooms of saloons were not unknown to her and the men that utilized the services offered in those rooms came and went with predictable regularity. So why was Pa still in there? He was always complaining about the price of the whiskey in Big Jim's place so he wasn't likely to have been drinking non stop for hours. That left one thing and the thought of it left her cold.

  He was in a card game and the likely outcome of that was not good because he wasn't skilled at cards and never knew when he was being cheated. Her Ma had always been on about it and managed to keep his wayward habits under control. But I cannot. He'll gamble away everything we have and then some... and there'll be no food... again.

  She hugged her arms around herself under the blanket and wondered how much longer the rickety wagon would remain in their possession. Without it, life would be harder than it already was. I wish I was older so I could be like Ma. She kept him in line, even if he didn't like it and there was always something to eat. Not fancy food of course, but good wholesome soups and stews with cornbread or wheat-bread. I sure would love some right now.

  The more she thought about her Ma's cooking, the hungrier she felt and it was a bad trap to fall into because there would be no food tonight. She was sure of it now. Pa had been in Big Jim's for too long. Abigail was twelve years old and figured the best thing to do was to try and get some sleep. You didn't feel hungry when you were asleep.

  ~#~#~#~

  "Wake up girl." A rough hand shook her and as she awoke, realized she was not alone. Several men stood by her father as he continued to shake her. "Hurry up now Abbi, you have to get moving. Here, I'll help you climb down." His speech was slurred but his intentions were clear.

  A new voice joined that of her Pa's. Come with me now Missy Abigail. You'll be staying in my establishment from now on and if you work hard you'll be fed and clothed as befits the attractive young lady you are. There's plenty of work in my place to keep you occupied so the way I see it, your Pa here has done you a favor by giving you a chance to earn your own keep."

  Abigail was still groggy with sleep but was beginning to understand the gist of what was happening. "Who are you and what makes you think I'll want to work for you? I don't even know you."

  "Well little Missy, your Pa here owes me a lot of money and there's no way he can pay his debts so we've come to an agreement that suits us both. I'm prepared to waive your Pa's debt in exchange for your services."

  "For how long?" Abigail felt a lump of fear in the pit of her stomach.

  Big Jim Olson leered at her. "For as long as I say. You can start with domestic duties and we'll see about the other as you grow. I've got a feeling you're going to make me a lot of money Missy and if you know what's good for you, you'll do what I say with no back-chat."

 
; "Pa, you can't do this to me. Please tell me this is a mistake?" Abigail couldn't believe her Pa would sell her in lieu of his gambling debts.

  He hung his head in shame. "I don't have a choice Abbi. Just go with Big Jim and do as you're told like he says. You'll have regular meals and new clothes as well as somewhere permanent to live. I can't look after you no more and you'll be a sight better off in the company of other women now you're starting to grow. Goodbye and remember your Ma for the good woman she was. This here's a right nice little town for you to settle down in and I figure you'll be better off without me. At least you'll have a chance to make a life for yourself."

  "But you can't leave me here Pa. This saloon is a bad place. Why can't I get a job somewhere else... somewhere respectable..."

  Big Jim cut her off. "Didn't you hear what I told you girlie? I own you now. You will be working for me."

  He turned to one of his henchmen. "Haul her inside Clem and take her up to Annabelle. She's to work at domestic chores until she's old enough for other work."

  Clem knew better than not do what he was told and took hold of Abigail's arm before hauling her inside, taking a swipe at her head by way of indicating further protests would not be tolerated. Clearly her noncompliance would result in punishment so she went along quietly, without looking back at the father who had betrayed her. The father who had sold her to the disreputable owner of a saloon and brothel.

  Abigail vowed to work hard and to look for opportunities to escape because her Ma had taught her the difference between right and wrong. She didn't like what had happened and there was a part of her that knew the situation she now found herself in was illegal. After all, didn't the War between the States mark the end of slavery? Buying and selling people was definitely illegal but what could a twelve year, old half starved girl do about this obvious breach of the law? She was a female child without the necessary power to look to her own interests. One thing was sure though. Abigail was about to grow up in a hurry.

  ~#~#~#~

  Annabelle was in charge of the working women in the saloon and her private thoughts about a twelve year old child working in a brothel remained private. Abigail was biddable enough and worked hard cleaning, washing and helping out in the kitchen, keeping clear of the men who frequented the establishment and particularly Big Jim and his henchmen. Even so, time didn't stand still and it was obvious that Abigail would grow into a beautiful young woman.

  Besides being beautiful, Abigail also had a relentless determination to escape from the saloon. Annabelle couldn't blame her. Big Jim Olson was a pig of a man and secretly, Annabelle was proud of how the young girl never gave up on her dream of escaping. She'd tried once or twice a year, regardless of the consequences which were usually severe.

  Regardless of how hard she was beaten, she never broke. In fact, the stoic acceptance of her fate, as well as her refusal to cry out during punishments, belied a graceful dignity that infuriated Big Jim and his henchmen. It earned her the respect of the other women and they never chided her when she refused their gifts of whiskey, which they used to take the edge off their troubles.

  Abigail believed in Jesus Christ and didn't need whiskey but came close to succumbing when just before her fourteenth birthday, Big Jim finally put her to work servicing customers. Besides the huge fee he was receiving, Big Jim believed the experience would break her and he wanted her ultimate submission almost as much as he wanted the money she would earn for him.

  As always, Abigail prayed for the Lord to sustain her through her trials, this one being the most difficult to date. She knew what to expect but wasn't prepared for the feelings of degradation that came with the experience. No amount of bathing would wash away the feeling that somehow she was dirty and for the first time, understood in her heart why the other women used whiskey to deaden their feelings.

  For the first time she felt despair, as if the Lord had forgotten her, until one night she dreamed of her mother and the words she'd once spoken to Abigail about faith. It was almost as if her Ma was here with her, talking quietly like she used to do when she was still alive.

  "Abigail, faith is all about believing in the Lord, no matter how bad things become. He has a plan for you and you must believe He will sustain you through the worst trials and tribulations. What is happening to you now is in the hands of the Lord and you must trust Him, no matter how much despair you feel. He will never put you in a situation He believes you are not strong enough to cope with. Hold your head high Abigail, safe in the knowledge that you have done nothing wrong. Rather, great wrongs have been done to you and how you deal with that will always be the measure of what kind of woman you are. Have faith in the Lord Abigail and wait for the time when the Lord releases you from this incarceration."

  Abigail felt easier in herself after this and was able to manage her despair. After all, there were plenty of women who were in a far worse situation than she was. She would take each day as it came, biding her time looking for an opportune moment to escape. And yes, she would take her mother's advice about holding her head high, knowing she herself had done nothing to be ashamed of. She would survive.

  ~#~#~#~

  Chapter Two

  Jeremy St. John was a happy man when he graduated from a theological college in Boston and if it was possible, even more elated when he was notified on the same day that he was to take up the position of Pastor in Hope Springs. It was as if all his dreams had come true and now he could move on with doing the work of the Lord in a real and meaningful way.

  Since he was a small child, he'd wanted to be a man of God, especially after he'd heard the inspirational words of a visiting Pastor at his local church. The twin messages of forgiveness and compassion resonated with him, and together with his deeply held faith, formed the basis of his purpose. He wanted to serve the Lord and work as part of a ministry where a love of God was the central force in people's lives. To his way of thinking, a genuine love of God and following the examples laid down in the Bible, New Testament rather than Old, were all that was needed for people to be law abiding, decent citizens. This was the path he was committed to and nothing would distract him from it.

  His parents had hoped he would become a doctor and did everything in their power to steer him in that direction, claiming that helping people by healing them was a worthy ambition. Lucrative too, they constantly reminded him and a medical man would always be a highly respected member of society, which was an advantage not to be overlooked.

  They had always tried to impress upon him, that it was important to aspire to be a leading citizen in the community and the best way to do that was to hold a position of importance. Wealth and importance resulted in respect and then too, those things would also ensure the family name retained its influence. His parents were clear about what they wanted for their son and were sure they were doing the right thing. After all, the social circles they moved in also supported those values.

  As the years passed however, his commitment to the ministry grew. It wasn't that he wanted to deliberately go against his parents' wishes, rather it was a matter of faith. By the time he finished high school, he no longer had any doubts about where his destiny lay. It wasn't in his destiny to go to medical school and become a doctor. He felt a genuine calling to devote his life to serving God and the most meaningful way for him to do that was to undertake pastoral duties within a community.

  Jeremy did not despise his parents for having money. It was more a matter of what they chose to do with it. If it was up to him, he'd spend it improving living conditions in the slums of Boston, or setting up a free medical clinic for the poor, or providing adequate food, clothing and education. He would not use his money on himself, unlike his parents who happily supported any number of charities but not so as to diminish their lavish lifestyle and position in society.

  He was also much admired by the single society women of Boston, for his good looks and family connections rather than his piety and desire to do his best to make the world a better place. N
ever though, would he allow himself to become involved with a woman who was short on compassion, rolling in money, yet without the slightest idea of how to use it to improve the lives of those less fortunate than themselves.

  No, Jeremy St. John would remain single until such time as he met a pious woman who cherished the same values as himself. Someone who put others first and who could assist him with his pastoral duties. In any case, he could not see himself marrying in the immediate future, at least until such time as he was settled in his new life in the West. And of course, he had heard that women were in short supply on the Frontier so the issue would not be one that disturbed his peace of mind.

  In truth, now he had graduated, he was pleased to be leaving Boston behind, precisely because of his connections which made it difficult for him to fulfill his ambitions to work among those who needed him most. Before he could make his way to Hope Springs though, he must lunch with the Pastor he was replacing and then endure a farewell dinner with his parents and several of their socialite friends. "I hope people in Texas are not like they are here because I've had enough of double standards and shallow values... and I hope I can live up to the expectations I've placed on myself in a place where people are going to be very different."

  ~#~#~#~

  Lunch with the Reverend J. T. Miller was enlightening to say the least and after an hour and a half, found himself wondering if he was indeed making the correct choice in the location of his first ministry.

  "I'm sure it's not as bad as you are saying Reverend Miller. The West is renowned for being wild but I am sure there are many hard working and pious people there as well, and I will do my best to serve them."