In Search Of Love: The Story of A Mail Order Bride (Mail Order Bride Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

coach and returning Pullman he would be able to make the trip for under $300, including his meals and other incidental expenses.  His next move was to see if Katerina was still willing to meet.  It was time for another letter…
     
    “Dear Katerina,  I am writing to apologize for the tone of my last letter.  I was simply trying to explain my circumstances and to spare you further trouble.  Both my mother and father have told me what I did was unacceptable and rude.  I don’t apologize for my financial situation, that is beyond my control.  I do apologize for the way I explained it.
     
    If you would still be agreeable to meet, I will try to work out the ways and means of my traveling to Columbus.  It may take some time, but I’m sure I can make it work.  Will you give me that chance? Sincerely, (s) Patrick Murphy”
     
    He mailed the letter and settled back for the two week delay until he might receive an answer.
     
    Columbus…
     
    The carrier delivered the mail, and it was still in the box when Katerina returned from school. With no expectations, she took it in the house and laid it on the table. Glancing at the return addresses, she saw one was Oregon City. I wonder what this is about? she mused.
     
    In her room, she opened the letter and read it.  Yes!  Maybe there was hope after all.  Wanting to share the news, but not yet willing to share it with her mother, she went downstairs to show it to her father.
     
    “Good for him,” her father said.  “I don’t know whether he would be agreeable or not,” her father said.  “I could help cover your trip back, if you decide that’s what you want to do.”
     
    “Papa, that would be wonderful.  I probably have enough of my own, but some reserve would be comforting,” she said.
     
    “Would you marry there or here, Liebchen?” he asked.  “Also, I think it’s time to let your mother in on your plans, don’t you?”
     
    “Yes, I suppose it would be proper.  She is my mother, although I’m afraid of what her reaction might be,” she said.
     
    “She might surprise you,” he said.
     
    “We’ll see, Papa.  I’m going to tell her and then we’ll see…”

Chapter 8:  Mama, I Have Something To Tell You
     
    “Mama, can we talk?” Katerina asked.
     
    “Yes, of course, you can always talk to me.  You should know that,” her mother said.
     
    “Mama, I’ve been writing to a man in Oregon for some time now.  He’s a farmer, and he’s asked that we meet.  I have told him it is too dangerous for a woman to travel unescorted.”
     
    “I should hope so,” her mother replied. 
     
    “Anyway, since I couldn’t go there, I suggested he come here.  He’s poor, but has his own farm and he says it is doing well.  He is going to try to save enough to come to Columbus.  I don’t know how long it might take, but, I’ll wait.
     
    “Mama, when he comes, if we are compatible, we will be married and live in Oregon.  I would plan on teaching there, as I do here.  He completed school before claiming land for a homestead.  He has 640 acres and grows wheat and strawberries..”  She finally ran down after spewing forth all of the information.
     
    “Does he go to church?”
     
    “Yes, he does.  He completed school in a Catholic school.  He’s Irish and he’s Catholic,” Katerina said.
     
    “That is certainly a lot of information to digest at once,” her mother said.
     
    “I’ve been afraid to tell you about it until now.  But it was time.”
     
    “It’s a sad thing that we have gotten to where you don’t feel comfortable telling me about something so big in your life,” Marta said.
     
    “I agree.  I’d like to change that if I can,” Katerina said.
     
    “I have always wanted you to get a good education and you have that.  You’ve made me very proud.  You have good work to do.  I will look forward to meeting this young man of yours.  When he comes, will he stay here?” her mother