This book is an unexpected twist on the mail-order bride theme; folks from the town decide that Matthias Barrington needed a wife. About 18 months before, his wife had died in childbirth during her 3rd pregnancy. Barrington had 2 small boys to care for, yet he was 3 months from owning his land he desperately needed to turn a profit.
Abigail Smyth is 25 and tired of working as a cook in her uncles home. Her aunt, uncle and their daughter barely tolerate her; she came to them as a poor relation after her parents deaths due to cholera. Abby has been acting as a servant for 10 years.
She responds to an ad in the San Francisco Morning Chronicle and corresponds with Matthias Barrington for several letters. Eventually, he asks her to marry him and come to Montana. He sends money for the trip.
Her uncle gets wind of it and refuses to allow her to marry in Montana; in fact, he removes the $25 travel money enclosed in the envelope. Her aunt and uncle threaten her; however, she knows she must go and start a new life.
When she arrives in Montana, she finds that Matthias had NOT written the letters. He was incensed at the interference of his well-meaning neighbors. She tells him she cannot go back to San Francisco and he tells her he wont marry her because he can never love again.
Eventually, they come to a compromise Abby will be employed at Matthias ranch for the summer; she will care for the boys and at summers end, Matthias will pay her $25 travel money.
Abigail and Matthias are appealing people; the two boys are easy to love. This is a charming story that is well-paced. Matthias friends who get Abigail to come to Montana are engaging and delightful. Mary Burton can certainly write emotional dialog. Enjoy!
Abigail Smyth is 25 and tired of working as a cook in her uncles home. Her aunt, uncle and their daughter barely tolerate her; she came to them as a poor relation after her parents deaths due to cholera. Abby has been acting as a servant for 10 years.
She responds to an ad in the San Francisco Morning Chronicle and corresponds with Matthias Barrington for several letters. Eventually, he asks her to marry him and come to Montana. He sends money for the trip.
Her uncle gets wind of it and refuses to allow her to marry in Montana; in fact, he removes the $25 travel money enclosed in the envelope. Her aunt and uncle threaten her; however, she knows she must go and start a new life.
When she arrives in Montana, she finds that Matthias had NOT written the letters. He was incensed at the interference of his well-meaning neighbors. She tells him she cannot go back to San Francisco and he tells her he wont marry her because he can never love again.
Eventually, they come to a compromise Abby will be employed at Matthias ranch for the summer; she will care for the boys and at summers end, Matthias will pay her $25 travel money.
Abigail and Matthias are appealing people; the two boys are easy to love. This is a charming story that is well-paced. Matthias friends who get Abigail to come to Montana are engaging and delightful. Mary Burton can certainly write emotional dialog. Enjoy!
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