Mail Order Celeste

is not my own. I must again apologize for being so mysterious, and pray that you will not discuss this with anyone, other than your sister.
I have enclosed a draft for the two of you which may help get you settled into new homes, especially should you choose not to marry at once. I encourage you to go west and meet the gentleman, but not necessarily marry him right away. I have made enquiries and your young man is of good character, as is his brother.
Although not as sophisticated as an eastern city, Green River is held to be a very tolerable town with an excellent location and good climate. It is a good place for you to be at this time.
Write me at my club should you need anything and to let me know how you and Celeste fare. I miss you already but wish every happiness for you both.
Your loving father,
William Samuel Belden
~~~
The enclosed bank draft was for $1,000. Miranda sat in shock both at the size of the check and all the mystery hinted at in her father's letter. She could not imagine what on earth could be going on now that required such secrecy, but recalled that he had been involved in highly confidential matters during the war.
She remembered him standing stiffly in his uniform as he kissed them goodbye. After he came home she had heard him still referred to as “Colonel” on several occasions. Her mother had cautioned her never to speak of the gentlemen who came to visit her father, nor of any of the details she may have inadvertently overheard. She had been too concerned with her mother’s health at the time for most of them to mean anything to her, but looking back she realized some of the people who visited were less than savory.
No wonder he had encouraged his girls to practice self-defense! And she’d thought it was just because Celeste was having to travel unescorted through the city. Besides, despite Mother’s illness, they’d had a wonderful time and become closer than ever before.
This was all so baffling, but nothing in his letter indicated he was not going to stay married to Harriet, the harridan who was making life a hell for everyone. In fact, her papa was encouraging her to leave.
Miranda had always loved her father, although he had become somewhat distant over the years, and she decided to trust his advice. She looked up as Henry returned to the room. Indicating the letter, she asked, “Did he share any of this with you?”
An odd look flashed across Henry's face before it returned to his normally passive mien.
“I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to say, Miss,” he replied stoically.
Startled at the response she looked upon Henry with a new respect. He clearly knew a great deal more than he was letting on.
“You are fortunate that it is I and not my sister to whom you are saying that.”
Henry’s sudden grin lit up the room. “You don’t know how relieved I am that it is so,” he agreed.

CHAPTER 3 – ChipGet Me to the Church
“I have to tell you honestly, I was a lot worried about who was going to be stepping off that train, considering my brother really liked her. I love my brother but he and I are not quite of the same mindset when it comes to women. And he is quite taken with your sister.”
Chip grinned broadly, adding, “And I think I would like to see him taken by your sister. After all, you just said that your sister was in love with the man in the letters. That certainly was not me. But here I am still in need of a wife and here you are, in need of a home. So, what do you say? Will you marry me? We're here at the church so you might as well.”
So intent had Celeste been on the conversation, that she had not paid much attention to the surrounding as they had driven through. She had an impression of broad, dusty streets, a number of storefronts giving way to houses, and now a reasonably-sized wooden church which stood in front of her.
A tall man, from his appearance probably Chip’s brother, came hurrying over to them, his eyes on Samantha. His face had a worried look.
“Are you sure this is the right woman?” he asked his brother.
“Actually,” drawled Chip, and paused to phrase his response.
“No! No I am not the ‘right woman,’” replied Celeste. “That is what I've been trying to tell your brother the whole way over here. It is my sister who was to come as his betrothed. And it is my sister whose letters I have transcribed for you!” she snapped, and she glared at the man staring at her.
“I have it on Chip’s authority that you wrote all those letters to my sister, and, having talked with him, I believe him fully. Miranda is expecting the man who wrote to her, not this slick charmer sitting next to me.”
“Vixen,” Chip laughed heartily and snuck his arm around Celeste’s waist, planting a kiss on her cheek. “Brother, you did it. This is the woman I want to marry. You may have her sister.”
“But,” he sputtered, “I am not looking for a bride!”
“Well it seems you will have one, as she is likely arriving on the next train.”
A man clad in a suit came out in time to hear the end of the conversation. Carefully schooling his face to remain neutral, he strode over and offered a hand to Celeste.
“How do you do,” he said. “I am Reverend Joseph Adam Richardson of the Green River Church; most people around here just call me Pastor Joe and I'd be honored if you would do the same. Welcome to Green River!
“Perhaps you would like to come in