The four women enjoyed the pie and discussed the possibilities that lay in Katie’s future and Ella Grace’s expected child. Miss Edie wasn’t paying much attention as her mind whirled with an idea. It could work.
Chapter Two
On the walk home to Ella Grace’s house, Miss Edie said, “I need to stop at your house before I mail Katie’s letter. Do you have paper and envelopes? I have an idea, but I need you to promise not to breathe a word.”
“I promise. What are you up to, Miss Edie,” Ella Grace asked as they walked up to her porch.
Miss Edie flashed one of her mischievous smiles, “Ethel believes she needs to take care of everything and everyone even me. She’s just a few minutes older, but for some reason, she always felt she needed to care for me. With our dear brother, Edward, gone, Ethel is taking that responsibility too seriously. She needs to relax and enjoy life. She needs love and happiness. She needs a husband, and you and I are going to find her one in the Grooms’ Gazette.”
Ella Grace stopped in mid-step. “You’re going to send for a husband for Miss Ethel? I don’t know how that is going to turn out. She needs to know what’s happening.”
Miss Edie winked, “Oh, she will. The day her groom arrives I’ll tell her on our way to the train station. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner, but the thought came to me as we were helping Katie write her letter.”
Not sure she wanted to be part of this scheme but unable to tell Miss Edie no, she opened the door and invited the kindly spinster in to write her letter. Ella Grace brought paper and ink to the table, and Miss Edie began humming to herself. Ella Grace knew this was how Miss Edie thought things through and came up with her ideas. She sat quietly nibbling on a cookie and waited for Miss Edie to say something.
“I have it,” Miss Edie exclaimed. She picked up the pen and began to write.
Husband wanted. Mature, sensible, responsible lady caring for orphaned girls in Oregon seeks gentleman for marriage. Must be honest, God-fearing, hardworking, and reliable.
“That should do it,” Miss Edie decided. “Now, I will have the answers go to the paper, but the paper will need to send any letters to me. I’ll need to use your name and address.”
Ella Grace stammered, “What? I have a husband. Widow Wallace will spread rumors that I’m looking to replace Michael.”
“Nonsense, my dear,” Miss Edie explained and patted Ella Grace's hand. “When I mail the letter, I will tell her that you are secretly helping a friend. I will also remind her that the mail is private. I believe there are laws about sharing information about other’s mail. It will all work out.”
Ella Grace shook her head as she watched Miss Edie address the envelope. She had a sick feeling this would turn out badly.
“There,” Miss Edie said. “I’m ready to mail this letter and Katie’s. On the way back, I am going to stop at the Inn and explain to Michael that sitting home is the worst thing you can do. You will see a difference in his attitude tonight at dinner.”
She stood and embraced Ella Grace. “I’m off and remember not a word to anyone.”
Ella Grace nodded, took another bite of her cookie, and watched Miss Edie hurry off.
A few minutes later, she heard a knock at the door. Thinking Miss Edie forgot something, she opened the door and was surprised to see Miss Ethel standing there.
“I didn’t think Edie would ever leave. I need your help with a little secret. We need to write a letter. Edie needs a husband. I think she depends on me too much. She needs someone else to be there for her. Let’s see how we can word a good letter and find her a nice husband.”
Ella Grace stood there dumbfounded as Miss Ethel breezed past her into the house. Two secrets but identical subjects. How was she going to keep this all straight? She needed another cookie.
“You certainly are making this house into a home. It looks lovely.”
“Thank you. Michael’s mother sent two large crates with paintings, vases, china, and numerous other things she thought I could use to brighten the house,” Ella Grace said as she beamed with pride over her new home.
“Indeed, it looks wonderful. Now let’s get on with the letter.”
“Why do you think Miss Edie needs a husband,” Ella Grace asked wondering why both of her guardians had the same thought at nearly the same time.
Miss Ethel shrugged her shoulders. “It never occurred to me before we helped Katie write her advertisement. I think this is what Edie needs.”
Ella Grace realized what she had thought for years was true. Not only did her dear guardians look exactly alike, they thought alike, too.
Miss Ethel tapped her pencil on the table lost in thought, and Ella Grace picked up another cookie deciding she would stop baking cookies for a while. She couldn’t keep eating them all day long.
“I have it,” Miss Ethel declared aloud.
Husband Wanted. Virtuous lady raising female orphans in Oregon for over twenty years seeks man of good character. Must be God-fearing and compassionate.
“That was easier than I thought,” Miss Ethel said. “I don’t want to add flowery words. Simple is best. Only decent men will be attracted to this letter.” She nodded to herself as she spoke. “Now, I need to make sure Edie doesn’t see the letters. I’ll have them delivered here.”
Ella Grace’s mind whirled and raced. No, that would never do. How would she tell which letter belonged to which guardian? She knew it would end disastrously.
“Wait,” Ella Grace said. “You
