Osbourne - Jessamine’s Journal: The Alphabet Mail-Order Brides

For decades, The Wigg School and Foundling Home of New York City has been the home and education of many of the city's orphans. In fact, the current teachers are Madam Wigg's first "crop" of students, all grown into accomplished young ladies. But she is bothered by the idea of them spending the rest of their lives tied to the Home, without ever finding love. Madam Wigg knows each one of them dreams of being in charge of her own school, so she makes them all an offer...

Jessamine glanced up from the book she was reading, sitting in the garden of Madam Wiggs Foundling Home and School. As usual, she was alone. How she was going to travel across the country and marry a stranger, she didnt know, but shed already sent a letter to Mr. Robert Samuels in Nowhere, Texas. She wasnt sure what shed hear back, but she hoped he would accept her. He seemed like a good man from his ad, and she wanted to be married to a good man.

Her goal was to start a school in Nowhere, so she could get the grant money Wiggie had offered them, and help spread Wiggies ideas of modern education and inclusion for everyone. She hoped that Nowhere didnt yet have a school, but if they didnt, there would be more work for her. She didnt mind hard work.

She hoped the parents in Nowhere didnt mind an education heavy on literature and lacking in the maths and sciences. Math had always hurt her head, and as for science Jessie gave a delicate shudder. Who liked science anyway? It was just a waste of time in her opinion. Why bother learning it when they could spend those hours lost in the works of Shakespeare?

One of the other girls was headed toward her, a letter in hand. You have mail, Jessamine.

No one knew she preferred to be called Jessie because she was someone who spent most of her time alone. Most of the other girls had been in the school since infancy, but Jessie had gotten there as a young teenager, already feeling like an outsider. Thank you, Tillie.

Tillie nodded. Is that the letter from your potential groom?

Since Jessamine had never gotten a letter in the time shed been at the orphanage, she assumed it was. I believe so. Well see if he wants me.

Tillie sat down beside Jessie, looking interested. I want to know what it says.

Im a little afraid to know. Jessie turned the letter over and over in her hands, wondering if she was being accepted or rejected. When her parents had died in a fire, shed been sent to her grandmother, who had died a month later. Shed then gone to an aunt who had refused to take in another mouth to feed. And then an uncle who had wanted nothing to do with her. It had taken six months for her to end up in the orphanage, and by then, shed felt like she would never be loved again. Rejection had become a way of life, and one she didnt want to go through again.

Arent you going to open it? Tillie seemed impatient to know what it said.

Im scared, Jessie said quietly.

Well, then give it to me, and Ill do it! Tillie snatched the letter back from her. Im assuming you want to know what it says after I know?

Just tell me if he wants me or not. Jessie got up and walked over to a tree, not wanting anyone to see the fear on her face. It was enough to admit to herself that she was frightened. It was something else to allow others to see the very real emotion on her face.

Tillie looked down at the letter, reading silently. After a moment, she grinned. He sent you money and a train ticket. Sounds like he wants you!

Jessie felt her heart plummet into her stomach. He wants me? It was hard to believe anyone would want her around. She was the orphan no one had ever wanted. Well, no one but Madam Wigg who accepted everyone.

He does. Get over here and take your letter and read it. No reason to be afraid now. Looks like youre going to Texas.

Jessie took the letter from Tillie and read it silently to herself. The ticket was for three days hence, and she was going to be a bride in Texas. Who lived in Texas anyway? Was it still overrun in a war?

She remembered there had been a war fought with Mexico, and she knew Texas had been on the side of the confederacy during the War Between the States. Thats all she knew. Hopefully she could figure out more before the time came. Surely there was a book on Texas history in the library. Knowing all she could about her future home was important to her.

I guess I need to go pack.

Yes, you really do! Tillie smiled. Do you want help?

Jessie considered for a moment before shaking her head. No, Ill do it myself. She didnt relish the idea of anyone else going through her things.

All right. You have fun! Tillie wandered off in the direction shed come from.

Jessie got to her feet and headed to her room. It was going to take a lot of time and effort to get her belongings packed and ready to go. She hoped it would be enough time. Robert Samuels was waiting on her.

* * *

On the day of her departure, Jessie sat on the side of her bed, looking about the room that had been her home for the six years shed been in the orphanage. It looked bare because her roommate had departed before her. It seemed odd that she felt sad to leave when it hadnt been a terribly happy place for her. But no place had really been happy since her parents death.

As she stood and gathered her things to leave for the train station, there was a knock on the door before Madam Wigg came in. I have a wagon waiting to take you to the train station. Are you ready?

Jessie nodded. I think so. Im nervous, but I think thats a normal reaction to getting on a train to travel halfway across the country and marry a stranger.

Wiggie nodded. A very normal reaction. She held out a small package wrapped in brown paper. Since youre leaving on your birthday, I thought a birthday going away gift would be nice.

Jessie took the package. May I open it on the train?

Yes, of course. Wiggie stepped forward and hugged Jessie, who felt strange. She wasnt someone who enjoyed physical touch a great deal. Or maybe it was that she was no longer used to it.

Thank you for the gift. I appreciate it.

I hope youll write to me when you arrive in Texas. I know you have never felt terribly comfortable here, but Ive always cared about you.

Jessie smiled, not believing the older woman, but appreciating her efforts. Thank you, Wiggie. Im grateful for the time and care youve always shown me. She tucked the package into her carpet bag she was taking on the train and moved aside as a man came into her room to carry her trunk out. I will make certain I write you as soon as I arrive, so you know Im safe.

Thank you. Wiggie looked at her with a sad look. I do wish Id known how to help you better.

Jessie nodded. You gave me everything I needed. Except love. Shed needed love.

I did. But Im not sure you knew it. Wiggie watched her walk away, a sad look on her face.

An hour later, Jessie was sitting on the train that would take her all the way to Chicago, where she would change trains for her trip to Texas. She was on a train bound for Nowhere, and she couldnt help but feel a bit of excitement stirring in her stomach. A new place to go. A new person to love. She hoped things were better for her than theyd always been since the day her parents had died.