Florence’s Good Deed

After being forced by men who accosted her as she walked home from her job, Florence Crowley suspects she might be with child. Her sister recommended Florence seek a husband through correspondence—one who lives far, far away.

Rejected! At the end of a long train ride, her groom informs her he refuses to raise another man’s baby. He buys a return ticket but does not provide additional cash for food, Florence’s funds are limited. By the time she arrives in Columbus, Ohio, in order to eat, she is reduced to begging.

Recently mustered out of the U.S. Army, Asher Henderson stops in Columbus, Ohio, on his way to New York. Always a flirt, he first steers his friend, a German-speaking former soldier, toward a woman who does not speak English. He then pursues a beautiful young woman pleading for food money. For amusement, why not buy her a meal in exchange for a few hours of harmless teasing? When Florence suggests a potentially dangerous scheme to help the German-speaking woman, Ash’s attitude changes. He volunteers to protect her.

Florence is drawn to the former soldier but worries he might try to take advantage like the man who left her carrying a child. However, she cannot resist his offer to escort her to her sister’s home. Will she ever see him after that, or will he end up being nothing more than a fond memory—a man who momentarily helped during a time of crisis?

If you read Elise in the Rescue Me (Mail-order Brides) series, then you met Florence and Asher. However, Florence’s Good Deed is written to be a stand-alone story.