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In Desperation by Linda Shenton Matchett

In Desperation

By Linda Shenton Matchett

Merriam Webster defines desperation as “a state of despair, typically one which results in rash or extreme behavior.” The saying “desperate times call for desperate measures” is attributed to Greek physician, Hippocrates based on a phrase from his writings.

Women in the last quarter of the 19th century could often find themselves in desperation situations. Life expectancy was short, and children often lost one or both parents at a young age. However, because of the laws, or lack thereof, single females had very few rights. They could be shuttled off to another male relative or someone assigned as guardian, and the man could make whatever decisions he wanted without regard to the girl’s interests or wants.

Even a woman in her “majority” had almost no rights. She couldn’t vote, own property independently, or enter into legal contracts without a male guardian. Access to higher education was also limited with many colleges not accepting women as students, or if they did, allowing them to attend class but not award a diploma at the end. Career opportunities were also limited with only certain jobs considered acceptable for women.

Life was slightly better for married women when America passed the Married Property Acts, a series of legislation that gave women greater control over their finances and property. One source indicates that the legislation came in three phases: allowing married women to own property, then to keep their own income, then to engage in business. Intriguingly, the laws advanced more quickly in the West.

My main character, Ivy Cregg, found herself in a desperation situation: her father could legally force her to marry a vile and despicable man, and she couldn’t do anything about it. Her response was for a desperate measure: to travel West as a mail-order bride. At least, she could choose her own groom using a reputable matchmaking service.

It is difficult to know how successful mail-order marriages were. Gallup polls didn’t exist back then. According to most reports, a large percentage of the marriages lasted a lifetime. But some couples experienced challenges with differing expectations or misunderstandings. Some women suffered abuse or neglect. More than a few marriages didn’t last for one reason or another. One account tells about a prospective bride being held up on the trip West, and she realized her husband was one of the bandits because of a tattoo on his wrist. She fled.

In all honesty, I’m not sure I have what it takes to be a mail-order bride. Do you?

About Ivy’s Inheritance:

Has she fled one untrustworthy man only to be stuck with another?

Ivy Cregg’s father is a gambler, but this time he’s gone too far. He loses his mining fortune and her along with it in a high-stakes poker game. Unwilling to go along with the deal, she hides out with a friend who tells her about Ms. Crenshaw, owner of the Westward Home & Hearts Mail-Order Bride Agency who is in town. The prospective groom is a wealthy man which seems like an answer to prayer until Ivy discovers he made his fortune in mining. Is he as untrustworthy as her father?

After emigrating to America to fight for the Union during their Civil War, Slade Pendleton moved West while working on the railroad, then headed to the plains of Nebraska to seek his fortune. He was one of the lucky ones and now has everything he could ever want. Except a wife. With the few women in the town already married, he sends for a mail-order bride. The woman arrives carrying the telegram that explains her need to flee, but now that she’s safe, she seems to have no interest in going through with the ceremony. Should he send her packing or try to convince her to stay?

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves. She is a volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII and a former trustee for her local public library. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Linda was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She now makes her home in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include exploring the outdoors and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

Social Media Links:

Website/Blog: http://www.LindaShentonMatchett.com

Facebook Reader’s Page: www.facebook.com/groups/lindashentonmatchettsreadersgroup/

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lindasmatchett

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lindamatchett

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/linda-shenton-matchett

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Linda Shenton Matchett
Linda Shenton Matchett
15 days ago

Thanks for hosting me!