Free In Search Of Love: The Story of A Mail Order Bride (Mail Order Bride Series) by Susan Leigh Carlton Page A

side.
     
    Everyone joined hands, bowed their heads and Patrick’s father gave thanks for the meal they were about to consume and thanks for bringing their new family member to them.  As they ate, there were several conversations going on at the same time.  Margaret told Katerina some funny events in Patrick’s life, as well as his struggles in the nun’s classes.  Katerina told about the hard work she had put into studying.  She did not mention her brilliant record in schools and college and professed a love of children.
     
    “Perhaps you can give us our first grandchild,” his mother said.
     
    “I hope to be a mother,” Katerina said softly.  “It is the dream of my life.”
     
    Margaret patted Katerina’s hand.  “I think my Patrick struck gold,” she said with a smile.
     
    “Why thank you.  That’s very kind of you to say.”  Impulsively, she covered Margaret’s hand with hers .  What a difference between Margaret and my mother, and I don’t think I’m being disloyal.  
     
    I’ll help you with the dishes,” Katerina said.
     
    “That’s all right, Mary Margaret and Martha will do them.”
     
    “I’ll help.  It’ll give me a chance to talk to them,” Katerina said.
     
    In the kitchen…
     
    “Tell me about Patrick as a brother,” she asked his sisters as they cleared the dishes.
     
    “Since he was the baby,” Msry Margaret said, “He pretty much got his way.  When I was a girl, Mama didn’t have a chance to spend much time with us.  It was different with Patrick.  He was a good boy, and always knew what he wanted and worked to get it.  That’s why he had his own farm just after he was eighteen, when he filed his claim.”
     
    Martha said, “He was always my friend.  I had no one else to play with but we played together.  He’s still my best friend.”
     
    “You’re lucky to be part of such a loving family.  My mother is not demonstrative.  I know she loved me, but she was always pushing me to study and work hard.  There was no time for boys in my life.  Papa was different.  I was his Liebchen.  That means darling or sweetheart in German.”
     
    “There were no boys my age around here,” Martha said.  “Still aren’t for that matter.”
     
    “I think we are about finished here,” Mary Margaret said.  “Shall we rejoin the grownups?” 
     
    In the living room, a lively discussion was going on about the upcoming national elections.  Patrick reckoned “I might like to be a US Senator some day.  Just think, representing the entire state of Oregon.  That is some heady stuff.”
     
    “Why would you want to be a senator, you would have to live in Washington while the Senate is in session, and besides, no one ever got rich being a senator,” John said.
     
    “What’s the pay for a senator?”  James asked.  “Do you know, Katerina?”
     
    “We had a class discussion about it last session,” Katerina said.  “I believe it was $7,500, but out of that they had to maintain a home back in their home state and also one in Washington.  They do get a per diem for each day the Senate meets, but I doubt it is much.  They can make a lot of money making investments on advice from people seeking to get their vote for some bill.  I’ve read where some senators have been known to sell their vote.  An influential senator’s vote can be valuable.. 
     
    “Would you listen to me?  I sound like I’m in a classroom.  I hate to step on your dream, darling, but you have to hold some statewide office first,  have a recognizable name before the state leaders will nominate you.  It can cost a lot of money to run for office.”
     
    Later…
     
    Nestled in Patrick’s arms, Katerina said, “I really liked your family.  They made me feel comfortable and welcome.  You were very lucky growing up in this kind of atmosphere.  You can feel the love in the room.”
     
    “You certainly made a hit with them.  I think they like you more than they do