Virginia Lawson has always considered herself a strong, down to earth person. She wasn't shaken easily, and took pride in her ability to stay calm in difficult circumstances. She kept herself together when her father died at age sixteen. She stayed practical when she lost her inheritance in the Civil War. And when she had to travel hundreds of miles to where she was now, Virginia didn't even break a sweat. So why now, standing on the enormous porch outside of her new fiance's house, did she feel sick enough to pass out? This had taken weeks of careful planning; answering the mail order bride advert in the newspaper, booking the train and packing her suitcase. Virginia had gotten this far, so why did the nerves start now? Bracing herself, Virginia took in a breath, and chapped on the door. "Hi, I'm Virginia. Your fiancee."

What happened next would surpass her wildest expectations...