The headmistress beckoned her inside and into her personal lodging. It was the most extravagant room in the entire building and beautifully decorated. She motions for Mina to sit as she poured a cup of tea. "I have an offer. And it is an offer you cannot refuse."
Mina shifted onto the edge of her seat. Her throat tightened as her mouth became dryer than a desert. "Y-Yes, alright." She stuttered. "I am in your service." In all honesty, Mina could not refuse. She owed this woman everything for providing refuge after her husband's passing. Without her, there was no telling where Mina would be.
"I want you to become a mail-order-bride. There's a wealthy rancher owner out west who wants to donate his money toward building a school in his town. It's a noble effort but there is no one capable of teaching the children. I have corresponded with this man and I deem he's a good soul who will be able to provide for you and your children – should you accept – as I know you will." She paused to take a sip of her tea. "In return, you'll become headmistress of your very own school and you can do with it as you wish."
Mina blinked in utter surprise. "Ma'am..." It was all she could say as her mind fizzled with the thought of putting her future in a man's hands once more. She didn't want to relive all the misery and heartache of sharing a bed with someone she didn't love. She was perfectly content with staying here with her children but that no longer seemed like a viable option.
But what if the man she was "assigned" to marrying turned out to be a dream come true?