Mail Order Romance

The idea of mail order brides  or marriages of convenience have often appealed to romance readers. I admit I've always been a fan of historical romances that include these type of premises. Don't we all want to see love bloom that seems to come out of nowhere or in unlikely situations or those where the bride and groom barely know each other?  The latest work by author Michal Scott, Better to Marry Than to Burn, caught my attention for that very reason.

Freed Man seeking woman to partner in marriage for at least two years in the black township of Douglass, Texas. Must be willing and able to help establish a legacy. Marital relations as necessary. Love neither required nor sought.

Caesar King's ad for a mail-order bride is an answer to Queen Esther Payne’s prayer. Her family expects her to adhere to society's traditional conventions of submissive wife and mother, but Queen refuses. She is not the weaker sex and will not allow herself to be used, abused or turned into a baby-making machine under the sanctity of matrimony. Grateful that love is neither required nor sought, she accepts the ex-slave's offer and heads West for marriage on her terms. Her education and breeding will see to that. However, once she meets Caesar, his unexpected allure and intriguing wit makes it hard to keep love at bay. How can she hope to remain her own woman when victory may be synonymous with surrender? 

Caesar seemed like an interesting character so I wanted to interview him and find out about why he wants a mail order bride.

Caesar, tell us a little about your current life and your family.

I’ve been living on land I leased in the Black town of Douglass, Arizona five years ago with my wife Emma, escaping the violence that followed my emancipation. Unfortunately, my Emma died in childbirth and the twin sons she bore followed. I’ve been living alone, working my land, trying to hold onto the hope I had when Emma was with me. 

What you are looking for or hoping for in your future?

When I was enslaved my master used me to impregnate women much like he used his stud and brood mares. Those women and the children they bore were sold like animals. I dreamed of the day when my body would be my own and I could father and raise children with a woman I loved and who loved me. All during Emma’s pregnancy we talked about rearing our children, loving them the way they deserved, seeing them grow and thrive and eventually have children of their own. I had that for a precious moment with her. It’s what I still want and hope to have one day. I want to leave a legacy.

Why do you want a mail-order bride?

Honestly, I didn’t want one. But for this bridal lottery, I would never have advertised for one. Mother Mabelle Jenkins helped me see this black cloud of foolishness had a silver lining. If I could have had my druthers, I’d have courted a woman so I could get to know her and she could get to know me.  Nothing can compare to seeing what someone appreciates, what affects them. Nothing can compare to hearing them speak, what they speak about.

What are you looking for in a bride?

A partner who my equal in pride, intellect and humor. A lover who sees intercourse as a pleasure, not just a duty for procreating. A sharer of my vision and values who believes as fiercely as I do that we must leave a legacy so our race can thrive. I know my advertisement contradicts this, but in my heart I never thought I’d attain this ideal, so I was willing to settle for less.

What is it about Queen Esther Payne that appeals to you?

First, the education I read in her letters. When we finally spoke face to face she displayed wit and humor that I didn’t know I was hungry for. Second, her physical appearance. Leave aside how beautiful she is. She carries herself with such pride and such – well the only word I can think of is majesty. She has such a regal bearing. Last – and most certainly not least – her boldness. When she so skillfully fondled me then left me breathless, I knew I found my ideal. How could I not find her appealing?

What about her worries or upsets you?

She looked down her nose at me when we first met and continues to act as if she’s entitled to be my boss. I didn’t throw off the shackles of actual slavery to take on the shackles of emotional slavery.  I also worry that when we have children she’ll pass on this snootiness to them. If this side of her doesn’t change, we won’t have a future. I’m worried my love may not be strong enough to conquer this negative aspect of her pride. I hope and pray it is. She’s my ideal. I can’t lose her.

Thanks, Caesar, for answering my questions. Want more? Here are the buy links for Better to Marry than to Burn:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BK1JPKX/?tag=thewildrosepr-20

The Wild Rose Press: 

Want to know more about author Michal Scott? Here is her contact info:

http://www.michalscott.webs.com/

Thanks, Michal, for being my guest today and for introducing us to your fascinating character. Any comments or questions for Michal?