Page 10 of Mail-Order Bride Substitute
Olivia swallowed her mouthful carefully so as to not choke. “What do you want to know?”
“You have family?”
Good. That was a safe subject. “I’m an only child. My parents passed when I was ten and I’ve lived with my aunt and uncle since then.”
Lindy leaned around Gwen. “Like us.” She smiled at Kit to include him. “Our mamas and papas died but now we got new ones.”
“I’m sorry,” Gwen said. “Life can be difficult.”
Not wanting anyone to pity her, Olivia smiled at those around the table. “I miss my parents, of course, and also my aunt and uncle, but I’ve had a good life.”
“If your life was so good, why’d you come here?” Andy clamped a hand over his mouth, his gaze roaming nervously over everyone at the table.
3
Riley was glad Andy had asked the question. He, too, wanted to know what Olivia meant by having a good life. That wasn’t what she’d led him to believe. But before she could answer Andy spoke again.
“Forgive me. That was entirely inappropriate.”
It was all Riley could do not to nudge Olivia and insist she answer Andy.
“It’s fine. I’m sure you’re all curious. Besides that, you deserve to hear the truth.” She curled her hands in her lap and looked around the table. “I was engaged to be married. But I discovered Gerald was seeing another woman. I broke off with him. Soon nasty and untrue rumors began to spread. I’m not saying Gerald was responsible for the stories, but he did nothing to correct them either.” She drew in a deep breath. “My life there became intolerable.”
Silence followed her tale.
Riley didn’t want to feel sorry for her, but he did as he imagined being betrayed by the man she loved and then to endure gossip. Especially if she thought that man had perpetrated the stories. He could understand her desire to flee the situation. Traveling west on her own, to the unknown, required a good amount of grit. His opinion of her had already reluctantly shifted at the way she conducted herself at the meal. Her greeting to each of the family members was kind and thoughtful. He’d noticed the way Honor and Gwen looked at each other and nodded as if Olivia had passed inspection.
To her credit, she’d eaten everything offered and thanked Mrs. Bennet for the good food.
But remembering Nina, he wondered how long before ranch life was no longer new and attractive but challenging and awful.
“I’m sorry,” Gwen said, and the others echoed her sentiments.
All except Riley and he sat there like an old—and long dead—tree stump. What could he say? Feeling sorry for her was not reason enough to suggest she stay and certainly not enough to marry her.
“Ya brought yer own piano. I heard ya playing it.” Honor leaned forward, her face alight with pleasure.
“I hope I didn’t disturb anyone.”
“Not me. I liked it.” Honor glanced around the table. “I’m guessing everyone did.”
Each person nodded. Except him. He hadn’t heard her so couldn’t give an opinion.
For that he was glad. Nor would he acknowledge it troubled him to hang on to his negative thoughts. Pa would have said she deserved a chance to prove herself. Ma would have reminded him that everyone should be treated kindly. Yet he couldn’t get over the knowledge that she wasn’t what he had planned. Nor his belief that she’d grow disenchanted with ranch life. No doubt, she’d lay in bed until midmorning leaving him to make his own meals. Which he could do but that wasn’t the point. Why have a wife if he lived like a bachelor?
The others pushed their chairs back, the screech across the floor jarring him from his thoughts. The men wanted to look at the young horses they planned to sell, and they traipsed from the house.
Alfred stood by awkwardly. Riley waved him forward. “Join us.” Alfred nodded and followed the others.
Riley lingered at the door. Olivia stood alone, looking uncertain. He stopped, considered returning and offering to walk her home but then Gwen handed her a drying towel. They laughed at something Olivia said.
He hurried after the men, trying to ignore the tightness in his belly. Thankfully, no one could see his insides and ask what was wrong because he had no explanation. A fact that served to annoy him. Not only had Olivia come instead of Sylvia. Not only was she a city girl. But she’d also upset his peaceful life, and set his plans asunder, and he resented that as much as anything.
They reached the pasture where the horses were grazing peacefully. Five men leaned against the top rail. Alfred stood at attention, watching them.
“What do you know about horses?” Riley asked him.
Alfred moved toward the fence. “I know how to harness them and stable them.” He eyed the young stock. “You have mighty fine horse flesh here.” The approval in his tone was unmistakable and earned him a clap on his back from Matt.
