Page 18 of Mail-Order Bride Substitute
Gwen’s eyes gleamed as she chuckled. “He did indeed, and we didn’t wait a full month.”
Olivia shifted her attention to Honor.
The blonde woman shook her head. “I came under false pretenses, ya might say. Luke wanted an educated woman. I can barely read or write. When he learned I hadn’t been honest he was angry but said he was a man of his word and would honor our marriage vows—‘til death parts us. But we wouldn’t truly be man and wife.” Her face darkened, making her freckles stand out.
“Has he changed his mind?”
She grew redder and lowered her gaze. “He has.”
Olivia wanted to ask what happened to change Luke’s mind, but she didn’t have the right.
Honor looked up, her face aglow. “Ya might say he couldn’t resist my charms.” She chuckled.
“You both won over a Shannon.” Their accomplishment gave her hope.
“You will too,” they assured her.
“Yes, I will.” Resolve filled her veins.
The sun grew warm making Olivia grateful for the cotton dress Sylvia had recommended.
Gwen pushed to her feet. “Matt is coming home for dinner.”
“Luke too.” Honor picked up her basket of beans that Olivia had helped to fill.
The reminder hit Olivia like a physical blow. “So is Riley and I don’t have his meal ready.” She trotted toward the house, pushing aside all the lessons on how a lady doesn’t run.
She washed her hands and then tackled preparing the meal. She struggled to open the jar of meat. Having succeeded, she put the contents in a pot and then looked at the array of vegetables. Did she peel them? How? Did she have time? She would at least wash them, and she proceeded to do so. And chop them. She did that and put everything in with the meat. According to instructions, she should now wait for it to boil.
She stared at the pot. How long did it take to start boiling?
Finally, small bubbles began to surface.
Thank goodness.
The bubbles grew violent and spit on the stove. Not again. She grabbed a towel and pulled the pot to a cooler spot. After a moment, the contents settled into what Sylvia had called a simmer.
Now all she had to do was set the table, put out the last of the biscuits, and wait for Riley and Alfred.
Booted feet sounded on the step and Riley entered. She waited for the older man to join them.
“Are you looking for Alfred?” Riley didn’t wait for her to answer. “He’s accepted an invitation to keep Mrs. Bennet company seeing as Andy is away.”
Honor’s nerves twitched. And who was to keephercompany? That wasn’t what she meant. Riley was here of course, but she’d grown used to knowing Alfred was nearby and would be her guardian.
Don’t be silly. You came to marry Riley.And Alfred wasn’t part of the equation.
She calmed herself, carried the pot of stew to the table, and sat across the corner from Riley.
He closed his eyes and asked the blessing. “Amen.” He ladled stew onto his plate and took a bite. His eyes widened and his chewing slowed.
She dished up for herself and leaned over to inhale the scent. Certainly smelled good. Her work this morning had built an appetite and she couldn’t wait to taste the meal she’d prepared as cook in her own house.
She lifted a forkful to her mouth and bit down. And stopped. The skin around her eyes tightened as she realized there was a problem. No wonder Riley looked startled. The vegetables were hard.
She lowered her fork. “I don’t understand. I followed instructions.”
He continued to chew, the crunching audible. “Did the instructions indicate how long to cook the vegetables?”
