Page 36 of Mail-Order Bride Substitute
“We’re going on a picnic,” he announced. His gaze took in her dress. “You might want to wear a dress you don’t mind roughing it in. I’m going to change my shirt.” He clattered into his room.
A picnic? She couldn’t move for the surprise at this announcement and then she rushed back into her room to remove the Sunday dress and pull on a pretty cotton one with a riot of colorful flowers along the hem of the skirt. It wasn’t a bit demure, but she liked its joyfulness. Perhaps the feeling would buoy her up this afternoon. It might even put Riley in a pleasant mood.
Not knowing where they would go and anxious to capture the beautiful scenery, she tucked a pencil and sketch pad into her pocket and blessed the seamstress who had thought generous pockets were a good idea. As she selected a bonnet that would protect her face, Riley’s boots echoed on the living room floor. She hurried to join him.
“Do I need to prepare food?” She could always find something in the pantry thanks to the supplies the ranch kept on hand.
“Mrs. Bennet and Alfred have provided us with what we need.”
“Oh?” No one had said a word to her of these plans.
“Seems I’m not entertaining you well enough.” The words were spoken over his shoulder as he stepped outside.
She hurried after him and caught his shirt sleeve. “Riley, I don’t need to be entertained. I can play the piano, write letters or go for a walk.”
“All things that you do by yourself.” He held out a hand to assist her up to the wagon seat, but she shook her head and refused his help.
“You don’t have to do this.”
He lowered his hand. “Tell that to my brothers.” His expression was so gloomy she laughed.
“Have they been picking on you?”
His eyes flashed, perhaps with acknowledgment of his mood. “It’s best to let them think they’ve convinced me against my will.”
His words were so close to an echo of what she’d been thinking that she stared at him.
He raised his brows. “Did I say something wrong?”
How to explain without revealing her prayer? “Not ten minutes ago, I was remembering what my Uncle Harris used to say when he was involved in a dispute.”
His eyebrows still reached for his hairline. “I don’t understand.”
“He said a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. And then you said what you did.”
“About letting my brothers think they forced me to take you on a picnic?”
She nodded.
He let out a noisy breath. “There are times it’s easier to agree than to waste time arguing.” He held out his hand again. “Shall we.”
She hesitated a moment, feeling this wasn’t a good idea. She lifted a shoulder in resignation. Easier to agree than to argue. She allowed him to help her to the bench and waited for him to join her.
But they didn’t immediately move out.
“Olivia.”
She turned to meet his gaze.
“I’m sorry for being grumpy.”
“And I’m sorry I’m not Sylvia. We didn’t think it would matter that much to you.” She’d read his letters and had been privy to what Sylvia wrote. Not once had any words of affection been written.
Without responding, he turned the horses down the trail and away from the ranch. They rode in silence until the buildings lay behind them.
Olivia’s curiosity got the better of her. “Did you read the letter from Sylvia?”
He patted the pocket of his trousers. “Forgot about it. No time like the present.” He held the reins toward her.
