A Lady of High Regard by Tracie Peterson Read Free Book Online

to best her.”
    “True enough, but . . . well, that is to say . . .” He looked into Mia’s eyes. “I’m not that young anymore. I worry about providing for you—not leaving you alone in this world. There will of course be an inheritance for you and your sisters, but when I am gone there will be no one to offer you protection and counsel. I would like to believe that your husband could do both.”
    “You are going to be able to do the job for a long, long time to come. Do not worry me with threats of your mortality.”
    “We all die sometime, Mia. I’m not trying to worry you; I do, however, want to show you the logic behind my concerns.”
    “Dear Father,” Mia said, gently touching his cheek, “I promise you I will not avoid potential suitors. Truly. I will pray that God will show me just the right man—at just the right moment.”
    “Mia?”
    She looked up to find Garrett at her shoulder. “Has Mrs. Custiss decided your money too new for her taste?” she asked with a smile. “Or perhaps you aren’t dressed smart enough.”
    Garrett laughed. “Neither is the case, unfortunately. I’ve come to see if you might dance with me in order to give me some relief from her tiresome tirades of how much money she spent on her new rug and draperies in the music room.”
    Mia laughed and kissed her father on the cheek. “You do not mind, do you, Father?”
    “Not at all, my dear. Go and have a good time. Just remember what I mentioned.”
    “I promise to consider it.”
    “Consider what?” Garrett asked as he led her away.
    “My father believes I need a husband.”
    “And what do you believe, Miss Stanley?”
    She smiled coyly and took Garrett’s hand. “I believe God has the matter completely under control. If He has a husband for me, then He’ll surely reveal the man to me.”
    Garrett tightened his grip. “Perhaps He already has.”
    Mia considered this for a moment. “Maybe, but I have my doubts.”
    “Why is that?”
    She shrugged as best she could. “Because no one has asked for my hand.”

CHAPTER 5

    “ L ast night was an absolute disaster,” Garrett said, putting sugar in his tea.
    “Yes, and I do apologize. Mrs. Custiss had seemed so well mannered when I met her. Of course, her mother and mine were both present, so perhaps she felt she couldn’t be quite as forward.”
    “Perhaps.” Garrett stirred his tea and looked up to offer Mia a smile. “But at least it’s behind us.”
    “And I have a much better idea for next time.”
    Mia watched as the cup halted halfway to Garrett’s lips.
    His brows rose and he put all formality aside. “Mia, what are you talking about?”
    Mia knew that Garrett would never approve without a good amount of encouragement, but it was for his own good. “You know the Brightons are having an engagement dinner for Prudence. And I happen to know that you’ve been invited.”
    His look of apprehension continued. “I fail to see what you’re getting at.”
    “Well, I want to introduce you to someone. She’s quite special and very pretty. And I know her personally and can vouch for her character. She won’t be annoying or tell you about her wealth.”
    “I don’t wish to be paired with any of your friends, Mia. You need to stop worrying about my marital status.”
    “You’re thirty-two years old. You should be married.”
    “That’s none of your concern.” He was starting to sound vexed with her.
    “I thought we were friends.” She smoothed out the pale yellow muslin of her gown and sighed. “I was only trying to help.” And truly that was the only motive in her heart. She simply wanted his happiness.
    “Of course we are friends, but you don’t have to arrange a wife for me. Besides, I’m not even going to be in town for that party. I was planning to have Mercy give my excuses.”
    “But you have to be there. If you’re not, I’ll die of boredom.”
    Garrett laughed and took a long drink of his tea. “I seriously doubt you will ever die