Alice: Bride of Rhode Island (American Mail-Order Bride 13) by Kristy McCaffrey Read Free Book Online Page B

But architecture was offered as a course of study at the boarding school I attended. I found it fascinating.”
    They took the steps to enter the grandiose structure, James walking with only a slight limp. “I had no idea you were so well-educated.”
    “My stepfather meant to merely send me away, but he inadvertently opened my eyes to the world beyond.” Feeling peevish from fatigue, Alice held back adding: And if you bothered to speak with me on occasion, dear husband, you might come to know me better.
    Although she and James had been forced into close proximity due to his injury, there hadn’t been as big a change in their relationship as she’d hoped. Once he’d started moving about, he’d returned to the servant’s quarters, and she was once again alone in the upstairs bedroom. Still, there’d been limited but pleasant conversation because he’d been forced to take more meals with her.
    He’d said this was a honeymoon—of sorts—but based on his behavior, Alice had her doubts. Added to that aggravation was also a growing trepidation. As the date of their trip had neared, she’d begun to dread returning to Newport.
    But to her great surprise, now that she was here, a tendril of joy wrapped around her. It was her home, after all. Daniel Endicott couldn’t take those memories from her. She’d had many happy times with her mother and father. Perhaps she’d be able to reconnect with a few friends. And what about her grandmother? It had been years since she’d had contact with her father’s mother, but she should investigate whether Edith Harrington still lived. Now that she was married, family was important.
    They entered the lobby, and she removed her gloves while James went to procure the rooms, for surely she would have her own accommodations. Her husband didn’t share her bed in their own home, why would he here?
    She untied the ribbon at her chin and carefully lifted the promenade bonnet from her head as she took in the elegant fashions of several ladies that passed by. Its straw construction was too simple for the surroundings. But Alice had always preferred simplicity in the designs she wore. Her mother had always tried to dress her in more frippery than she could stomach, and they’d clashed many times over it.
    A sudden rush of sadness filled her.
    What I wouldn’t give to see Mama again.
    To distract herself, she took in the finery of the hotel, from the rich Brussels carpeting to the rosewood chairs covered in a heavy satin brocade. Expensive-looking lace curtains descended from the ceiling and window cornices. A large Christmas tree stood vigil in one corner, adorned with glass ornaments and balls in bright colors, tin cutouts in various shapes, and wax angels with spun-glass wings.
    Christmastime was a mixed blessing since her birthday fell on Christmas Eve. When she was young, it had always been a joyful time, but after her papa had died and her mama remarried Daniel Endicott, there hadn’t been much merriment to be found.
    For a moment Alice envisioned an idyllic scene before a roaring fire at the Martel home, James beside her, and children...
    She wondered what gift she could possibly get for her new husband.
    Perhaps I should break his other leg so he can’t escape me.
    She chided herself for the uncharitable thought while allowing a slight smile of amusement to reach her lips. Maybe having a child wasn’t such an outrageous idea. The only problem was that in order to become pregnant, a wife needed her husband to engage in marital relations. That much she knew, if not the specific details.
    A glance at James as he approached from across the lobby made her breath catch. His brooding expression and strong, sculpted face coupled with his tall muscular frame drew her near like a kitten she’d once had who’d always wanted to burrow under the covers. Alice was more than willing to bury herself in the warm embrace of her husband, if only he’d let her.
    “Shall we?” James took her by