Beverly Jenkins by Destiny's Surrender Read Free Book Online

not, it is the way we will proceed.”
    “Of course. I’d expect nothing less.”
    “Good.”
    He wondered how many of Rosaline’s would-be suitors had run from this woman as if their saddles were on fire. Seeking a wife elsewhere remained an option, if he decided Senora Ruiz was too much of a dragon to stomach as a mother-in-law.
    “Tell me your intentions, if you would, Mr. Yates.”
    “I’m seeking a wife. If your daughter and I suit, then I shall ask her father for her hand.”
    “My husband is dead to me and to Rosaline. It’s my approval alone that you seek to gain.”
    “I see.” On his way home, paying a call on Consuela might be in order. To understand what he might be getting into, he needed a quick primer on the family’s background
    For the next thirty minutes she quizzed Drew about his life, work, and family. “Although I was younger than she at the time, I remember the talk when your mother ran off to be with your father. She brought great shame to her family’s name. Are you aware of that?”
    “I am. My mother has never been one to hide her past from her sons.”
    “And you approved of her actions.”
    “I’m her son, the product of those actions. Would you have me dishonor her by being judgmental?”
    She seemed taken aback by his tone. “Of course not.”
    “Your next question then.”
    “Do you have any bastards?”
    Now he was taken aback. “No.”
    “And your brothers?”
    He masked the distaste such personal questioning evoked. “None that I am aware of.”
    “Good. I don’t want my daughter associating with anyone doomed to spend eternity in hell.”
    At this point, most men would’ve gotten to their feet and bade the bitter woman a polite farewell, but Drew refused to be intimidated. “Any bastards in your family, Senora Ruiz?”
    She startled as if struck.
    He waited.
    Lips tight, she finally confessed, “My husband has three by his mistress, which is why I consider him dead.”
    “I see.”
    “I’ll not have her humiliated and shamed.”
    “I have no bastards and no mistress.”
    “But you plan to take one after you marry,” she stated as if it were fact.
    “No. The men of my family are honorable to our name and to our wives.”
    For a moment she said nothing. He had no idea if she believed his claim, but he reminded himself again that searching elsewhere for a wife was always an alternative.
    Her next words came as a surprise. “You have my approval to court Rosaline, but it must be for a year. At the end of that time, if I find you worthy, the engagement will be announced. Until then, I’ll permit you to visit her for one hour each day. In a month’s time you may take her walking provided my aunt accompanies you. Do you have any questions?”
    “No.”
    “Thank you for your visit. My maid will see you out.” And with that she stood and left the room.
    A scowling Drew followed the maid back to the door. Climbing into his buggy, he paused to look back at the stately old house and saw Rosaline in an upstairs window framed by open drapes. She nodded. He offered a terse nod in return and drove away.
    Drew’s knock on the Anderson door was answered by the houseman, Henry, who after a greeting led him into the parlor, where Consuela sat reading the newspaper. At his entrance she looked up “Well, Drew. How are you?”
    Henry quietly withdrew.
    “I’m well. My apologies for dropping in unannounced, but I needed to speak with you about something.”
    “Of course. Sit. How may I help?”
    “Senora Ruiz.”
    She sighed audibly. “Am I to assume you’ve met her?”
    “Just a short while ago. I may be interested in courting her daughter.”
    “My condolences. Emmalina Ruiz is a truly joyless creature.”
    “Will you share what you know about the family? I’m not asking you to stoop to gossip.”
    With mischief twinkling in her eyes, she countered. “But may I?”
    “Of course.”
    “Shall we begin with the scandalous husband or the scandalous