Handpicked Husband (Love Inspired Historical) by Winnie Griggs Read Free Book Online Page B

she wanted, he wouldn’t stop her. But in the end she’d have to submit to her grandfather’s dictates.
    It would be interesting, though, to see what she meant when she said they needed to “reach an understanding.”
    A few moments later, the hikers came into sight. Adam hid a grin as he got a good look at them. While Mrs. Peavy seemed totally composed, the trio trailing behind her did not.
    Chance’s step lacked its usual bounce. Not surprising, given that his left leg, from the tip of his boot, to about six inches up his trouser leg, was damp and muddy.
    Everett was red-faced and breathing heavily, as if unused to whatever exertions he’d just been through.
    Mitchell had his sleeves rolled up and was vigorously scratching his left arm. Even from here Adam could see the angry red welts forming. Insect bites? Stinging nettles?
    In any case, if it had been the housekeeper’s intent to take the visitors down a notch, she’d certainly succeeded.
    Behind him he heard a softly uttered, “Oh, dear.” When he glanced back, he saw as much sympathy as amusement in Regina’s expression.
    She stepped forward. “I hope you gentlemen enjoyed your walk.”
    “Oh, we had a grand time,” Mrs. Peavy answered for them. “Did run into a bit of unpleasantness, though.” As she reached the porch, the housekeeper turned back to her entourage. “You gents have another glass of cider while I get something for Mr. Parker’s rash. Mr. Dawson, if you’ll slip off your boot, I’ll get it cleaned up.”
    As Mrs. Peavy disappeared inside, the three men trudged onto the porch.
    The judge’s granddaughter waved her hand in a lady-of-the-manor gesture. “Please be seated. There’s no need to stand on ceremony out here.”
    Without further prompting, the men plopped down onto various benches and chairs. The wind had definitely been taken out of their sails.
    But when Regina joined them on the porch, Adam was amused to note they all came to wary attention.
    “Well, gentlemen,” she began, “now that I’ve read my grandfather’s letter and accompanying contract, it’s time we talked.”
    Mrs. Peavy opened the door just then and hesitated. “Should I step back inside until you’re finished?”
    To Adam’s surprise, Regina shook her head.
    Not that it really mattered. With no panes on the window, the housekeeper would still be able to hear every word.
    “I think it best you know what’s going on,” the soon-to-be bride said. “It seems these three were sent by my grandfather to start a new life in Turnabout. He’s generously providing each of them the means to join our little community as men of influence. All they have to do in return is participate in a marriage lottery, with me as the prize.”
    Her tone was pleasant enough, but Adam watched each man shift uneasily under her stare. At the moment it was hard to believe she wasn’t Judge Madison’s blood kinswoman.
    “For my part,” the self-proclaimed lottery prize continued, “all I have to do is select a groom and marry him within three weeks. Otherwise, Mr. Barr will take Jack to Philadelphia so Grandfather can ship him off to a boarding school.”
    Mrs. Peavy’s reaction was an indrawn breath and a glare directed toward Adam.
    “Did I sum the situation up correctly, gentlemen?” Regina crossed her arms across her chest and stared them down.
    “I believe you covered the relevant facts,” Everett answered. The dandy had apparently recovered his aplomb.
    “Thank you, Mr. Fulton. From a reporter, I’ll accept that as a compliment.”
    Mrs. Peavy approached Mitchell and motioned for him to hold out his arm. She slathered her ointment on the rash with perhaps more vigor than was necessary, but the man bore it without flinching.
    The judge’s granddaughter ignored this bit of by-play. “First off, to put things baldly, you should know I’m not happy with this situation. I’m not interested in getting married to anyone, much less a stranger who’s been bribed to