Hope Reborn by Caryl Mcadoo Read Free Book Online

true.”

Chapter

Five
     
    May stepped back; she couldn’t see her new outfit completely in the mirror over the dresser. She backed up next to the bed, still not far enough. She faced Chester. “What do you think?”
    “That Miss Mary Rachel will be thrilled, no matter what you’re wearing.”
    She snarled. Why had he arranged this supper date, especially when she had no way to cancel?
    The least he could have done was put them off a night, given her an opportunity to shop, or even have something made, but no. He assured the Buckmeyers that she would love to have supper with them tonight.
    Indeed.
    After a hundred miles on that awful stage, then editing until her eyes blurred, she only wanted to relax and enjoy the Donoho’s overstuffed feather mattress.
    “What time is it?”
    He pulled out his gold timepiece and made a big show of flipping it open. “Six forty-eight, ma’am.”
    “Hold up that other dress.”
    He ignored her request. “You look fine as you are, ma’am, and I told them seven. Shall we go downstairs now, or shall you be late?”
    She fluffed her curls then smoothed her dress. “Are you certain? I can still change. Being a few minutes late is acceptable, even fashionable.”
    “Not in Texas, ma’am.”
    “Fine, I’m ready then.”
    She followed Chester down the hall through the lobby then stopped at the double door that opened into the dining hall. He headed straight to a far corner table, where several standing men blocked her view.
    Halfway across the room, a young lady burst from the confab and rushed toward her.
    She stopped short of knocking her to the floor then stuck out both hands. “Oh, Miss Meriwether, is it really you? I love your books.”
    May took the girl’s hands. “Yes, it’s me, and thank you. I’m thrilled that you love my stories.”
    “Oh, yes, Daddy –” The girl pulled back. “Where in the world have my manners gone? I apologize.” She curtsied. “Mary Rachel Buckmeyer, ma’am.” She looked over her shoulder.
    “That’s my father, the one sitting down, Patrick Henry, but he prefers Henry. Most folks call him Mister Henry. Some, mostly if they fought in the war, call him Colonel, but –” She put her hands to her mouth.
    “I know I’m prattling on, and I’m so sorry for that. Just look at those rude men. They’re taking all Daddy’s attention.” She took May by the hand. “Won’t you come with me? I’ll introduce you.”
    May let the girl pull her toward the group of men. As she neared, the one on the far side of the table rose and turned his full consideration to her. Time slowed. The child’s father extended his hand.
    Somehow, May extended hers, and he took it into his. A tingling spread up her arm all the way to the center of her chest and settled in the core of her being. Her heart flipped, beat too fast, and then stopped.
    A little gasp escaped.
    She smiled more at herself than him. She must stop being an idiot immediately. The man was married.
    “Miss May, I’d like you to meet my father, Patrick Henry Buckmeyer, but he prefers Henry.”
    “Henry.” He hadn’t released her hand. She gave a slight shake. “I’m so pleased to make your acquaintance.”
    “The pleasure is mine.” The man pointed to a chair to his right. “Please.” Turning to the men who pretty much all stared, he nodded. “I’m sure you’ll excuse me, fellows. I have plans with the two ladies and don’t intend to bore them with politics.”
    They dissipated, she sat, and Chester pushed her chair in then retreated. As though the waitress anticipated nothing more than for May to take her place, the lady began delivering plates laden with steak, creamed potatoes, and a pile of the greenest steaming greens May ever saw.
    Henry nodded toward her. “Hope you like steak. I took the liberty of ordering.”
    She smiled at the liquid velvet emitting from his mouth then chided her ears. They loved the sound of his voice too much. Why, she was doomed, relegated to