Moonlight on the Millpond by Lori Wick Read Free Book Online

from the room for a moment, leaving him free to look around as well as watch for her return, something he did with great pleasure, not missing a thing about the way she moved or looked. Her dress was a soft yellow, not a gingham like Cathy usually wore but a solid color with darker yellow, almost gold, fabric on the collar and cuffs.
    Not that he would be caught looking. He was careful to school his features before she had a chance to look his way, realizing that having to be on his toes might make for a long afternoon. It was worth it, however. Right now he couldn’t imagine a place he’d rather be.
    Maddie was also just where she wanted to be, having had few expectations on the day. All she was looking for was a day off from the store, and she was getting that. When she suddenly found herself alone in the parlor with Jace Randall, she thought little of it. Doyle had remembered something he wanted Woody to see in the store. Cathy had gone with them, Maddie was sure, to keep an eye on her husband’s activities. Maddie had slipped up to her room to get some handiwork, and when she emerged, Jace was in the parlor.
    â€œOh, you’re still here, Mr. Randall. I thought you might have gone to the store.”
    â€œIt’s Jace, and I wasn’t invited,” he said easily, trying not to be disappointed at her lack of interest.
    â€œWould you care for some more coffee?” Maddie answered, even though all she wanted to do was sit down and not think.
    â€œNo, I’m fine. Can I get you some?”
    â€œNo, thank you.”
    Maddie took a chair, and Jace sat as well. She set her knitting in her lap and looked across at her guest.
    â€œDon’t let me keep you from whatever you’re going to do,” Jace said as he stood. “I’ll just look at some of these books if that’s all right.”
    â€œCertainly.”
    Maddie bent her head over her sewing, seeing that her aunt’s letters had been correct: Jace Randall was a very kind man, and polite in the bargain. Giving him little attention, she grasped the needles and went to work.
    Jace did his level best to read the page from the book he’d selected from the oak shelf, but it wasn’t going well at all. While in her room, Maddie had slipped her apron off, unsettling her hair a bit. Her usual wound braids were slightly disheveled, and the little curls that had escaped around her neck were nothing short of distracting.
    His own hair was close to the same color, but he’d never thought of his as being attractive. Her hair was so lovely and glossy that he wanted to touch it.
    â€œWhat book did you choose?” Maddie asked.
    â€œ The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens.”
    â€œI’ve not read that.”
    â€œNor I.”
    â€œI’m sure Doyle won’t mind if you take it.”
    â€œI might ask him.”
    â€œIs there time in your evenings for reading, or do you have equipment to mend?”
    â€œThere is some repair work, but there’s time to read too.”
    Maddie nodded, her head dipping now and again to check her edges.
    â€œDo you read much?” Jace asked.
    â€œNot books, but I enjoy the newspaper.”
    â€œBoston must have offered plenty of those.”
    â€œYes, daily.”
    â€œAnd what about Tucker Mills? Will our small newspaper be enough for you?”
    â€œI think so. I’m not used to the work in the store just yet, so right now I haven’t much energy left for reading at the end of the day.”
    â€œI take it this is a little different from your life in Boston?”
    Maddie smiled. “I wouldn’t know where to begin.”
    Jace nodded, but he didn’t need any further explanation. Mr. Vargas from the glass factory had a wife and two daughters, and they would visit now and again. Their clothing spoke of style and wealth. Maddie Shephard’s clothing—especially the dress she’d chosen for today—looked the same