Ready to Wed by Melody Carlson Read Free Book Online Page B

didn’t scare the poor man away.”
    “Oh, I don’t think our pastor is too easily scared,” said Louise, though her creased brow indicated that she might not be as convinced as she sounded.
    “Well, God certainly does work in strange ways,” said Belle. “But I believe that He is definitely at work.”
    Jane began clearing the table.
    “He’s surely an attractive man.” Belle seemed to be speaking to no one in particular as she enjoyed another cup of coffee. “And a godly man too. One could hardly ask for anything more.”
    “Rev. Thompson is a good and sensible man,” said Louise as Jane retreated with a stack of dishes to the kitchen.
    Jane set the dishes into the sink and turned on the water, hoping the noise would drown out any more conversation from the dining room. She had no desire to hear another word about Kenneth’s fine attributes or Belle’s aspirations to lead him to the altar. She chuckled as she rinsed a plate. Poor Kenneth. He thought he’d been simplycoming for breakfast, but probably left feeling like he’d been on the menu. She’d have to apologize later.
    Louise came in bringing the rest of the dishes from breakfast. “Our guest is inquiring about Aunt Ethel.”
    Jane clapped a soapy hand over her mouth. “Oh dear, I forgot.”
    “Forgot what?”
    Jane told her about Ethel’s condition. “I promised to take her some breakfast, and she also talked me into showing Belle around town today for her.” Jane gave an appealing look to her oldest sister. “Unless you’d rather do that, Louise. I’ll take Auntie her breakfast and you can go—”
    “I’ll take Aunt Ethel her breakfast, Jane.” Louise gave her a stern look, although it appeared to be hiding mirth. “And you can give Belle the tour.”
    “Oh, Louie, please.”
    Louise chuckled. “Not on your life, Jane. I’ve already had more than enough of that silliness. If you only knew how many times I have held my tongue since Belle arrived. Was it only yesterday? Well, I am sure that even you would be impressed.” She started fixing a plate for Ethel. “Besides, I need to work on our accounts and I should be around in case we get some reservations today.”
    Jane groaned. “So there’s no getting out of it?”
    “No.” Louise nodded toward the dining room. “And you better get out there and inform Belle before she gives our ailing aunt a telephone call. I already wrote down the phone number for her.”
    Belle had just picked up the office phone when Jane found her. “You don’t need to call my aunt,” said Jane quickly. Then she explained about the allergic reaction and how she’d been selected to be Belle’s guide today.
    “I hope her reaction wasn’t from last night’s facial.” Belle had a horrified look. “I’d hate to think I made that sweet lady sick.”
    “Aunt Ethel has very sensitive skin.” Jane felt like her aunt’s parrot as she repeated that line.
    Belle actually had tears in her eyes. “Oh my! I’ve given hundreds of facials, but I’ve never made anyone sick before. This is terrible.”
    “Well, Aunt Ethel is special,” said Jane wryly. “So, when would you like to have the town tour? I need to finish up some things in the kitchen, but I could be ready to go in, say, an hour.”
    “That’s perfect.” Belle nodded, but she was wringing her hands as if she was still quite distraught over Ethel.
    “And I’d like to order some of the items you used on melast night,” said Jane. “The cleanser and facial mask and moisturizer.”
    Belle’s perfect brow furrowed. “Are you just trying to make me feel better?”
    “Not at all,” said Jane. “I actually like how my skin feels this morning. I think your products are very nice.”
    Belle smiled. “Oh, I’m so glad.”
    “Meet me in the foyer in an hour,” said Jane.
    “Will do.”
    Despite the dream business, Jane liked Belle. Maybe it was her southern charm or just her sweet, big-eyed innocence, but it was hard not to like the