Shameful Celia (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 3) by Carré White Read Free Book Online Page A

eyes darting between us. “Yes, indeed,” she agreed heartily. “She is a very handsome woman. I’m entirely glad you noticed, Nicolas.” Her mind appeared to be churning with ideas, while her husband rolled his eyes.
    “Excuse me a moment, will you?” The Mayor got to his feet. “I want to have a word with Sheriff Ballew.” He dropped the napkin on the table.
    Once he left, Mrs. Hershey said, “I wonder if I should be so bold as to add you to the list of potential suitors, Nicolas?”
    He had taken a sip of wine, coughing. “Oh, that’s not necessary, Doris. Thank you.”
    Having finished the fish, I dabbed at my mouth with a napkin, eager to hear what would be said next.
    Nicolas’s smile had vanished. “You’re not serious, are you?”
    “Why not? You’re one of the eligible bachelors in town. Everyone’s wondering when you’ll marry. You’re here to set an example. Don’t you think finding a wife and having a family would go a long way towards that end?”
    “You sound like my mother now.”
    “How old are you, Nicolas, if you don’t mind me asking?”
    “Mrs. Hershey,” he said sternly. “I am not the one you’re matchmaking. It’s Celia Wellington who’s in need of your services. I’m perfectly happy with my life, thank you very much.”
    “But are you? Wouldn’t you want a pretty little thing like Celia to keep you company? She’s awfully fond of eating. I’m sure she’d learn to cook your favorite meals and keep your house nice and tidy. In time, you might find you have common interests. Most couples don’t even realize they’re in love until three years into marriage.” She smiled. “If not longer.”
    “Where in tarnation did you hear that?” He wasn’t truly angry, because his eyes twinkled.
    “I overheard it at a ladies’ luncheon. Oh, it doesn’t matter. I really do think I should add you to the list.”
    “Don’t.”
    “Why not?” I had refrained from speaking until that moment, but curiosity had gotten the best of me.
    Stunned by the question, Nicolas shot to his feet. “I have to talk to … to … Mr. Kelly. I see him with his lovely wife, Lola. Excuse me for a moment. I shall return.” He strode off towards a table in the center of the room occupied by a stylishly dressed couple.
    I chewed on a nail while watching them.
    “He’s an interesting character,” commented Doris. “I’ve been trying to figure him out for years now.”
    It was impossible to hope that I would ever marry someone as fine as Pastor Kinsley. “He’s a happy bachelor. They do exist, I suppose.”
    “Yes, but no. All men need wives, especially out here; otherwise they run wild. There’s far too much gambling and vice as it is. I was shocked when I first came here. I’ve gotten used to it, but the lawlessness is still rather disturbing. If these cowboys had strong women waiting for them at home, they wouldn’t feel the need to rabble-rouse in the streets until dawn.”
    Not knowing anything about this topic, I continued to stare after Pastor Kinsley, as he laughed heartily talking to the couple a few tables over. “You don’t have to find a husband for me. I’ll manage … somehow.”
    “I’ve every intention of seeing you set up well, my dear. I feel responsible for the situation you now find yourself in. Earnest Hobart should’ve done the right thing and married you. You should be with him at this very moment, enjoying your first blissful night as a married couple.”
    I couldn’t help smiling at that, because it sounded ridiculous. I had thought I felt affection for Earnest through our shared letters, but upon meeting him, I realized we had little in common, and there had been no connection, not even a thread of interest. I had lied about my condition, which was entirely my fault. I could not blame Mr. Hobart for not wanting to marry me.
    Staring in Nicolas’s direction, our eyes met. I grinned broadly at the things Mrs. Hershey had said. In that moment, I felt the