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

strangest, most peculiar attachment to Pastor Kinsley. He hadn’t turned away yet, although his smile had fallen. His expression was now earnest, even severe. Mr. Hershey’s sudden arrival broke the spell, because his rather large form blocked the view completely.
    “Where was I?” he asked, sitting. “No more talk about arranging marriages. I want to pass a pleasant evening.”
    “Yes, my dear.” Mrs. Hershey winked at me. “I’ll just make that list in my head. I’ll have it all arranged by morning.”
    I giggled at that.
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    H aving eaten like a queen the day before, I slept like a baby that night, not waking until I heard the sounds of someone talking outside the door. Turning over in bed, I glanced at the wall, noting the wallpaper consisted of tiny pink and white roses. I had left the curtains parted, otherwise the room felt like a tomb.
    “I don’t mind in the least that you found a tenant, Pastor Kinsley. I’m not upset.”
    “I had wanted to introduce you yesterday, but I ran out of time.”
    “Do you think she’s awake now?”
    “We can find out.”
    A knock sounded at the door. Not owning a nightgown, I slept in my chemise and drawers, which were hardly presentable. Grabbing a blanket from the bed, I quickly wrapped it around my person, hurrying for the door.
    I opened it a smidgeon. “Yes?” Hair fell into my face, and I brushed it aside, as I struggled with the blanket. A woman smiled at me, while Nicolas, who looked handsome and well-groomed, stared.
    “I’m Mrs. Wexler. My husband owns the building and the store. How do you do?”
    “I’m just fine.” I opened the door further. “I’m really not up to receiving company, but I’m awfully grateful you gave me a place to stay.” Being as pregnant as I was, the swell of my bosom could hardly be contained within the chemise, the flesh wanting to burst free. It was an effort to hold the blanket up.
    “Doctor Baker said you could see him this morning,” said Nicolas. “He’s in his office until ten. I’d be happy to take you.”
    “I’ll just get dressed.”
    “It was good meeting you, my dear. I look forward to speaking to you more when we have time.”
    “Thank you, Mrs. Wexler. This is a really nice room.”
    She smiled vaguely. “Yes, it’s … functional.”
    “Your water closet is glorious. I’ve never seen running water like that, not indoors anyway.”
    “It’s our one extravagance. We pride ourselves on being modern. I enjoy all the comforts of home, even if I’m not in Boston.”
    “Never been to Boston.” I clutched at the blanket, which persisted on slipping from my grasp, noting where Nicolas’s attention had drifted. “I’d love to travel someday and see a big city, although I do suppose Houston qualifies.”
    She smiled politely. “Yes, it does. I’ve never been to Texas, so we’re even. It was good meeting you.” She glanced at Nicolas. “You’ve chosen well, Pastor Kinsley. She’s a lovely little thing.”
    “I … didn’t really choose her. She’s a woman in need of help.”
    “Yes, of course.”
    “I’ll be out in a moment.” I closed the door, hurrying to dress, while I heard talking in the hallway.
    “How will she pay for the accommodation?”
    “I’ll provide the funds.”
    “She may be with child, but I’m sure she’s capable of doing something to earn her keep.”
    “Yes, of course.”
    “Perhaps, you could hire her to clean the church? You were complaining about how dusty the pews were.”
    “That’s because the freight wagons stir up dirt from the roads.”
    “Well, I’m sure you’ll think of something. You’ve taken a particular interest in Mrs. Wellington’s welfare.”
    “I would do the same for anyone in need of help.”
    While dressing, I kept an ear out for the conversation, hanging onto each and every word. I struggled with the buttons on the dress.
    “Yes, but not all women in need are so fresh and pretty. I do have a rather keen sense about these