Simon's Brides by Allison Knight Read Free Book Online Page A

have no intention of allowing you to leave this house until I can be assured of your safety. Therefore, you must stay here until I can arrange adequate transportation back to the cottage.”
     
    She could tell he was annoyed as he announced, “My carriage is just too wide to traverse the path I used to get to the cottage.
     
    “The matter is closed, for now,” he added ,stepping away from the door.
     
    Amy’s hand clutched the broom she held. He must have sensed her agitation for he turned back, “You can collect whatever you want from the cottage in a day or two when I have an escort for you or have time to go with you myself. Surely you can do without for a day? Until then, you must stay here. Now, do I make myself understood?”
     
    Amy gritted her teeth and leaned the broom against the wall. He made her so furious. They had lived in the cottage for months. Now, because he had arrived, they were to be imprisoned like the thief confined on the second floor. Oh, good heavens! If he was this obstinate about the cottage, what would he say about her desire to avoid marriage?
     
    She watched as Simon stomped off. He was angry, too. What a shame! She jammed her fists on her hips and glared at his back. He wasn’t going to order her around. He didn’t know it yet, but she had her own ideas on how things went. She intended to see them accomplished. The sensations he engendered in her would be ignored. She raised her chin and stared after the dratted man.
     
    After all, those feelings were only a result of fear. And, as her guardian he could pressure her into marriage. Fear! That must be what she was feeling. It couldn’t be anything else. Now, she urged herself, think of some way to get us back to the cottage.
     
    She wondered if her father had been aware of Simon’s domineering attitude. She groaned. If getting to the cottage this afternoon proved impossible, she’d demand they go tomorrow. Surely, he would allow them that. And, if not, what then? Well, she thought, they would go anyway.
     
    She smiled at her sisters. Somehow she had to assure them things would be alright now that Simon had arrived, even if she had her own doubts. And, she most certainly had her own suspicions.
     
    Oh, Papa, what have you done to us?
     
    A short time later, Amy caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror above the fireplace. As filthy as the uncleaned rooms! Just then she heard another carriage approach and she stiffened. She ran to the parlor and watched from the window.
     
    The driver jumped to the ground and pulled the carriage door open. A tiny woman alighted. She wore a black gown covered with row upon row of ruffles and lace. An enormous black bonnet hid her face.
     
    Simon’s Aunt Agatha?
     
    Amy strained to hear her words as the woman pointed to an overflowing boot.
     
    “What are you looking at?” Caro demanded coming behind her.
     
    “Who do you think that is?” Dora asked now at Amy’s left.
     
    “It could be the aunt Simon sent for,” Amy responded, her voice grim.
     
    Beth whispered, “It looks like she brought her whole household with her.”
     
    “I’ve never seen so much luggage,” Ellie stepped beside Beth. “She must think to stay forever.”
     
    Amy smoothed her skirts, “I’ll have to greet her.” As the oldest, duty demanded she meet their guest and welcome her, whoever she was.
     
    If only we didn’t look so dirty, she thought.
     
    “You don’t look too bad,” Caro said as if reading her mind.
     
    “I’m filthy. So are the rest of you. Beth, could you see if there’s anything for a tea? Dora, you and Ellie see to the beds. I doubt Simon has given a thought to where everyone will sleep. Caro, you stay with me. I don’t want to meet this woman alone.”
     
    A sharp rap on the front door announced their guest.
     
    She came through the doorway and Amy got a good look at her face. Tiny, elfin, curious, popped into Amy’s mind as she stared at the little woman who stood a bit