Spoiled Evelyn (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 4) by Carré White Read Free Book Online

said Mr. Kelly, pulling out my chair. “Come sit next to us.”
    By a strange twist of fate, I found myself seated between Mrs. Kelly and Mr. Brittle, while Percy remained across the table. A waiter placed the napkin in my lap, while another poured wine.
    “Mrs. Kelly is one of my success stories,” said Mrs. Hershey. “She’s a mail order bride too.”
    I glanced at the pretty blonde in the feathered hat. “Congratulations on your marriage,” I murmured. “It’s a comfort to know the process can work.”
    “Jack and I had a few bumps along the way.” She cast a teasing, yet disgruntled look towards Mr. Brittle. “There was some trouble, but it all sorted itself out in the end.”
    “And the Kellys have an adorable new baby, little Elizabeth.”
    Mr. Kelly grinned, and, from the looks of it, he was substantially older than his wife. “Indeed. We couldn’t be happier about that.”
    “Although you wanted a boy to inherit.” Mrs. Kelly gazed at her husband. “We’ll just have to give Lizzy a brother, I suppose.”
    I felt a ping of jealously at the way he looked at his wife. Unguarded affection shone in his expression, while he placed a hand over hers. “I’m hopeful for such an outcome too, although my maid wants to return to Philadelphia. I might have to send her home on her own. I’ve made up my mind. I don’t plan on returning.”
    “It’s difficult to leave everything behind,” said Mrs. Kelly. “It’s a huge leap of faith.”
    “Or desperation,” murmured Mr. Brittle. He sipped what looked like whiskey, and I had to wonder why he was with us at dinner. Percy and his brother had made it rather clear that he was beneath them and they would never dine with him.
    “Yes, there were some secrets, weren’t there, Lola dear?” Mr. Kelly grinned, the edges of his eyes creasing.
    “It’s no secret I wanted to escape my family.”
    Now this had my attention, because I was in a similar circumstance. “You did?”
    “I was essentially a runaway. I lied about my last name, and I married Jack without anyone’s knowledge. My stepfather managed to find me. He kidnapped me, but Jack stopped him. It was a horrible time, but I’d do it again, because I adore you so.” She glanced at her husband. “I don’t regret a thing.” Again she glowered at Mr. Brittle briefly, and I had to wonder at that look.
    The waiter arrived with the menus, and once we had placed our orders, more wine appeared. I took a glass, feeling the attention of Mr. Brittle. How I had ended up sitting next to him baffled me.
    “You’re the prettiest woman in the room,” he murmured.
    “Please, don’t talk to me.”
    He chuckled, “Aw … come on, honey. I’m not gonna bite.”
    “Oh, you’ve done more than enough already.” I lifted my chin, smiling at everyone. “Cheers.” I held up the glass. “To new beginnings.”
    “Indeed,” agreed Mrs. Hershey.
    “What are your plans, Miss Warner?” asked the mayor, who was a rosy-cheeked, rotund man.
    “I plan to marry … soon.” This had everyone’s attention. “Very soon.”
    “Which one of the ladies ended up without a husband?” asked Mr. Hershey. “Who was that?”
    “That was Celia, but she married Pastor Kinsley instead. It was a far better match anyhow. They’re very happy indeed.”
    “Celia’s one of my best friends,” said Mrs. Kelly. “I adore her. Our children will play together soon enough, once Lizzy is older. Little Noah is the most adorable little boy.”
    Mrs. Hershey beamed. “I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to see all these babies. It warms my heart. It’s a confirmation that my efforts are not in vain.”
    Mr. Brittle coughed. “Excuse me.”
    I glanced at him, finding him staring in another direction. This presented his profile and a slightly crooked, aquiline nose. A dusting of shorn, darkish hair covered a strong jawline. He sensed my attention, glancing at me. To my dismay, I flushed then, either from the wine or the feeling