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

of flutters and tingles in my belly, which was most disconcerting.
    Percy had been quiet, but he spoke then. “I do declare, isn’t Evelyn a handsome woman? My mother said so herself when she met her today. My family esteems you, my dear.”
    He exaggerated greatly. “It was my pleasure meeting them as well. Your mother is delightful.”
    “At the church, right?” asked Mr. Brittle. “Where you were supposed to marry.”
    I glared at him. “No. I met them at the … at the … hotel.”
    “At the wedding reception.”
    “An engagement luncheon.”
    “With an enormous wedding cake.”
    “Oh, stop it, Chuck,” admonished Mrs. Kelly. “So things have not gone smoothly, but when do they ever? I’m sure we’ll have a wedding and a reception soon enough.”
    “Indeed,” agreed Percy. “By next week.”
    Mr. Brittle asked, “Why wait? Keeping this one on a long tether might be dangerous. She could end up marrying some other fella, if you’re not careful.”
    “She’s my fiancé, Chuck. That would be impossible.” Percy scowled, reaching for a glass of wine.
    Mrs. Hershey glanced my way, her look astute. “Mr. Brittle, might I be so bold to ask how old you are?”
    “You can ask. It’s no secret. I’m nearly thirty.”
    “And yet you have no wife.”
    “Seems like I don’t.” He leaned back in the chair, a lazy grin on his face. “I just bought land and I’m building a house. I sure could use a pretty lady to … keep my bed warm.”
    Laughter rang out. Mr. Kelly saying, “You can dust the road from his coat, but he’ll always be an uncouth cowboy.”
    “Truly,” said Mrs. Hershey, shaking her head with disapproval. “There are ladies at the table.” But, her look remained inquisitive. “What do you intend to do about the issue of your bachelorhood?”
    “I didn’t think it was an issue.”
    “You don’t plan on continuing this way, do you?”
    “My dear,” chastised Mr. Hershey. “It’s none of our concern how Mr. Brittle conducts himself in his private life. Please, don’t bring in one of these catalogue women for him. I beg you. Enough of this nonsense.”
    Our meals had not arrived yet, but I wanted to freshen up. I pushed the chair back, getting to my feet. “I’ll be back. Excuse me.”
    Mrs. Kelly stood as well. “I’ll accompany you.”
    I smiled. “I’ve no idea where the washroom is on this floor.”
    “Follow me.” As me moved through the dining room, curious glances came our way. In the entrance hall, Mrs. Kelly said, “Please, call me Lola. Might I call you Evelyn? I love that name. It’s so pretty.”
    “You may.” I followed her to a door, which opened to another room. Inside, I found several porcelain sinks set in heavily carved furniture and a partition door hiding the loo. “I’m relieved to hear of your success in marriage. I’m hopeful for a similar outcome.”
    She turned to face me. “I ran away from intolerable circumstances, Evelyn. I couldn’t stay where I was. I had to trust God would not steer me wrong, and He didn’t, but it was difficult. It’s a long story, but suffice it to say, I made several mistakes, and so did Jack.”
    “I see.”
    “Chuck Brittle was one of those mistakes. My husband tested me before we met by having the train disabled and stranding the passengers. He sent Mr. Brittle to the rescue, but it was more to assess my character.” Not knowing if another lady was in the loo, she whispered, “He kissed me. He knew I was engaged to Jack, and, yet, he kissed me. I failed the test briefly, until I came to my senses.”
    “Goodness.” That was alarming. “Your husband didn’t trust you?”
    “Not before we met and not after. I had to earn his trust. But … there were other issues. It was a mess, but, if two people are meant to be together, they’ll surmount the odds and marry. I’m grateful every day for the life I have. It’s wonderful and perfect, and I adore Jack.” She grinned.
    “I’m glad to hear