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

that.”
    “Just watch out for Chuck.”
    “What?”
    “He’s a good man, and my husband trusts him, but he’s the town’s Lothario. He’s shameless where women are concerned. I feel I should warn you, because you seem to have caught his eye.”
    “I … have?” If only she knew what had happened in the stairwell.
    “Oh, for certain. If given half the chance, he’ll try to seduce you. He’s charming and handsome to be sure, but he’d never seriously offer for a woman. I’ve seen enough to know he prefers his whiskey neat, his women loose, and his horses fast.” She glanced in the mirror, fussing with her hair. “Give that one a wide berth.”

Chapter 7
    P ercy and I hardly managed more than a few sentences of conversation, the dinner table lacking in privacy. He had pulled me aside once we left, saying, “I loath that I had to sit across from you. Tomorrow night, I wish to dine with you alone.”
    “Yes, Percy.”
    “I want to see you for lunch as well.”
    “All right.” I had glimpsed Mr. Brittle placing a hat on his head, as he headed for the exit. “Here at twelve then.”
    “I’m looking forward to it. We have a lot of courting to catch up on, so I can marry you next week.”
    My attention remained on Mr. Brittle. He spoke to someone by the door briefly, before casting a glance over his shoulder. He winked at me teasingly and then he was gone.
    “Evelyn?”
    “Hum … yes?”
    “I’ll bid you a good evening then.” He took my gloved hand, kissing my fingers. “Have a restful night.”
    “And you. Thank you for supper. It was lovely. I adored meeting Mrs. Kelly. I can tell she and I will be good friends.”
    “Excellent. She’s fine society, as is Mrs. Hershey.”
    “Yes, indeed.”
    After I had reached my room, Tory waited for me, having had tea brought up. “So, how was it?” She had changed into her nightclothes. “Are you forming an attachment to Mr. Vanguard or may I go pack now?”
    “I hardly spoke with Percy.” Removing my gloves, I sat on the edge of the couch. “Thank you for tea.” There seemed to be some sort of commotion in the street. “For heaven’s sake. What is that ruckus?” Getting to my feet, I drew back the draperies, peering out. A circle had formed around two men who were fighting. “Are they going to do that all night long?”
    Tory had joined me. “This town is uncivilized. No woman in her right mind would want to live here.”
    “I would appreciate it, if you could refrain from saying anything negative about my future home. I know you had anticipated the luxury of Mr. Cardcastle’s mansion, where even you would be treated like a queen, but I’ve no desire to marry him.”
    “You accepted his proposal. You’re wearing his ring.”
    “I was under duress at the time. I was forced to accept him. As for the ring, I left it behind. I don’t want it. It’s on my dresser. Mother can give it back to him.”
    “Don’t you miss your mother? Don’t you miss all your pretty things? You had the loveliest canopy bed with all those pillows you embroidered.”
    “Things aren’t important to me. I can always buy another bed like that. I can embroider more pillows.” Movement in the street held my attention. Someone had stepped into the fray, grabbing one of the men.
    “Quit it now, Buck, before you lose what’s left of your teeth,” said the man.
    I pressed my nose to the single-pane glass. “Well, that looks like Mr. Brittle.”
    “Who’s he?”
    “Someone the Kellys know.”
    “Oh.” She yawned. “I’m going to bed. You may stand there and look at the imbeciles all night long, but I need my rest.”
    I stared at the commotion for as long as it lasted, the men dispersing after a few more punches were thrown. Mr. Brittle stood with several men, and, sensing he was being watched, he turned towards the hotel, gazing up at me in the window. He tipped his hat, grinning.
    “I don’t believe I’ve ever met a bigger scoundrel,” I murmured to