The Glenmore's: Caught by Susan Horsnell Read Free Book Online

don’t ya think you’ll marry?” Virginia asked.
    “No man would want a woman with such an ugly face Ginny and I understand that. I just cain’t take anymore cruelty”
    “I understand darlin’. You’ll find the people of Gold Springs won’t judge ya on your scars and darlin’…..” Virginia paused and Justine looked into her face.
    “Yes” Justine said quietly.
    “Don’t give up on marriage and children. There’ll be a man out there who will lose his heart to ya and love ya deeply; your scars won’t matter”
    “Thanks Ginny, you’re very kind. I’m sorry I was angry at Ben in your home. It was very rude and I apologise”
    Virginia laughed. “I thought ya handled my son very well; no need to apologise. Now; how about the dance tomorrow and Christmas lunch?”
    “Josh and I will be attending the dance Justine. It’ll be a good opportunity for ya to see just how kind the people of Gold Springs are. We’d be happy to take ya so please say you’ll come” Millie pleaded.
    “I would love to come on Christmas day Ginny and I’ll think about the dance. I guess I could help with the food and drinks tables”
    “You won’t have time; you’ll be too busy dancin’.” Virginia assured her.
    Justine surprised the ladies by laughing. “No-one dances with someone like me but thank you”
    Virginia stood and Millie and Justine also stood to escort her back to her buggy.
    “Thank you for the tea and cookies Millie and thanks for the chat Justine. I really hope I see ya tomorrow night”
    Virginia turned her horse and Millie and Justine watched as the buggy moved away down the driveway. Millie put her arm around Justine’s waist. “She’s a good woman Justine. She’ll do her utmost, as will Josh and me, to make ya happy here”
    Justine leaned over and kissed Millie. “Thank you Millie; now I have to get back to work or Josh will think I’ve deserted him”
    “Don’t let him work ya too hard” Millie told Justine as she headed for the barn.
    “I won’t” Justine laughed. 

CHAPTER SIX
    “What time are ya leavin’ for the dance ma?” Ben asked his mother over breakfast.
    “We’ll leave about four o’clock if it’s alright with ya pa. I wanna get the pies and cakes in early before everyone else starts arrivin’.”
    “Is everyone else comin’?” Ben wanted to know if his two married brothers and their families, his sister and her husband and their good friends Kate and Max would be there.
    “Yes, everyone will meet us there about five o’clock”
    “That’s good ma. I’m lookin’ forward to seein’ Caleb; I sure wish he lived closer”
    Caleb is the adopted son of Ben’s brother James and his wife Rebecca. James is the middle Glenmore son and is two years older than Ben. James is the Deputy Sheriff in Gold Springs while Rebecca’s father, Dan, is the Sheriff. James and his family have a house in town close to his work and Ben misses being able to see them every day. They usually visit the ranch on James’ days off once a week. Rebecca is due to have their baby next May making her now four months pregnant.
    “You only miss Caleb ‘cause ya both act the same age when ya get together – 8 years old!” Joseph laughed and Ben laughed along with him.
    “Well, I got work to do so I’ll see ya later” Ben said and disappeared out the door.
    ********
    “Have ya decided what ya gonna do about the dance tonight darlin’?” Millie asked Justine while they had breakfast.
    “I just don’t know Millie; I’m real scared” Justine admitted.
    “I can imagine ya are but we’ll be there to look after ya and it’s time ya had some faith in people” Josh told her.
    “Thanks Josh; can I let ya know later?”
    “Of course ya can darlin’ but please don’t let fear keep ya away. Okay, eat up, we got work to do before we go anywhere”
    “I got bakin’ to do too and I cain’t get it done if I’m waitin’ on the pair of you” Millie feigned sternness and Josh laughed as he