The Gold Miner's Wife: A Young Woman's Story of Romance, Passion and Murder by Amethyst Creek Read Free Book Online Page A

added.  “It is so moist.”
                  “Thank you for the compliment,” said Susannah.  “I will be sure and tell our cook, Mrs. Sheppard.”
                  “Another new product which captured everyone’s attention is a type of flooring called linoleum,” Mansfield continued.
                  “What is special about it?” asked Mrs. Purfield.
                  “It is advertised as being durable.  It is also inexpensive and is available in patterns and colors,” he answered.
                  “That settles it, now we shall have to redecorate, Professor Purfield.  We simply are not keeping up with these changing times,” said Mrs. Purfield.
                  “No decorating, no decorating, Mrs. Purfield,” pleaded the Professor, “we are home to England soon, so please, no decorating.”
                  “We will be very sorry to see you go,” said Susannah.  “You have been as family to Thomas and me.”
                  “We will have to arrange visits then, and be faithful correspondents,” said Mrs. Purfield.
                  “Would you replace a shiny oak floor with linoleum, Mr. Simmons?” Charlotte asked incredulously.  “Of course you wouldn’t,” she answered for him.
    The strawberry rhubarb pie was served and Edward Mansfield continued to entertain the others with further accounts of his recent adventures.  “July Fourth in Philadelphia was a disaster,” Mansfield commented with a frown.  “On all sides fireworks were exploding – the horses were terrified.  The parade that was to go down Chestnut Street to Independence Hall never made it because the spectators would not stay off the street.”
                  “Yes, it was a disaster,” agreed Charlotte.  “All the restaurants were out of food before dinner time.  There was not a crust of bread left in town by evening.”
                  “My word,” said Mrs. Purfield.  “Such a do!  The pages in your personal diary must be completely filled!”
                  “The Exhibition is proof that we are on the brink of profound change in this country,” said Professor Purfield, “as the events of next week here in Denver shall bear witness.”
                  “The world is changing,” Thomas agreed.  “The recent news of the unfortunate General Custer and our 7 th Cavalry have been much on my mind.”
                  “Ah, yes.  Sitting Bull,” Jack frowned. 
                  “And Crazy Horse,” Thomas added.
                  “What a wretched business,” said Jack, shaking his head. 
                  “But statehood is a change I think we can all celebrate,” said Mr. Gibson, trying to lighten the mood.  “You fellows will be happy to know that the design for our new State Seal appropriately features two miner’s pick axes!”
                  The dinner conversation continued to flow.  Other topics included gold prices, new claims and winter storms.  As he listened, Edward Mansfield’s imagination raced ahead.  While gazing at Susannah in the candlelight, ideas blossomed faster than springtime weeds.
                  “This pie is delicious,” declared Charlotte.  “The fruit is quite tangy.”
                  “Thank you, Charlotte, it is Thomas’ favorite,” said Susannah as she grinned at her husband.  “I wish to remind you all of the special dinner dance to take place tomorrow evening at the Grand Hotel.  It should be quite an event and I know you have all been invited so we hope to see you there.”
                  “A different kind of dance, I dare say,” supplied Mrs. Purfield cryptically.  Mansfield raised a brow.  “How so?” he asked.
                  “This is a leap year, Mr. Mansfield.  Ladies are