The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck Read Free Book Online Page A

Jefferson?” She pinched a slice of tomato off the salad, eyeing Molly.
    “Quite jolly, Miss Emily. Has a spark in his eye.”
    “Good. I’ll be right there.” Emily turned to Molly as Jefferson backed out of the room with a bow. “I’m not done with you.”
    “Let it go, miss.” Molly clutched her arm. “It’s spilt milk. Think of Mr. Saltonstall.” Her tone waxed soft and dreamy. “He’s a fI He’ine, handsome man who is suited to you and your station. He adores you, clings to your every word. Mr. Ludlow is also fine, I’m sure, but your father worked hard to give you this life, the very best of everything. Why marry a common man like Daniel Ludlow when Phillip Saltonstall is after your affections? Love only lasts so long when there’s no food on the table or money in the bank and the children are crying. Trust me, I know.”
    Emily considered Molly’s words, reaching for the door. “It is better to marry Phillip, isn’t it? He’s kind and charming . . . educated.” As was Daniel, on all counts.
    “Educated at a fancy northern university too. Yale.”
    “Phillip is handsome and witty.” As was Daniel. But it helped to list Phillip’s wonderful attributes. What a short memory she had. “He’ll make an excellent father.” But Daniel, too, would be a strong, loving father. “Our parents adore one another.” Emily built her argument. “We’ll have his parents’ house up on Red Mountain.”
    “I think ye know what to do, miss.”
    Yes, yes, she did.
    Daniel’s mother had died when he was fifteen. His father was a police officer in Birmingham and often left Daniel and his brother to fend for themselves. But he’d done well. Gone to college, played baseball, secured a teaching position at the city’s most prestigious school, and now rented an apartment at the very reputable Ridley House.
    But Phillip was heir to the Saltonstall fortune. He’d be a captain of industry, a leader in Birmingham. Emily would be involved with the women’s league or whatever charity or cause she chose. She’d have her heart’s desire, including an estate up on Red Mountain the size of four or five Ridley house apartments.
    “Yes,” she said out loud. “Phillip is the logical choice. The best choice for overall harmony.”
    “Good, glad we cleared that up. Now, go see what your father be a-wanting and get out of my kitchen. You’re distracting me, and your mother will want to know why dinner is not ready.” Hazel tears glistened in Molly’s eyes. “I’m happy for you, miss.”
    At the hall mirror, Emily paused to smooth her hair over her shoulders and clip the stray hairpins to her waistband. She tucked in her shirtwaist and dusted her hands over her skirt, satisfied that the evidence of her tears was gone. After she visited Father, she’d wash and change for dinner.
    Molly’s weepy smile boomeranged in her mind. I’m happy for you, miss . But so much emotion over Emily deciding Phillip was the better choice? She had no time to ponder. She was at Father’s library door.
    “Afternoon, Father.” Emily entered the grand, cool room without knocking. Father spent his mornings at his exchange office, returning home in the afternoons to work in lip to worthe comfort of his library. Beyond the large windows, a stand of cottonwoods shielded the windows from the sun’s setting summer rays.
    “Emily, my dear.” Father rose from his chair, but he was not alone in the room. Phillip also rose as Emily entered.
    “Phillip, you’re here.” She gathered her hair at the nape of her neck. She must look a sight. After seeing him in the city, she rode the dusty trolley home. “I didn’t expect you so soon.” She glared at Father. “Why didn’t you have Jefferson tell me?”
    “I arrived early to speak with your father.” Phillip was handsome and fragrant, poised and confident with a constant glint of merriment in his eyes. He crossed over to her and kissed her cheek in a gentlemanly fashion—one he did