While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad Read Free Book Online Page B

Lottie? We’ve got news to share!”
    Charlotte took the trophy from Dr. Brooks’s arms. “Thank you for your help. I’m sure I’ll see you at the hospital.”
    “Actually, your sister and your niece are going home tomorrow.” His Adam’s apple bobbed beneath a dimpled chin. “But I’m sure we’ll run into one another.”
    “Yes, we still need to discuss the hospital’s food service.”
    His back stiffened. “Good day, Miss Gregory, and congratulations on your win.”
    The driver opened her door as soon as the doctor turned to go. She pressed one shoe to the running board but stopped when she spotted Chef Reisen from Carling’s Restaurant. Today would be the perfect day to speak to him about securing a position.
    “I’ll be right back,” she told Tessa before scurrying past Dr. Brooks and crossing the street. She stepped in front of the contest judge, and he came to an abrupt halt. “Excuse me, Chef Reisen, but I was hoping to speak to you.”
    His smile widened. “Ah, you are the talented young homemaker who took the prize. Congratulations. Your soufflé was perfect—fluffy and delicious.”
    “I’m glad you feel that way, but sir, I am not a homemaker, nor do I wish to be one.”
    His eyes narrowed and his brows drew to a V. “No?”
    “I was trained at Fannie Farmer’s School of Cookery. We learned about scientific cookery and all its components, and in light of the contest today, I’m hoping you might be interested in my services in your kitchen.”
    He shook his head. “I’m afraid we have all the servers we need.”
    “I’m not interested in being a server. I would like a position in your kitchen—cooking.”
    “You want to cook in my kitchen?” His voice boomed against the brick and mortar building. A full-bellied laugh rumbled in his chest and rolled out. “Go home, little cook. Find a husband whowill enjoy your soufflés, and make delicious cakes and cookies for your babies. You don’t belong in a real kitchen. No woman does.”
    “But Chef Reisen, even New York’s Women’s Club has a female chef.”
    “A women’s club?” He rolled his eyes, and with a dismissive wave of his hand he walked away.
    Charlotte fought for a breath, but her corset seemed to tighten on its own. Hot tears filled her eyes. He was her last chance. If he could turn her down after tasting her food, how would she ever secure a position?
    The sidewalk rippled before her and she pressed a hand to her chest. Oh my. Vapors? Now? For the first time in her life? She couldn’t faint right here on the sidewalk. She leaned against the storefront and slid down onto the window ledge. Breathe in. Breathe out.
    “Miss Gregory?”
    She looked up into concerned green eyes. Really, Lord, wasn’t Chef Reisen’s laughter enough? Do I need to be completely mortified?
    Dr. Joel Brooks knelt before her. “Miss Gregory, do you need to loosen your corset?”
    Oh dear. Where was the nearest pickle barrel to crawl into?

    Charlotte lay back on the davenport and tried to relax.
    Why did Aunt Sam have to make such a fuss over her? Worse, why did Tessa insist on sharing everything that happened in vivid color?
    “And then Dr. Handsome helped her all the way back to the automobile and told me to take her home and see to it she eats a good meal and rests the remainder of the day.” Tessa feigned a swoon onto the back of the settee. “It was so romantic.”
    “Tessa, it was not romantic!” Charlotte yanked the cold cloth from her forehead and heaved it at her sister. “Besides, Aunt Sam doesn’t want to know every detail.”
    “Quite the contrary. I’d like to hear all about it.” Aunt Sam removed the pin from her suffrage sash, folded the wide ribbon, and set it on the marble-topped table beside her chair. Her eyebrow arched in Tessa’s direction. “However, I’d like to hear about it from Charlotte. After all, it is her story to tell. I myself enjoyed a lovely morning in front of the capitol with my banner held high