The Unexpected Bride. Debra Ullrick

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      Several yards from the stall, Haydon expelled two short whistle sounds.

      A black horse poked its head out of the stall door.

      “How you doing, Rebel Boy?” Haydon walked up to him and rubbed the horse on the nose, then patted his cheek.

      Rainee stepped up next to Haydon and looked at the horse’s shiny coat. She peered into the stall and noticed white spots all over the horse’s rump. “Oh, my. What an exquisite animal. God has really outdone Himself on this one. May I pet him?”

      Haydon stepped aside and Rainee ran her hand over Rebel’s head. “He seems gentle. Did you break him?”

      “Yes.”

      “Do you break all of your horses?”

      “Most of them. Jess helps some.” He stopped talking and Rainee peered up at him. A shadow covered his face as he looked away. Rainee wondered what was wrong, then realized he had become still when he had mentioned his brother’s name. The very one who had sent for her.

      “I’m sorry, but it’s getting late and I need to finish my chores now.”

      Rainee knew she had been dismissed. But she understood. Haydon was having a hard time dealing with what his brother had done, and she did not blame him. This most awkward situation vexed her also. To ease his discomfort, she would try and find a new home as soon as possible.

      Rainee forced herself not to fidget at the dining room table. Father always hated that sort of improper display, said it showed a lack of confidence and no Devonwood should ever behave in such an unbecoming manner. Because of their wealth and standing in society, they should hold their heads high and have impeccable manners.

      As if any of that mattered to Rainee.

      She detested all of the snobbery and insincerity that accompanied most people of high rank.

      The kitchen door flung open, and in barreled a young man who resembled Haydon in every way, albeit younger and smaller. He stopped short when he saw her, then he hurried around to the opposite side of the table and sat down. His eyes locked onto her. “Who are you? And what are you doing here?”

      “Michael!”

      Rainee’s gaze flew to Haydon seated at the head of the table.

      “I’m sorry. I apologize for my brother’s rude behavior, Rainee.” Haydon turned his attention to his brother and sent several silent but serious messages his direction.

      The poor boy’s face matched the color of a scarlet ribbon Rainee once had. She longed to ease the young man’s embarrassment, but it would be highly improper for her to interfere.

      “Rainee, may I present my brother, Michael. And the gentleman sitting next to him is our dear friend, Smokey.”

      “Ma’am.” The man with the gray hair and gentle brown eyes nodded his head once.

      “Pleased to meet you, gentlemen.” Rainee presented a polite dip of her head to Smokey, then turned her attention to Michael and offered him the same courtesy.

      “And of course you’ve already met Abigail and Leah. Everyone, this is Rainee.”

      Questioning stares made her want to shrink under the table and disappear out the door.

      “Just so you all know, Jesse invited her out for a visit. I do not want anyone in this family embarrassing Rainee again. Is that understood?” His gaze went around the room, holding a moment on each member until they each nodded their assent.

      Rainee wanted to hug the man for sparing her any further humiliation. Admiration for his sensitivity sent a strange swirling sensation into her heart.

      Confused, questioning gazes fluttered her direction from around the table. She waited for one of them to ask her why she was not eating with Haydon’s brother and his wife, but not one person spoke even though she could tell they wanted to. They obviously respected Haydon’s authority. And him.

      “Let’s pray.” Everyone bowed their heads as Haydon said a prayer over the food.

      Dinner consisted of Swedish elk stew and cornbread. Laughter floated around the table and the lively conversation reminded her of family dinners back home. Only the conversations around her parents’ table were much more formal.

      Much to her horror, a wide yawn attacked her without warning and escaped before she could catch it. She covered her mouth, but it was really no use. “Merciful heavens. Please forgive me. I did not mean to be rude. I fear I am overtired.”

      “Of course you are. Traveling has a way of doing that to a person. Why don’t you head on up to bed?” Katherine’s look of understanding warmed her insides.

      “If you do not mind, I think I shall.” She started to rise and found Haydon behind her, pulling out her chair.

      When she stood, she turned to thank him, and their eyes connected.

      The sound of Abby’s giggle reached her ears.

      Haydon broke eye contact with a frown. Then he rushed toward the door, snatched his hat off a wooden peg, and disappeared into the night with only a “I’d better check on Rebel” floating out after him.

      Rainee stretched her arms above her and allowed her eyes to adjust to the daylight beaming through the windows. The lavender curtains waved in the light breeze. She glanced over at Leah’s empty side of the bed and wondered what hour of the day it was.

      Weeks on a train and stagecoach had taken their toll on her. Last night, after she had written her letter to Mr. Bettes and snuggled into the soft pillow, her eyes closed and she had fallen into a deep sleep.

      She slid her legs out from under the quilt and placed her feet on the cool floor. Her gaze searched the room for a water pitcher and basin to wash her face. In that moment, it was as if someone had doused her head with a pitcher of cold water because once again she was forced to face reality.

      Never again would there be water ready for her.

      No maid to help button her dresses.

      No Jenetta.

      Rainee was certain she would either be dead or have gone mad by now had it not been for Jenetta and her kindness.

      Jenetta had doctored her wounds, prayed with her and had even gone against Ferrin’s orders by continuing to fill Rainee’s water basin. In return, Rainee helped Jenetta with the extra chores Ferrin had heaped on her already-long list.

      Rainee’s chest heaved. She needed to accept the fact this was her new home now. At least temporarily anyway. The burden of being unsettled hung over her like an ominous cloud.

      Not knowing what her host expected from her, she decided to make haste and get dressed so she could go downstairs and find out.

      Rainee walked to the end of the bed, knelt in front of the trunk and opened it. She pulled out her pale blue day dress and shook it out. Alone in the room, she slipped her gloves and nightgown off, thankful she nor anyone else could see the raised stripes across her back. A painful reminder of СКАЧАТЬ