The Unexpected Bride. Debra Ullrick

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СКАЧАТЬ the light blue dress with dark blue bows and layers of lace on the skirt, collar and sleeves. Although she preferred a lighter, simpler dress, sometimes she missed wearing such gowns. Since her parents’ passing, the only time she had been allowed to wear such finery was when company came. One old man in particular. An old man who made her shudder with repulsion. Rainee hastened to rid her mind of the despicable memories.

      She glanced back at her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was in complete disarray.

      After she secured her hair in a chignon, she grabbed her fingerless gloves and slipped them on. Flipping her hands over and back, she realized how out of place the lacey gloves looked here. But she had no choice but to wear them. They covered up contemptible, embarrassing scars. Scars she did not want anyone inquiring about.

      Rainee opened the bedroom door. Coffee and bacon aromas greeted her, making her stomach rumble. She made her way down the stairs. As she neared the kitchen, her gaze found Haydon, seated at the table with Katherine, each holding a coffee cup, and out of reflex, Rainee ducked back so they would not see her.

      “I wish Jesse would mind his own business. He should have never sent for her.”

      “Give her a chance, Haydon. You’ve got to let the past go.”

      Indecision gripped her. She did not know whether to continue forward or to turn around and make her way back up the stairs. Eavesdropping was wrong, but she could not get her feet to move.

      Haydon said something, but Rainee could not hear him because his voice was too low.

      “Yes, you can. You can’t give up.”

      “I haven’t given up, Mother. I keep this place running and even manage to turn over a profit.”

      “That’s not what I meant. And yes, you do keep this place running. You’ve done an excellent job since your father died. I’m so proud of you, son. You pushed past the grief of losing him and took charge. Now you need to do the same with Melanie’s death.”

      Melanie? Who was Melanie? Rainee wanted to ask, but she did not dare as they would know she was eavesdropping. Guilt took a swipe at her. She should move, should go forward or back, but her feet were not cooperating.

      “Mother, we’ve had this conversation a million times already. It’s my fault—”

      “It’s not your fault.”

      Rainee wanted to know what was not his fault.

      “You remind me of Nora’s brother, the one who’s coming to live with her. Nora said he’s still stuck in the past. Still hurting. What a tragedy that is.”

      What in Haydon’s past was he stuck in? And why was he like this Nora woman’s brother? Had he been responsible for his father’s death? Or what? She strained to listen. She wanted to see if her unheard questions would be answered.

      “Mother, I know you mean well, and I know what you’re trying to do, but you know I plan to never marry again.”

      Rainee stuffed down the hurt his words inflicted. Although she knew he did not want her, it still brought an ache to her soul. One she could not cast off like she could a piece of unwanted clothing.

      She glanced behind her, desperately wanting to dart back up the stairs, but she did not want to risk being heard.

      What should she do?

      Haydon’s words just now, and knowing he was not the one who had sent for her made her extremely uncomfortable, and she did not wish to be around him any longer.

      With great care, she turned and made it up three steps before she heard, “Good morning, Rainee.”

      Rainee closed her eyes and drew in a long breath. Forcing a smile onto her face, she turned and made her way to them. “Good morning, Katherine.”

      She tried to look natural, not guilty of eavesdropping, wondering if they knew she had. If so, neither said a word.

      Out of courtesy, she turned to greet Haydon, but the greeting never left her lips. His appearance was that of a person who had not slept for weeks. Her heart broke for him.

      “Can I get you some breakfast?”

      Rainee diverted her attention to Katherine. “Yes, that would be lovely, thank you.”

      Rainee did not know if she would offend her host by offering to help. In the society she came from it would be a huge social gaffe to do so because the wealthy had servants to do that. But Rainee preferred helping—it made her feel useful, instead of like some ornament waiting to be handpicked by an acceptable suitor. Another rigid rule she loathed.

      Just because her family had money, she did not believe that she or they were above anyone else. If her father knew she felt that way and had ever caught her helping, he would have been appalled. Back home, even though she had failed miserably, she had always tried to behave in a way befitting their social status. But here, she did not know the proper thing to do.

      Should she offer to help, or should she sit down and allow her host to wait on her?

      And did she really want to sit at the table with Haydon after overhearing the conversation with his mother?

      His eyes that spoke of his confusion and discomfort locked onto hers. Rainee could not blame him for being uncomfortable. After all, this most perplexing situation was no fault of his. But then again, it was no fault of hers either. She thought the man who had sent for her wanted her—otherwise she would have never come.

      He broke eye contact, rose and came to where she stood. He pulled the chair out and held it as she sat.

      Haydon went back, sat in his chair and became engrossed in his untouched food.

      Katherine grabbed a covered plate from the oven. She lifted the towel, revealing a mountain of thick bacon slices, scrambled eggs and biscuits and set them on the table, along with an empty cup. She filled Rainee’s cup with steaming coffee and sat in the chair next to her. “Go ahead and eat before it gets cold.”

      “Yes, ma’am.” Rainee nodded, then bowed her head and said a silent prayer. When she opened her eyes, Haydon was staring at her as was Katherine.

      “You’re a Christian?” Katherine’s blue eyes beamed, and wrinkles gathered around her eyes and mouth when she smiled.

      “Yes, ma’am. I am.”

      “Perfect.” Katherine clasped her hands.

      Perfect for what? Instead of inquiring, she picked up a piece of bacon with her fingers and bit off a piece.

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