The Engagement Charade. Karen Kirst

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СКАЧАТЬ wretched state. Many minutes later, when she was somewhat reassured her stomach had settled, she trudged over ferns and fallen leaves, mortification seizing her. Alexander would have questions.

      She’d awoken that morning with a vague sense of dread. There was no way of knowing how this confrontation would pan out, but having her boss there as a witness added a layer of anxiety to an already problematic situation.

      He was waiting for her when she emerged into the lane. Standing on her side of the buggy, he swept her with his gaze, uncertainty an ill-fitting mantle on the usually unruffled gentleman.

      He took a single step forward. “What’s the matter? Are you ill?”

      “I’m afraid my nerves got the better of me. It’s quite embarrassing, losing my breakfast within my boss’s hearing. Let’s agree to forget about it, shall we?”

      His frown deepened. Turning away, he removed a canteen from beneath the seat and held it out to her. “You looked peaked. Perhaps a couple of sips of water would help.”

      After she’d finished, he withdrew a handkerchief from his vest pocket and dampened it. “Here.”

      Touched by his patient manner, Ellie wiped her face. The damp cloth felt wonderful. Although mid-September, the days weren’t much cooler than those they’d experienced in the height of summer.

      When she made to return it, he said, “Use it for as long as you need. Are you ready to resume our journey or do you require more time?”

      She forced a smile. “I’m ready.”

      Alexander didn’t immediately move aside. Beneath his bowler hat, his expression was difficult to read. “I could go without you. Spare you the trouble.”

      Stunned, she worked to form a reply. “That’s kind of you to offer,” she said at last. “However, this is my battle to fight. While I don’t relish the thought of you having to witness this ugliness, I’m grateful for your presence.”

      A peculiar emotion passed over his face. With a dip of his head, he lightly gripped her arm and assisted her into the buggy. The conveyance jerked into motion, and Ellie pressed her hand against her tummy, praying it would quieten. Her body tensed as the twin cabins came into view. Nadine was on her porch churning butter. Spying them, she moved to stand on the steps, arms crossed over her chest and her eyes flashing.

      She waited until they’d disembarked to demand, “What do you want, Ellie?”

      Tall like her mother, Nadine had flyaway blond hair offset by sunbaked skin stretched over harsh cheekbones. She wore plain, everyday work clothes that accentuated her slenderness. When Ellie had accepted Nolan’s proposal, she’d been thrilled by the prospect of gaining a sister. Unfortunately, Nadine hadn’t returned the sentiment. It was almost as if she’d been jealous of Ellie’s intrusion into their family unit. Prone to grumbling about everything under the sun, she’d found plenty to complain about concerning Ellie.

      Drawing strength from Alexander’s watchful presence beside her, she said, “I’ve come to collect my things.”

      “My folks aren’t here, but I’ll tell you what they’d say. Get off our property and don’t come back.”

      Ellie felt Alexander stiffen beside her. “You know it isn’t fair to prevent me from having them.”

      “Consider it payment for room and board.”

      “I did pay you, Nadine.”

      Ralph walked around the cabin, a box of tools in his hand, the sun shining on his balding head. His initial surprise turned to wariness.

      “Ellie.” His gaze slid to Alexander. “Who did you bring with you?”

      She made the introductions. Neither man moved to shake hands.

      “Ralph, I don’t want her here,” Nadine implored her husband. “Make them leave.”

      Alexander stepped forward. “We’ll do as you ask as soon as you grant Ellie’s request.”

      “This is none of your business,” she snapped.

      “She’s made it my business.” A vein ticked in his temple. He looked even more forbidding than usual. “Now, you can act in a reasonable manner or you can continue this foolishness, in which case I’ll be forced to involve the sheriff.”

      Ralph hastened to his wife’s side. “He’s right, you know,” he ventured in a gentle voice. “It’s not right to keep Ellie from taking her belongings. She’s family.”

      Nadine jerked away. “That woman has never been part of this family, and you know it! If not for her, my brother would still be here...” she choked out, tears threatening.

      Ralph attempted to console his wife. Alexander angled his body toward Ellie, partially blocking her view of the pair. She hoped her expression didn’t tell the story of her deep dismay and the sense of failure that cropped up in her weakest moments. She hadn’t been good enough for Nolan or his loved ones.

      “Let’s go for a walk.” Curving an arm about his wife’s waist, Ralph directed her toward the forest, surreptitiously signaling for them to hurry about their business.

      When they were out of earshot, Alexander touched Ellie’s sleeve. “Let’s not delay.”

      Upset by Nadine’s outburst, she didn’t speak as she climbed the steps and entered the cabin. The smell of Nadine and Ralph’s breakfast lingered in the close air, bacon and eggs cooked in animal fat, mixed with the strong hint of disintegrating firewood. Breathing through her mouth, Ellie walked to the far corner where her bed and dresser were situated. Alexander remained in the doorway, a silent guardian. She placed her clothes and a handful of books inside a small crate she’d stored beneath the bed. A framed photograph of herself and Nolan was wedged between her keepsake box and a mirror and brush set. Picking it up, she experienced a rush of sorrow at the reminder of the naïve girl she’d once been.

      “You should take that.” Alexander’s rumbling voice behind her made her jump. “If you want to.”

      She traced her image. “I’m glad that girl didn’t know what lay ahead.”

      “Were they always this hostile?”

      “Not in the beginning.” She placed the frame with her other things—her baby would wish to see what her father looked like. “Nolan developed a marked mistrust of my loyalty. His doubts spread to the others. While not ideal, life was tolerable in Kentucky. The cross-state move put tremendous pressure on us all. The trip was arduous and the living conditions once we arrived were strained.” Living in canvas tents in the height of spring had been fraught with multiple challenges. “After his death, I believe their grief exacerbated their already poor opinion of me.”

      He studied the ring on her finger. “How long were you married?”

      “Four years.”

      “I’m not sure how you endured it.”

      “I wasn’t in any physical danger. They weren’t nice to me, it’s true, but God saw to my needs. I had a roof over my head and clothes to wear. Food to eat. In my lowest points, I reread the account of Job. СКАЧАТЬ