An Outlaw For Christmas (Spinster Mail-Order Brides 18) by Susan Horsnell

Author:Susan Horsnell [Susan Horsnell]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

CLOANNE

It seemed like a year had passed instead of one night when I awoke the following morning. I’d tossed and turned, images of the handsome Ronaldo teasing my mind. The timbre of his voice caused gooseflesh to break out every time it was recalled by my memory.

What a pity we couldn’t have met in Fastnet. Maybe he would have been agreeable to us courting. Maybe we could have had a future together.

I sighed, stretched my arms over my head and snuggled back under the covers. The hour was early, and I didn’t wish to disturb Mrs. Peach and her husband.

I’d met Earl at supper the previous evening. He was a jovial man and ironically, considering the time of year, he reminded me of Santa. He wore a beard which reached onto the top of his chest. It was sprinkled with gray, as was the brown hair on his head. Eyes the color of whiskey held mirth. When he laughed at something Mrs. Peach, or their son, Floyd said, his entire body wobbled. The sight had me breaking into laughter more than at what had been said.

The entire family showed a welcoming warmth which I felt enveloped in. I would have no hesitation with remaining in touch after I left and was certain I’d be back for a visit.

Closing my eyes, visions of Ronaldo drifted to the forefront. Images of his handsome, smiling face. Of his tall, lean body as he purposely strode away. I pictured him with a beautiful woman on his arm and my stomach clenched. Was I jealous? No, I couldn’t possibly be feeling possessive over a man I’d only just met. It was ridiculous.

When I heard movement downstairs, I climbed from the bed, washed, dressed and headed down to greet whoever was up and about.

~*~

Earl, as he’d insisted I call him, sat at the table reading a newspaper. It appeared a little damp, probably the result of being left on the front stoop. Although largely protected from snow, stray flakes did cause the small landing to become wet.

He glanced up at me as I entered the room. “Mornin’, how did you sleep?”

“Very well,” I lied.

He turned a page and shook out the newspaper before returning to read. Our conversation was obviously done. Just like my father, I thought. When papa’s mind had been captured by the morning news, he had no interest in conversation.

Thinking of returning to papa brought a smile to my face. I would need to send a telegram today to inform him of my return.

Mrs. Peach, Davina as she’d asked me to call her, was at the stove. The aroma of cooking ham hung in the air causing my mouth to water. She peered over her shoulder while stirring a pan of what looked like beans.

“Take a seat, honey. Won’t be long.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” I wasn’t used to being idle or being waited on, and felt at a loose end.

“No. I’m ready to serve and Earl has already set the table as you can see.

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