Bluebonnet Belle by Lori Copeland

Author:Lori Copeland
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises
Published: 2007-01-28T16:00:00+00:00

“Miss Ludwig?”

Beulah turned. “Yes?”

“My name is Raymond Grimes. I’m a friend of Dr. Fuller’s.”

She smiled. “Yes, I’ve seen you in his office, haven’t I?”

“I’m a salesman, medical supplies and equipment. Dr. Fuller was nice enough to invite me to the celebration tonight.”

Beulah’s gaze scanned the young man from head to foot. Brown hair brushed back from a wide forehead, kind blue eyes, white shirt and brown suit, his boots freshly polished…He wasn’t outstandingly handsome, but he looked nice.

“Could we visit?”

She hesitated. She seldom took time to socialize at these affairs. She usually minded the refreshment table. “I—I shouldn’t leave my post.”

He looked disappointed. “Couldn’t someone watch it for you a moment?”

Glancing around, Beulah spotted Mrs. Steel, smiling and nodding encouragingly. Thelma’s eyes seemed to be urging her to enjoy herself.

“Well, I guess it won’t hurt,” she finally said, taking the hand he offered.

She was glad for a break. A nice-looking young man had actually sought her out!

Her, Beulah “Porky” Ludwig!

She smiled, hoping to make pleasant conversation. “Do you travel through town often?”

“Every two to three weeks, depending on how things go.”

Oh, dear. Did he notice how thick her waist was? Did it matter to him? Why hadn’t she worn a corset! Drat! She would have suffered through the atrocity if she’d had any idea a man would ask her to chat!

“This your hometown?”

She nodded. She wasn’t good at small talk. Never had been.

“It’s a nice place.”

“I think so.”

They watched the others, saying nothing, and she didn’t mind. This was comfortable. Of course, he was a stranger in town and probably taking pity on her, but she didn’t mind. It was worth it to see the look on Janie Anderson’s face.

“Gray tells me your father runs the pharmacy.”

“Mmm-hmm. I work there with him.”

Oh. That was it. He saw her as a potential account. It didn’t matter. For now, she was actually being accompanied by a man.

“What do you find to be the fastest-selling medications?”

For the next two hours they talked about medicines, over-the-counter treatments and even Pinkham’s elixir. Ray didn’t agree that it was a miracle cure, but he did say that for some people it seemed beneficial.

“Would you like some refreshment?”

“Yes,” she said, though she was reluctant to move. This didn’t happen that often, and she wanted to make it last as long as possible.

Ray handed her a cup of lemonade and they stood at the edge of the crowd while they sipped their tart drinks.

“Hello, Porky.”

“Hello, Melinda.”

When the young woman lingered, Beulah remembered her manners. “Melinda Barnes, this is Raymond Grimes.”

“Raymond, I’m glad to meet you.” Melinda’s adventurous eyes devoured her escort, but it didn’t matter. He would be gone in the morning. “Are you new in town?”

“Just passing through.”

“I see.” She smiled ever so charmingly. “Well, I certainly do hope you’ll come back soon.”

Melinda’s attention was caught by a friend, and she hurried off.

“Did she call you…Porky?”

Beulah blushed. “That’s my name.”

“Surely not.”

“Well, it’s a nickname that’s stuck since I was a little…since I was a child.” She’d never been a ‘little’ anything.

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