Hartfords by Katherine Spearing

Author:Katherine Spearing
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, Comedy, Holiday
Publisher: Leon Publishing

♥♥♥

“Edward Cole is too old,” Samantha said. She was dictating instructions to Mrs. Bishop about household duties while she and William were away at the coast. “These clothes need to be mended,” she said, placing a pile in Mrs. Bishop’s arms. She walked on, followed by the housekeeper and Rose and Allison, who’d arrived with lights in their eyes just as she was beginning.

“He’s only twenty-eight. Just eight years older than Elizabeth,” said Allison.

“Really? Is that all?” Samantha moved down her list without glancing up.

“Don’t you find it strange we’ve never thought of Mr. Cole as a suitor before?” Rose said.

“I suppose we never had a reason to,” Samantha pointed out.

“If Elizabeth were to marry someone closer to her age, he likely wouldn’t be established in a profession yet. She’ll have to marry someone older, anyways.”

“Why Elizabeth and not Victoria?” Samantha stepped into the kitchen and began going through the stores, pointing to items that needed replacing. Mrs. Bishop made a jot on her pad of paper.

“Victoria is much too young for Mr. Cole,” said Rose. “Elizabeth has always been thought mature for her age. Besides, she already has a connection to Mr. Cole through his mother.”

“I cannot see Victoria caring for Mr. Cole and his mother the same way Elizabeth would,” Allison added.

“Why would you wish to see Elizabeth burdened with the care of Mrs. Cole?” said Samantha.

“Why should Mr. Cole not marry because of his unfortunate situation?” Allison responded.

“Indeed,” said Rose. “It might be the reason he has never married. It’s just like him to not wish to place such a burden on a wife. He’s a kind, generous soul. He deserves a good wife.”

“And why should that wife be Elizabeth?” Samantha sank into a chair at the kitchen table and Mrs. Bishop began preparing tea. “She has so many admirers at the coast. She could have a much more dashing fellow, I’m sure.”

“Those snobs?” Allison scoffed. “Never.”

“We have to at least try,” said Rose, as she and Allison sat across from Samantha. “They’ll likely never look at one another in that way unless someone helps them along.”

Samantha waited for Rose to express some word of caution or hesitation, but she was just as enraptured with the idea as Allison. All ill-will for Samantha and William’s manipulation in her relationship with Reuben was forgotten.

Indeed, Rose guessed what Samantha was thinking and said, “We’re merely creating opportunities.”

Samantha sighed and placed her list on the table. “But they’ve had a lifetime of opportunities. Why now?”

Allison threw up her hands. “Because we have a bet to win. Isn’t that obvious?”

Mrs. Bishop placed teacups in front of the women and the pot in front of Samantha, then she retreated with the pile of clothes. Samantha started to reach for the pot, but Rose snatched it up. “You seem very tired Samantha, are you ill?”

“No,” she responded. “But all the trips back and forth to the coast are beginning to take their toll.”

“Have you thought of moving to the coast?” Allison asked.

Samantha sipped her tea.

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