His Substitute Mail-Order Bride by Sherri Shackelford

Author:Sherri Shackelford [Shackelford, Sherri]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-01-25T19:06:17+00:00

Chapter Nine

Anna tightened the bow of her bonnet beneath her chin and set out for her morning walk. The two other brides who’d been traveling with her, Millie Lewis and Minnie Dowie, had been kind to her and deserved an apology.

As she stood on the porch of the boardinghouse, the sugary sweet aroma of a freshly baked confection wafted from through the screen door.

A petite woman with dark brown hair appeared on the threshold. She opened the screen door, but her attention remained focused on something in the house.

“Not again, Sadie!” She turned, and her topaz eyes widened. “I’m sorry. I thought Sadie had forgotten her key again.”

“I’m Anna Linford. I traveled part of the way on the train with Minnie and Millie.”

“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Deborah.” The woman glanced over her shoulder once more. “Deborah, uh, Frazier. Oh dear. I must apologize, I’ve got a cake in the oven, and I’m a bit distracted. Do you mind following me into the kitchen?”

“Not at all.”

Anna had never considered herself tall, but she felt like an Amazon beside Deborah. Petite and pale with perfect waves sculpting her dark hair into an elaborately braided swirl at the base of her neck, Deborah was as perfect as an oil painting. Though her royal blue dress was cut in a simple style, even Anna recognized the expense of the luxurious fabric as she followed the other woman.

Deborah’s footsteps were light, soundless and her movements elegant, as though she was floating down the corridor rather than walking. Without looking back, she scooted into the kitchen and opened the stove door. She frowned at the two pans inside, tilting her head this way and that before shutting the door once more.

“Two more minutes,” she said. “It’s quite challenging trying to judge the time on a chocolate cake. One can never discern whether or not the batter has browned.”

Anna was grateful to finally put the name to the face. “I’m already a fan of your baking skills. It’s a pleasure meeting the person who creates such wonderful confections.”

“You’re chocolate cake with cherry filling!” Deborah exclaimed. “Tomasina was very specific when she ordered the dessert for her dinner party.” A wistful look drifted over Deborah’s delicate features. “What was dinner like at the mayor’s house?”

“Smoky.” Anna smiled. “I don’t think Tomasina is as accomplished a cook as you are a baker.”

“Which is a diplomatic way of saying she set the dinner on fire.”

“Yes.” Anna laughed. “Although what was salvaged was quite delicious. I’m being embarrassingly impolite. One should never complain about one’s host.”

Deborah flapped her hand dismissively. “Don’t worry. Tomasina would be the first one to laugh about her escapades. She’s quite unique.” She lifted a glass dome revealing a plate of delicate, flaky pastries. “Will you try one of these? I need your honest opinion.”

Anna hesitated only a moment. “All right.” It would be impolite to refuse, after all.

Morning sunlight filtered through delicate lace curtains, sending patterned shadows over the cheery gingham tablecloth. She sat at the table, and Deborah handed her a plated pastry and fork.

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