Let Down Your Hair by Linda Jones

Author:Linda Jones [Jones, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: ereads
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Reverend Phillip Kirkwood had the coldest eyes she'd ever seen, Rachel decided. They were quite unnatural. His late-afternoon visit came as a surprise, and not a particularly pleasant one. She would prefer to be imprisoned in her room again.

"I do hope you are not one of those women who believes her only contribution to society is the beauty of her face,” he said, his voice as cold as his eyes.

"Of course not,” she said, not quite understanding what he meant but entirely sure of the correct answer.

They sat in the silver parlor, in chairs facing each other. Both sat on the edge of their seats, spines straight and hands properly positioned in their laps. The Reverend Kirkwood had declined all offers of refreshment, asking only for a moment of Rachel's time. It had been an unbearably long moment.

The reverend, with his unbending posture and icy eyes, even made Edwina nervous. She had gladly left Rachel alone with the man who would likely soon be her brother-in-law.

"Daniel has neglected his duties to the church in the past, but with a proper wife to encourage him, I expect his time and financial contributions will improve considerably."

Good heavens. He wanted money! “I will do whatever I can to encourage my husband to support the church."

The twitching of his lips might have been a smile. It was difficult to be sure. “Daniel needs the guidance of a good woman. I have great hopes that you are not one of those flighty females whose primary concern is her wardrobe and what social gathering she will be attending next."

Rachel fought to keep her face emotionless, a mask of propriety. If only he knew! “I will do my best not to disappoint you."

If he heard the hint of sarcasm in her voice, he ignored it. His answer was a stately nod of his head.

"It's very kind of you to offer to perform the ceremony for us,” she said, anxious to change the subject. “I know it means a lot to Daniel."

The smug expression on his face said, “Of course it does,” but he never opened his mouth.

If she married Daniel, this man would be family. If she had Daniel's children, one day, they might be ... like their uncle. The very idea made her shiver.

Dr. Moore stuck his head into the room, bless him. His concerned eyes flickered from Rachel to Phillip Kirkwood and back again. “Young lady, you promised me a game of checkers."

He tried to appear calm, but Rachel could not be fooled. Dr. Moore was rescuing her.

"Are we finished?” she asked Phillip with a gentle smile.

"I suppose,” he conceded in a less than gracious manner. “If you wish to fritter away your afternoon on a pastime as frivolous as a game, I suppose that is your right,” he added.

"Checkers?” Dr. Moore said, stepping closer and offering his arm as Rachel stood. “Frivolous? Young man, I'll have you know that checkers is a fine exercise of the mind."

"If you insist,” Phillip said in a low voice.

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