Love on a Dime by Cara Lynn James

Author:Cara Lynn James [James, Cara Lynn]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Historical Romance
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2010-05-08T05:00:00+00:00

FIFTEEN

Welcome to Summerhill, Mrs. Santerre. I’m delighted you’ve come.” Lilly pasted on her most hospitable smile as her future mother-in-law grabbed her hands and squeezed the blood right out of her fingers.

When Mrs. Santerre released her grip, she glanced from Lilly to Miranda to Mama. “It’s delightful to see all of you. But where ’s my dear Harlan?”

The door opened and Harlan stepped onto the veranda. “I’m here, Mother.” He gave her a quick hug and pecked her on the cheek.

“Shall we all go inside?” Mama asked.

“Come along, girls,” Mrs. Santerre directed with a lift of her chin. Dressed in a chocolate brown traveling suit, she wore a fashionable cocoa colored hat with dark feathers rising from the brim.

“In a few moments, Aunt Dolly,” Miranda said.

Lilly grimaced as Dolly Santerre sailed into the foyer. A female version of Harlan, Dolly was stick-thin except for her remarkably prominent bosom accentuated by a sturdy corset. Her blue eyes reflected the same winter chill as Harlan’s.

“How I dreaded her arrival,” Lilly whispered to Miranda when the door closed. “She intimidates me so.”

Miranda gurgled with laughter. “Aunt Dolly intimidates everyone. I’d like to say she ’s completely harmless, but I’m afraid she does have a bite. From time to time.” She squeezed Lilly’s arm. “Don’t look so distraught. I’m exaggerating.”

But Lilly knew the truth when she heard it.

The crunch of a horse ’s hooves on the pebbled driveway distracted her from anxiety over her future mother-in-law. The gig halted at the veranda and Jack jumped out of the driver’s seat. She braced herself as he sprang up the steps and halted by her side.

“Good day, ladies.” He bowed. His gaze rested on Miranda. “Did I just see Mrs. Santerre?”

“Yes, indeed. She ’s my aunt—my mother’s sister.”

“You are Harlan’s cousin?” His tone began as incredulous, but then he collected himself. “I had no idea you were related. How fine to have more of your family here with you at Summerhill.” He leaned against the porch rail and studied Miranda, ignoring Lilly. “Miss Reid, I’ve been meaning to ask you a question. Do you happen to know Miss Fannie Cole, the authoress? Since you bought her books for the women at the Settlement House, I thought it’s quite possible you’re acquainted.”

Lilly froze.

Miranda tossed him an easy smile. “None of my acquaintances is named Fannie Cole. As far as I know, there aren’t any Coles in society.”

A slight smile on his lips, he looked from Miranda to Lilly, then back again. “It’s a nom de plume, of course. But it’s apparent you’d rather not speak of her.” He raised his bowler. “Have a splendid afternoon.”

AFTER DINNER AT home, the ladies gathered in the elegant drawing dining room. Lilly hoped she and Miranda could wander off unnoticed, but Mrs. Santerre peered through her spectacles when they rose to leave.

“Stay, my dear girls. We must discuss the wedding. There ’s no time like the present, I always say. Harlan and I feel the sooner the marriage takes place, the better.

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