Mail-Order Brides of Oak Grove by Lauri Robinson & Kathryn Albright

Author:Lauri Robinson & Kathryn Albright
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
Published: 2017-08-24T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Two

Maggie stared out the open window for the umpteenth time. Still no sign of Mary. The sun rested on the horizon and already the brown of the town was changing to gray shadows. She hoped her sister was all right.

She flipped her hair over her shoulder—it was finally dry after her long soak in the tub—and then she stretched. Oh, my, but she felt gloriously clean for the first time in weeks. The wet washcloth and pan she had used since Bridgeport did little more than move the dirt from one part of her body to another. Her first request of Mr. Austin had been to have a bath—with soap! If only Mary could have enjoyed one too. It would have gone far to improving her sister’s attitude and making Maggie’s point that they both relax until the tonic was ready.

She knelt at her trunk and searched through her things, looking for the bottles of tonic tucked within her clothing. With all the jostling and jarring from the train station to this room, she wanted to make sure they hadn’t broken. They were her insurance, her way out.

She unearthed two bottles, finding them intact. A folded piece of paper had been wrapped around the neck of the third bottle. She didn’t remember doing that. Unwrapping it, she stared at familiar feminine handwriting.

I tried to tell you but you wouldn’t listen. I can’t stay. Gonna find a job. Will let you know where I am once I get settled.

M. M.

Mary had left her? She had to face the town on her own? Her chest tightened. When she got hold of her sister she would... She would...

Tears burned in her eyes. Mary should be with her. They’d never been separated—not in all their nineteen years. She blew out a breath, refusing to let even one teardrop fall. It was anger she felt. Anger and perhaps a sliver of remorse. Now things were all a mess.

“So that’s what happened,” Rebecca said, peering over Maggie’s shoulder.

Quickly Maggie folded the note and tucked it away. “I thought you were napping.”

“Just dozing.”

“I’ll thank you to keep things to yourself concerning this note.”

Rebecca picked through the pile of clothes that she had deposited on her bed, talking as she looked for something to wear for supper. “Why would I tell anyone? One less McCary means I have a larger selection between the men.”

Maggie frowned. Rebecca always looked to her own advantage. Why she had insisted Maggie share a room with her was a mystery. Anna would have been much more fun. Maggie shoved the note back into her trunk and closed the lid.

“Your sister is a coward.”

Maggie gasped. “What did you say?”

Rebecca didn’t repeat herself, instead attending to her bustle. She adjusted it at her waist and tied it in place.

Maggie really, really wanted to punch her. It was tempting. “She is not! She’s the bravest person I know!”

“That doesn’t sound brave.” Rebecca pointed to the trunk, indicating the note. “It sounds foolish.” She turned and slipped the dress—a pink gingham frock—over her head.

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