Marblestone Mansion, Book 4 by Marti Talbott

Author:Marti Talbott [Talbott, Marti]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: M T Creations
Published: 2014-01-07T05:00:00+00:00

“That’s right, I forgot your cousin came from Scotland and brought his family.”

“How is it you know so much about us?”

She had a twinkle in her eye when she answered, “Not much else to do but wonder what it’s like to live in Marblestone Mansion.”

Hannish caught her hopeful grin, “Are you asking for a position?”

“Doing what?”

“We can always use help with the gardens, the cleaning, the sewing and a dozen other chores, now that there are more of us in the family.” He waited, but when she hesitated to respond, he said, “Call if you decide it is something you might like. I pay a fair wage and if you are unhappy, I will personally bring you back.”

“I’d like something that did not require my standing on my feet all day.”

“I dinna blame you.” He downed the rest of his tea, stood up and dug a dollar out of his pocket. He placed it on the table, nodded and then put his hat on and left. He guessed he knew all he needed to know about Mr. Douglas Swinton.

*

Hannish was not the only one worried about Swinton. Elizabeth didn’t like the way he arrived at Marblestone two days in a row to see Paulette, instead of tending to his business in Cripple Creek. Hannish graciously invited Swinton to dinner each day, but Elizabeth found it embarrassing. The courting was moving far too quickly. Not only that, she too noticed the way he made eye contact with other women at Abigail’s party, and it disturbed her.

*

“Mother, what are you sayin’?” Paulette asked, plopping down on her mother’s bed.

“I am saying you are young and have had few choices. A handsome man, even a wealthy one may not be the best man to marry.”

“You sound just like Cathleen.”

“What does Cathleen say?”

“She thinks Mr. Swinton is not to be trusted. I do not know all the particulars, but if Cathleen dinna like him, ‘tis her loss.”

Elizabeth’s temper rose slightly. “I hardly think she lost anythin’, she married a duke.”

“Because he was her choice to marry. I shall make my choice as well.”

Exasperated, Elizabeth softened her voice and chose a different approach as she sat next to her daughter on the bed. “Of course you shall, sweetheart, but take care to choose a good sort of man who will honor his marriage vows.”

“You cannae know Mr. Swinton will not honor his vows.”

“True, he may fall so madly in love with you he’ll not see the lips of another woman until long after he is buried. Still, you must not let him rush you into marriage. Some men become too eager and will not wait. Some will even threaten to leave, if you do not agree to a hurried marriage.”

“How long should I make him wait, then?”

“Six months. That should give you time to know he is sincere and if you might prefer another.”

“Half a year? Mother, I want to marry and be happy the same as you.”

“Your father and I dinna marry for a full year and not once have we regretted it.

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