Melody and the Bounty Hunter: A Western Historical Mail Order Bride Romance (Brides of Xenia Book 1) by Harper Emma

Author:Harper, Emma [Harper, Emma]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-05-23T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

A knock on her bedroom door. “Miss?”

“Oh, err . . . who is it?”

“Miss, it’s Hattie. I’m the Sherriff’s housekeeper.”

“Oh, wait a minute.”

Bess got to her feet, straightened her dress and opened the door.

“Nice to meet you.” Hattie extended her hand, which Bess shook, a little tentatively.

“I’ve just made some tea. Would you like to join me?”

“Oh, err . . . yes. That would be lovely. Thank you very much.”

Bess couldn’t believe her luck. Ever since the day she’d seen the newspaper blowing along the sidewalk, everything had gone her way. Clint, her betrothed, was an utterly charming man and now, if that wasn’t enough, she had a ready-made friend in Hattie. Following Hattie into the kitchen, Bess took a deep breath and smiled.

Hattie poured out two cups of tea from the pot and handed one to Bess. It was delicious. The best cup of tea she’d ever tasted, although she’d never dare tell Dorothy as much.

Hattie downed her tea in one and smiled. “So . . . “

“Bess.”

“Oh, sorry. Do forgive me. So, Bess. Have you come far?”

“Yeah. I live—lived—all the way back East. Took me three days to get here by train.”

“Three days? Is that all?”

Bess nodded.

“The wonders of modern science.” Hattie looked up at the ceiling and rattled the teaspoon around her empty cup. “What do you know about Clint?”

“Oh, not all that much. Only what he told me in his letter.”

“His letter? So you’re the girl that replied to his ad?”

Bess nodded.

“I see. I’d have thought he’d prefer a woman that he’s known all his life and who’s helped him through his difficulties. We’re very close you know.”

“Oh. I see.” Bess didn’t like Hattie’s tone of voice. She’d been friendly, to begin with, but now her tone had a hint of malice about it. She wasn’t what you’d call a typical housekeeper. She was much younger than most. Not much older than Bess. She was quite pretty too. Long dark, platted hair and tanned skin. Bess wouldn’t blame Clint if he found her attractive.

“Oh my dear Bess, so sorry if I made you suspicious. He should be back soon. Why don’t you go and make yourself beautiful for when he arrives?”

Bess nodded. “I will. Thanks.” Pausing at the door, she looked over her shoulder. “Thanks for the tea. It was really, err . . . nice.”

When Clint returned home, he dashed to Bess’s room and whisked her up in his arms. “My dear Bess, I’ve missed you. Can you ever forgive me for leaving you so on your first day here?”

Bess smiled. “Of course I can.”

“Good. Tomorrow we’ll go into town and buy you some new clothes. How does that sound?”

“That sounds wonderful, dear. I can’t wait.”

True to his word, after breakfast the following morning, Clint took Bess into town and gave her a guided tour. From the comfort of the passenger seat, she looked at all the wooden shops with their shiny signs. People were coming and going, loading and unloading. The wooden buildings were tall with sloped roofs.

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