Rebecca's Dream by Jo Grafford

Author:Jo Grafford [Grafford, Jo]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mail-Order Bride Series, Brides 0f Pelican Rapids, Pelican Rapids Minnesota, historical romance, Women's Fiction, Victorian Era, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Frontier-Pioneer Era, Cowboy & Western Romance, Hearts Desire, American West, Clean & Wholesome, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Love Inspired, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Small Town & Rural Area
Publisher: JG PRESS
Published: 2019-09-24T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7: Skirting More Trouble

Hank

“You should have asked Rebecca to the charity ball and been done with it like I did with Hope,” Pete growled. He was standing in front of the hall mirror in Hank’s ranch home, straightening his tie. He was a picture of a debonaire southern gentleman in his Sunday best charcoal suit, snowy white shirt, and maroon tie. Instead of the Stetson he usually wore around the ranch, he was sporting a black top hat this evening.

When Hank didn’t respond, he spun around and barked, “Are you listening to a word I said?”

“I heard you. I just happen not to agree. In case you’re wondering, I did, however, ask her to save a dance for me.” Not caring that it was an event where everyone would be wearing their best, he clapped on a Stetson. He was a rancher, not a gentleman of leisure. He intended to look the part, albeit with one upgrade. It wasn’t the stained and faded Stetson he wore around the ranch but a new, black felt one he’d been saving for just the right occasion. Tonight felt like that occasion.

“A single dance, eh?” Pete shoved his hands in his trousers’ pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Going a little overboard there, don’t you think, Romeo? One whole dance.”

“She promised to save one for you, too.”

Pete chuckled. “Hope might allow it if it’s only one dance. She’s feistier than she appears, once you get to know her.”

Hank grinned. “And Rebecca is a complicated woman with a complicated past.” He patted his pocket to ensure the wad of bills he never traveled without was safely intact. Never again would he be the poor, helpless urchin who arrived barefoot on a ship to a new and foreign country. He was a man of means now. “I know what I’m doing with her, Pete. You’re just going to have to trust me.”

Pete’s grin disappeared. “I’ve always trusted you, brother. Followed you into battle, didn’t I?”

Hank nodded, searching for the right words to reveal what he knew to Pete without saying something that might cause Rebecca any undo humiliation in the future.

But Pete started speaking again before he could make up his mind how much or how little to say about his recent discovery. “It is my belief that our brides suspect something. At least Hope does.” He made a wry face. “For days, she’s been asking small, innocuous-sounding questions that, when put together, amount to a much clearer picture.” He chuckled. “She’s a sly little thing.”

“Duly noted.” Hank had already figured that out for himself on their train ride to Minnesota. Rebecca and Hope were as thick as thieves and undyingly loyal to each other. Now that he’d gotten to know them better, he respected that about them and wouldn’t have it any other way. “I’ve been doing a little digging of my own,” he confessed, pivoting to face his business partner. He scratched his chin, still searching for the right words.

“Oh?”

“With the help and direction of Lottie Brooks, I might have sent a few telegrams to a few key families in Atlanta.

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