The Mercantile Owner's Bride by Cheryl Wright

Author:Cheryl Wright [Wright, Cheryl]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-02-14T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Edward stood behind the counter waiting for the first customers to arrive. He relished the quiet times as it meant he could check the stocks and make an order if required.

Phoebe strolled in as the first customer of the day arrived.

“You look beautiful, Phoebe,” he said, but then frowned. “Isn’t that the same dress you wore yesterday?” he asked quietly, out of earshot of the customer.

He watched her blush. “It is,” she said equally quietly. “I can wear it for more than one day.”

“Where are the others?”

She looked confused. “Others? What others?”

“Good morning Mrs Fletcher,” he said jovially, turning away from his wife. Not that he felt even one bit jovial right now. He was annoyed with her. He specifically told her to take several dresses, and she obviously didn’t.

“Oh, good morning, Mr Horvard,” she said happily, holding a list in her hand. “Do you have time to help me out? I have quite a large list to fulfil.”

He really wanted to deal with his wife’s blatant defiance, but his customer had to come first. After all, without a livelihood, he wouldn’t have the means to supply her with beautiful things.

“I’ll just grab a box, Mrs Fletcher.” He turned back to the counter but saw Phoebe out of the corner of his eye. She seemed oblivious to his annoyance.

Had he made a huge mistake marrying her? Perhaps he should have put her up at the boarding house for a few days before making the decision to wed her?

He stiffened.

It was too late now. They were married by the preacher and were legally man and wife.

Or perhaps it wasn’t. Was it too late to have their marriage annulled?

Edward’s grip on the box became so tight, a piece broke off. Trying to take his mind off Phoebe, he followed Mrs Fletcher, helping her to fill the large box he was holding.

She spotted Phoebe and near ran to reach her. “Hello, my dear,” Mrs Fletcher said. “You’re new in town.”

Phoebe’s eyes sparkled. “I’m Edward’s new wife,” she said cheerfully. “I’m Phoebe.”

The woman stumbled backwards. “Oh my,” she said, putting her hands to her chest. “You’re married now, Mr Horvard? I didn’t know.” Then she smiled. “I am very happy for you both.” She reached for Phoebe and hugged her, then just as quickly resumed her shopping.

“Do you need help,” he asked his wife stiffly after Mrs Fletcher had gone. He was still annoyed with her.

But on second thought, there must be a reason for her being the way she is? That thought calmed him down, even if just for a moment or two. Until he realized that couldn’t be good.

His mind went back to the tattered dress she had worn when she arrived.

The little bell over the door tinkled and Mrs Samuel, the barber’s wife, walked in. “Good morning,” he said, a little less cheerfully, his mind still elsewhere. “Mrs Samuel, please meet my wife, Phoebe.”

He was proud to show her off but needed to make her understand she had a position in the community that must be upheld.

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