The Bride Bargain: 1 by Kelly Eileen Hake

Author:Kelly Eileen Hake
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Religious Fiction
ISBN: 1602601755
Publisher: Barbour Books
Published: 2008-01-02T06:00:00+00:00

“That worked out well,” Saul commented to Miss Field as everyone headed toward his father’s house, arms laden with dishes from the diner.

A strangled sound came from her throat, causing him to look at her in concern. Dad’s talk about how the woman wouldn’t be one to admit to feeling poorly flashed through his mind. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothing.” She stayed back while everyone tromped through the mud room and into the house. “My throat went dry for a moment. I’ll be sure to drink some water.”

“With Mrs. Dunstall adding to the meal, and the other women helping, you should take a moment to rest.” He held the door for her. “Since you’ve done so much to arrange everything.”

“How could I let my invited guests work in the kitchen while I laze about?” She shot him an incredulous look.

“Mrs. Dunstall will be reimbursed for her efforts,” Saul pointed out. “Besides, only so many women can cook in a single kitchen.”

“I’ll be one of them. In addition to which”—she lowered her voice and leaned toward him, green eyes snapping—“I invited Mrs. Dunstall. Her willingness to work on what was meant to be a respite is a favor. I’ll come alongside her.”

An unsettling suspicion wormed its way into his thoughts. “Miss Field,” he, too, spoke quietly, as if the loud group spread out in the parlor and kitchen would overhear them, “would you have preferred I sent the men home?”

“I’d rather have kept the day simple.” The admission cost her a bit of resolve. “But there weren’t many options.”

“They were rather determined.” Saul chuckled. “I couldn’t see any other way to earn Mrs. Dunstall some much-needed business and keep myself and my father’s store in good standing with all those gentlemen. Dinner seemed the easy way to avoid ugliness between the feuding families and also set up a happy arrival for Midge this next week.”

“You’re right.” She moved past him to the doorway. “If you could make a special effort to let the women know you appreciate all they’ve done, it would be wise.”

“Of course.” Saul went to join the men as she disappeared around the corner.

“Nice place your father built here, Saul.” Matthew Burn, the one man Saul knew from childhood, steered the conversation to deeper waters. “He built it hoping you’d come set up your practice in Buttonwood and fill the place with grandbabies to dandle on his knee.”

“Dad knew what he gave up when he left Baltimore.” Regret tugged at his heart, and resentment boiled from his stomach as Saul made his decision clear. “I’ve a practice to finish setting up and plans for back home.”

“I’m not sure he’s convinced.” Burn shrugged. “I offered to buy the place if he was interested in selling, but he turned me down flat.”

Nathan Fosset goaded his friend. “Looking to settle down, eh, Burn?”

“Don’t spit in the wind, Fosset,” Adam Grogan spoke up from where he leaned on the mantel. “You pushed for an invite to lunch with the ladies, too.” Ignoring the dirty looks cast his way by a few other bachelors, he directed his next statement to Saul.

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