To Catch a Bride by Gina Welborn

Author:Gina Welborn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2018-04-17T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 5

October 15, 1865

Marilyn sat on the wood crate soaking in the crisp October sunshine. David had suggested the church congregation gather for a harvest celebration by way of a picnic. News had spread throughout the city, and a fair number of men who’d never darkened the door of The Repair and Resale Shop on a Sunday morning arrived in time to set up makeshift tables and chairs in the vacant lot south of David’s shop.

They’d come hungry, but many of them were considerate enough to bring a plate of biscuits or pot of beans to share.

Marilyn rubbed her expanding belly. She was twice as large as Ellen, who was just barely showing at four months along. Given the size difference, Marilyn suspected Dr. Tolbert’s assessment of when she conceived had been right all along. She’d carried this child for almost seven months, and she hadn’t experienced one symptom of miscarriage. Hope became harder and harder to suppress with each passing day.

Childish laughter drew her attention to where David was entertaining the Palmer children with a hand puppet he’d made from a sock. Geddes kept trying to pull the sock away, so David opened the puppet’s mouth and nibbled at the toddler’s fingers, making him squeal with delight.

“Good day, ladies.”

Marilyn put a hand over her eyes to block the sun behind Mr. Forsythe while she and Ellen returned his greeting.

He set his plate of food on the wood planks of the makeshift table. “Would you allow me to fetch you some more lemonade or a piece of cake?”

Ellen set her fork on the side of her tin plate. “Thank you. That would be lovely.”

Marilyn was about to say that she could fetch her own, but Mr. Forsythe bowed and headed off toward the dessert table. She lowered her hand and looked at Ellen. “I don’t think he realizes that we made those cakes and ate plenty while experimenting the past few days.”

“It was most gentlemanly of him to think of it, though, so let’s appreciate the gesture.” Ellen winced and pressed a hand against her side.

Marilyn eyed her friend for any signs of pallor. “Should I fetch Dr. Tolbert?”

Ellen shook her head. “Please don’t. I’m fine. Every pregnancy is different. Luanne was always kicking, and Geddes didn’t seem to want to come out.” She chuckled. “It’s funny to think of them that way, considering how calm Luanne is and how Geddes won’t sit still nowadays.”

Marilyn glanced over to where David continued to entertain the children. Luanne stood still while Geddes was jumping up and down trying to reach the puppet that David lifted high, then brought low in a game of keep-away.

“Mr. Forsythe is certainly a handsome man.”

Ellen’s observation swung Marilyn’s attention to the opposite end of the crowd of picnic goers, at least five of whom were wives who’d recently come to town. The scented soaps and candles were doing their job. It was time to talk to David about adding hand-cranked washing machines to his shop.

“He’ll make someone a fine husband one day.

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