Two Brides Too Many by Mona Hodgson

Author:Mona Hodgson [Hodgson, Mona]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical, General, Christian
ISBN: 9780307458919
Google: zX0zXdZhox0C
Amazon: 0307458903
Publisher: WaterBrook
Published: 2010-05-03T16:00:00+00:00

TWENTY-FOUR

Morgan parked the horse and carriage he’d rented from Jesse’s Livery in front of the boardinghouse and tugged the pocket watch out of his vest: 3:50 p.m. He was ten minutes early, but he couldn’t imagine how it had happened. Not after all the indecision. Women were supposed to be the ones concerned with fashion, fussing over their outfits like hummingbirds at a spring flower. Opal had done her share of it every time they went out. But he didn’t understand his own fretting as this was simply a courtesy outing. He’d been rude to Miss Sinclair and he was trying to make it up to her. That was all. Drawing a deep breath of cool air, Morgan stepped out of the carriage and tied Jesse’s black mare to the rail at the bottom of the steps.

As usual, music met him at the door. He’d grown accustomed to the greeting here and rather enjoyed it. The phonograph played tonight, accompanied by rhythmic footsteps. He removed his hat and knocked, wrestling with his errant thoughts, the ones that wondered what kind of music would come from Kat Sinclair’s home.

Hattie opened the door, her cheeks pink. “You’re here!” The words puffed out on shallow breaths. She must have been doing a dance more vigorous than a waltz. “Where did the time go?” She turned on her heel and motioned for him to follow her into the parlor. A frilled collar disguised her double chin, and she wore fine gloves and boots that looked freshly polished. He began to worry that the ladies expected an evening of fine dining.

Once Hattie quieted the phonograph, she looked him over, from the styling wax in his hair to his polished shoes. “If you don’t look handsome, Doctor. I’m a widow wishing she were some years younger…maybe with auburn hair?”

Morgan felt the flush that tipped his ears. He did like reddish-brown hair, but did this woman have to be so blunt?

Hattie bent toward him and raised a crooked finger to her lips. “It’ll be our little secret.” She winked and led him to the sofa.

She settled at one end then he sat at the other. Both of them had a view of the staircase through the open parlor door. “You look lovely this evening, Mrs. Adams.”

A blush pinked Hattie’s fleshy cheeks. “Why, thank you, kind sir. But please, call me Miss Hattie.”

“I’ve gone and scheduled this treat during mealtime, so I was wondering if it would be appropriate if I provided supper here at the boardinghouse afterwards.” The doctor hoped she would agree, since he had already ordered the meal from the best restaurant still standing.

“Splendid! My George and I always enjoyed an evening at home with friends.” Hattie’s attention seemed to wander toward the hallway, and Morgan found himself glancing that way too. Quiet wasn’t something he was accustomed to here, and the ticking of the mantel clock took over the room.

“Do you think it might snow again before spring?” he asked to break the silence.

She looked at him, tears pooling her silver blue eyes, and he wondered what he’d said wrong.

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