Well Behaved Wives: A Novel by Amy Sue Nathan

Author:Amy Sue Nathan [Nathan, Amy Sue]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Published: 2022-11-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

RUTH

Ruth had to admit that bedtime with Asher was her favorite time of day. She had washed up and donned her satin nightgown, and when she looked over at her husband, he was smiling at her and patting the bed beside him.

“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?”

She was lucky to have this man, who noticed how she was feeling and cared about her. Thank God he was nothing like Eli. She’d grown up being valued by the men in her family, and she would pass that tradition on to any daughters she had because Asher would be their father. She slipped into bed beside him, her satin gown folding sensuously around her legs.

“I found out something troubling today. About a friend.” A momentary doubt struck her. Would Asher believe her? She wasn’t entirely sure how much she could say, plus Asher had golfed with Eli. They shared the same social circles.

This Philadelphia world was new to her, and she was still learning the ropes. Things could get out of hand quickly if she wasn’t careful. What had they said in today’s etiquette lesson? That all the dominoes might fall.

“One of the other wives from the etiquette lesson?”

She thought about telling him who, but was still reluctant to betray Carrie’s confidence, even to Asher. Not yet. “Yes. And I told Lillian about it, but she didn’t believe me.”

“Why?”

“Because she said I didn’t have proof. And that it was none of our business what happens between a husband and wife.”

Asher seemed to chew on that. “Hm. Lillian has a point.”

Ruth looked at her husband askance. “But what if that friend needs help?”

“What if you only think she does?”

Was he right? He must have caught the look in her eyes, because he smoothed the covers over her. Gentle. Caring.

“Look, Ruth. People’s reputations are important. So is their privacy. Just like our privacy is important to us. Things we keep between our family and no one else. Lillian knows how things work. She was probably trying to save you from making a mistake that could hurt you. Hurt us. Hurt our family and our reputation. Indiscretion isn’t taken lightly around here.”

Who was this man she married who had forgotten all the work she did in New York? Who didn’t believe her? It wasn’t the Asher she remembered. “But I think my friend needs me.”

“What did she say?”

Ruth closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “She said it was none of my business.”

Asher chuckled. He was making fun of Ruth.

Her face heated.

He pulled her closer. “That’s what I love about you. Your big heart. Your passion to help others.”

She was wrong. He wasn’t making fun of her. So she tried to bask in his compliment. But was he suggesting she put aside her worry about Carrie?

He didn’t get it. Didn’t understand. Thank God.

In the morning, shadows woke Ruth. Fall sunlight felt its way through bare branches to create movement that danced across the pink walls and flowing curtains. Nature showed off sometimes, even in a neighborhood that consisted of as much stone and concrete as grass and trees.

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