You Only Marry Once (Secrets and Vows Book 1) by Gayle Callen

Author:Gayle Callen [Callen, Gayle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
Published: 2021-12-13T23:00:00+00:00

To John’s relief, it didn’t take long to find a farmer more than willing to accept Elizabeth’s bauble in exchange for two plain but sturdy horses and a few days worth of supplies. Her court finery, seldom seen so far north, drew plenty of stares as they traveled. And beneath her gown, she still wore that ridiculous farthingale to flare her skirts wide at her waist. She clung to it as her only possession left, even though she had to be so careful on horseback. But she was a decent horsewoman, as he kept reminding himself whenever she exasperated him.

He still was quite amazed at her discussion of how best to heal him. He hadn’t thought she’d known of such things, and felt guilty for assuming she was ignorant of such an important wifely skill. Apparently a London-bred earl’s daughter knew more than just fashions from France.

That night, he led her off the main road into a clearing in the forest and dismounted, while she remained on her horse. Twilight settled about them in a lush, warm haze as he gazed up into her beautiful face, and for a moment, he thought he was a lucky man.

But then she opened her mouth.

“I cannot stay here,” she said, looking down at him wild-eyed. “That village we passed would have been—”

“Stop this, Elizabeth.” He shared a long-suffering look with his new horse as pulled off the saddle. “We have no money to pay for lodging. Asking for shelter in the village would only lead to a foul mound of hay in a dilapidated barn. At least now we’re under the stars—and alone.”

He touched her knee, and she pulled away from him.

He laughed. “Allow me to help you down.”

“I can—”

Hauling her off the horse, he set her on her feet. She staggered and would have fallen but for his grip on her arms.

“Elizabeth?”

With a pained expression, she limped away from him. “I am merely stiff.”

“And now you know why I wanted to help you.”

She hesitated, then murmured, “Thank you.”

He watched her hobble about the clearing, wondering when she had last ridden a horse for any length of time.

“I’m going into the forest to look for firewood,” he said. “I would appreciate your help.”

“Firewood?”

He clasped his hands behind his back and spoke with deliberate slowness. “Sticks on the ground.”

Even by the setting sun, he could see her blush. “I’ve never done anything like that.”

“There’s a first time for everything,” he murmured, his gaze dropping down her body.

“I’ll stay here,” she quickly replied.

Unsurprised that she’d avoid being alone with him every chance she could, John turned and stepped between the trees. He hadn’t gone far before he heard her voice.

“Wait! John, wait!”

She caught up with him, her wide skirts scraping between two trees.

“I—I did not wish to be alone,” she said, then admitted, “I don’t know what sort of wood to look for.”

“Then I’ll teach you.”

She soon insisted on carrying some of the wood he found. Though he pointed out it would dirty her sleeves, she rolled her eyes at him as if he was being foolish.

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