A Match for a Disgraced Bride (The Mystery Matchmaker of Ella Pointe Book 5) by Tess Thompson

Author:Tess Thompson [Thompson, Tess]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781960288424
Publisher: 4kids5cats Editions
Published: 2023-06-25T16:00:00+00:00

The clouds melted away that afternoon before we headed out in Caleb’s carriage, leaving behind a blue sky and air that crackled with cold. Much of the island was colored with evergreens. The spindly branches of deciduous trees coated in frost sparkled under the sun.

We bumped along a hilly dirt road toward the northern part of the western side of the island. Earlier, Rhett had explained that Whale Island was shaped like a horseshoe, with a long, narrow inlet separating the east and west. Caleb had suggested we drive north so that we might see as much of the western side as possible.

Miss Piper and I sat in the second seat, shielded by the enclosed top, while the men perched in the front, with Caleb driving the two horses. The ride thrilled me. I’d not been allowed many carriage rides at home; thus I was enjoying myself immensely.

A blanket tucked around our legs and our wool jackets and scarves kept us warm. We passed creeks and plowed through mud puddles. My eyes were greedy, gobbling up the natural beauty. The trilling of birds rose above the sound of the horses’ hooves on hard ground.

I drew in a deep sniff through my nose, taking in the dank smell of earth mixed with spicy firs and pines. Occasionally, I caught a whiff of something sweet. A blooming flower? “What is that smell?” I asked.

Rhett turned back to answer. “That’s a crocus. First flower of the season.”

“Soon, the cherry and apple trees will bud,” Caleb said.

“They’ll add pink and white to the landscape,” Rhett said. “We’ll have daffodils and tulips everywhere as well. Spring is a wonderful time on the island. I’m looking forward to it after this cold, dreary winter.” He went on to describe the various trees along the way, including Douglas firs, Sitka spruces, big-leaf maples without leaves, and western red cedars. His enthusiasm for the land was contagious, and I found myself craning my neck to take in as much as possible.

Spring was about three weeks away. Time was flying by. Shortly, I would start to show. Everyone would discover my secret soon enough. We passed by a farm with lambs nibbling grass in a meadow, including two sets of babies. “Look at them,” I said, squeezing Miss Piper’s arm. “They’re precious.”

“That’s the Hansen farm,” Rhett said. “They have acres of apple and plum trees. In the summers, they dry the plums into prunes and sell them in Seattle.”

I peered at the white farmhouse and red barn, envy stirring inside me. What would it be like to have a farm with animals and a family? I couldn’t think of a better life than here on the island raising a family. Alas, I would never have that. I was doomed to spend my life without a husband to love. No one would cherish me.

Except, maybe, this baby.

We stopped a few minutes later in a spot that overlooked the sea. The men helped us down, and the four of us went to stand on the cliff.

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