Bowing to Betsy (The Matchmaker's Ball Book 11) by Amelia C. Adams

Author:Amelia C. Adams [Adams, Amelia C.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2020-10-16T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Bradley dumped the last bucket of water into the sheeps’ trough, then watched them for a moment, his arms folded on the top rail of their pen.

He couldn’t stop replaying the events of the night before. He’d been so surprised to step out of the ballroom and see Betsy Walters there. Of course he knew her from the restaurant, and he’d always thought she was pretty and nice, but he’d never looked at her as a potential wife. Then again, he hadn’t been looking at anyone as a potential wife—he just hadn’t been ready to entertain those thoughts.

But when he’d seen her sitting there, it made sense. She had a compassionate nature and already got along well with Joey. She had a good sense of humor, and she even seemed to like him. He could imagine them spending some time together and seeing if they were compatible. And if she’d happened to pick up any kitchen tips or recipes from Mr. Romano, well, he wouldn’t mind that at all.

As he was approaching, he had noticed that she was as scared as anything, and he caught enough of the conversation to realize that she’d had no idea she had come to the ballroom to be matched. Hadn’t Mrs. Morgan told her? Was she about to turn tail and run? Her eyes reminded him of a doe caught out in the woods, trying to decide whether or not she should flee. Only a cold-hearted villain wouldn’t feel compassion for someone in that state, and a villain he was not.

The thing that had surprised him the most, even more than realizing he’d been matched with Betsy, was realizing how nice it felt to hold her in his arms. He hadn’t been that close to a woman since Selina’s death, and he had missed that personal connection. She wasn’t Selina, but she had her own unique traits, and she’d kept him laughing all evening. Getting to know her better would be no hardship.

“Good morning, Bradley,” a voice called from some distance behind him.

He turned to see Mrs. Stratton walking across the grass toward the sheep enclosure. She didn’t often make it out this far—this must be a special occasion. “Good morning,” he replied. “Nice day to visit with the sheep.”

She smiled. “Or to visit with the sheepherder. You didn’t say much about your evening when you picked Joey up last night, and I’m afraid my curiosity couldn’t wait any longer for a full report.”

Bradley glanced around. Joey was stacking the firewood Bradley had chopped earlier, so he was well out of earshot. Bradley didn’t want Joey to know anything about Betsy until things were more settled—it just felt like the right choice to make.

“It went well. Much better than I’d expected.”

“And?” Mrs. Stratton prodded. “Who did Mrs. Morgan arrange for you to meet?”

“Betsy Walters, actually.”

“Betsy? Oh, that’s a wonderful idea.” Mrs. Stratton clasped her hands under her chin, looking much younger than her years. “She’s such a sweet girl, and she’s risen above her difficulties beautifully.

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