Brides of Noelle by Kit Morgan

Author:Kit Morgan [Morgan, Kit]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-12-21T05:00:00+00:00

* * *

“Excuse me?” Mayor Hardt said as he sat. He’d invited her to sit a moment before, and had just walked around the desk when she stated her business.

“You heard me. I want to invest in Noelle’s silver mine,” she said again.

He gave her a blank stare.

“Is there something wrong?” she asked.

He gave a small shake of his head. “No, not at all, it’s just an odd request.”

Now it was her turn to stare blankly back. “Is there a problem?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, there is,” he said and folded his hands on the desk in front of him. “You see, Miss Dolittle, the board and I …”

“Board?” she interrupted. “Oh, yes, someone mentioned something about a board. Forgive me. Go on.”

“Yes, well you see, we have some rather strict guidelines for anyone wishing to invest in the mine.”

“If it’s a base amount you require, I’m sure I can meet it,” she said and then looked away. “I’ve been saving ever since my father passed.”

“I’m sorry for your loss,” he said.

She looked at him with a half smile. For some reason the mention of her father sent a pang of loneliness through her. “Thank you.”

He watched her a moment. “Did you come alone, Miss Dolittle?”

“Yes. I did. I heard about your mine and the investment opportunity, and thought it best if I came at once to take advantage of it. I … well, I wasn’t sure if the opportunity was still available.”

He slowly nodded. “It is, but as I said, we have some guidelines.” He gave her a compassionate look. “And unfortunately, I can think of one already that would disqualify you.”

She straightened in her chair. “It’s because I’m a woman, isn’t it?”

Mayor Hardt smiled and shook his head. “No, it’s because you’re a single woman. But that’s easily fixed.”

“I’m glad to hear it. What’s the base amount?”

“Now hold on, I didn’t say you qualified. I said the opposite. You’re disqualified.”

She looked into his blue eyes. He, too, was a handsome man with a certain … steeliness to him. Decisive. Yes, that’s what he seemed. Which was bad news for her. “Disqualified?”

“Yes. You see, Miss Dolittle, one of the major requirements for anyone wanting to invest in the mine is that they be married.”

“Married!” she blurted.

“And citizens in good standing,” he went on.

“Good standing?” she squeaked.

“That means respectable.” He looked her over. “You’re traveling alone?”

“I … yes, well … yes.”

He slowly nodded. The look on his face reminded Daphne of her old schoolmaster from childhood. Mr. Griffith, who could quell the best of them into submission. “I see,” he drawled.

Think fast, Daphne thought. “I wish to travel, you know? I have money, but need another source of income. As my investment grows, I can reinvest into the mine …”

He nodded. “A sound plan, but I’m afraid you still don’t qualify.”

She did her best to remain calm. She had everything in place to begin her dream. Everything! And now this fellow was blowing it all to smithereens. “So, let me get this straight.

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