Finding Hope (Mail Order Bride: Brides And Promises Book 1) by Ruby Hill

Finding Hope (Mail Order Bride: Brides And Promises Book 1) by Ruby Hill

Author:Ruby Hill [Hill, Ruby]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Women's Fiction, Victorian Era, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Mother, Love Possibility, Frontier-Pioneer Era, Cowboy & Western Romance, Hearts Desire, American West, Clean & Wholesome, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Love Inspired, Life-Changes, Second Chances, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Small Town & Rural Area, Mail-Order Bride, Brides And Promises
Publisher: Ruby Hill
Published: 2018-02-08T05:00:00+00:00


* * *

"There you are."

Robert was waiting at the end of the hall, looking quite smart in his new navy blue coat and tails. His face was expressionless as he did a rapid search over his brother.

"My apologies," John said. He felt a lump in his throat, yet more calm than he had in as long as he could remember.

Robert furrowed his brow as he looked at John. "You seem quite pale. Are you all right?"

"Better than ever," John replied, looking down the stairs into the foyer. Many guests had already arrived, it seemed, as there was a wide array of colors, patterns, and styles in the room. Laughter floated up the stairs, and the warm glow of candles and oil lamps filled every surface and wall.

Peering more closely at his brother, Robert pursed his lips. He arched an eyebrow. "Are you now? And might it have anything to do with the fact that this ball is for you and your bride?"

"No, it is not," John replied, and as he straightened the collar of his jacket, he began to walk down the stairs, away from his brother.

"Ah, Lord Bridgewater!" said a jovial man with a large, round face at the bottom of the stairs. He stood with his father and mother, receiving the guests as they came into the manor.

"Good evening, Lord Gregory. I trust you and your family are well?"

"We are indeed, my boy, we are indeed." His white moustache bounced happily as he laughed. "It is wonderful to see you. You must be quite excited about the big day coming up!"

A pang of guilt struck him suddenly as his parents glanced over at him. "It is going to be the talk of the whole summer, no doubt."

"That it will be," his mother chimed in, a wide, fake smile on her face. It didn't linger long, as another couple had just approached and stolen her and his father's attention away.

John had to force himself not to glare at the back of her head. He knew how mad she would be at him when he ended things with Lady Agnes. He hoped they would understand if Lady Agnes was in agreement. An icy fear washed over him as he wondered what he would do if she did not.

"I simply am waiting for the lovely Lady Agnes to appear, and then I will announce you both together to the rest of the party. Is that all right with you?"

John looked around the room. There was no sign of Lady Agnes, and he was not sure if he was delighted by this fact, or saddened.

"That should be fine," he replied, and settled in next to Lord Gregory to wait for her arrival.

He greeted some families that he knew as they came in, attempting to be as calm and amiable as he could be. His mind continued to wander, and he had to force himself to greet each guest pleasantly in order to keep up appearances.

"Well, if it is not Lord and Lady Cheshire!" Lord Gregory exclaimed.



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