Johanna_Bride of Michigan by Clara Kincaid

Author:Clara Kincaid [Kincaid, Clara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical, Romance, Fiction, Forever Love, Victorian Era, western, Fifth In Series, saga, Fifty-Books, Forty-Five Authors, Newspaper Ad, short story, American Mail-Order Bride, Bachelor, Single Woman, marriage of convenience, Christian, Religious, Faith, inspirational, Factory Burned, Pioneer, Saginaw, Michigan, Lumberjack, Lumber Baron, wealthy, Mother-In-Law, Displeased, Trouble
Goodreads: 27418026
Publisher: Outrageous Books; 1 edition
Published: 2015-12-14T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

When Johanna glided into the room, Paul’s eyes never left hers, not even when he stood and held out a chair for her. His gaze was only broken when she sat down and he returned to his seat.

Sara brought out the dumpling soup, carefully ladling it into their bowls. Johanna was fuming, but she waited until Sara was back into the kitchen before she asked, “Why is Sara serving us? She’s supposed to be my lady’s maid.”

“We don’t have anyone else to do it.”

“Why can’t the kitchen maid serve us?”

Paul lifted his spoon. “She’s clumsy, that one. Trust me, you don’t want her serving us.”

“I don’t want Sara treated badly by the other staff. I have a feeling the kitchen maid isn’t all that happy that Sara’s my lady’s maid.”

“I imagine not,” Paul said, eating a spoonful. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

“I don’t know what you mean,” Johanna replied defensively.

Paul’s brow shot up. “Are you certain? I’ve never seen you act this way before.”

“Well, it’s not like you’ve known me for longer than a day,” she retorted, sounding shorter than she intended. “I’m sorry. I just would rather not have Sara serve us is all.”

“You want me to hire more staff?”

“No, of course not.”

“What do you want me to do then?”

“Nothing. I just don’t want Sara to take on more duties than she already has.”

Sara’s eyes widened as she entered the room, having obviously overheard what Johanna said. “I’m sorry. I thought you might be finished with the soup.” She sighed. “I don’t mind serving the meals, honest.”

Johanna immediately felt like a fool for carrying on so. How could she explain how her sister treated her staff, and even her, when she was staying with Janna? Johanna braced her hands on the table. “Thank you, Sara. I appreciate all the extra help you do around here.”

She finally tried the soup, but it was too cool. Pushing it aside, she waited for the next course.

“You don’t like your soup?” Paul asked with concern.

“No, it’s not like that. It’s cold now, thanks to my blubbering.”

“I’m sure Sara would get you another bowl, if you like.” Paul picked up a small bell and jingled it slightly. When Sara appeared, Paul asked her to please bring his wife a warm soup.

Within a moment, Sara returned with a fresh bowl and soup. That time, Johanna ate it quickly, enjoying it immensely. Their plates were brought out next and Johanna stared at her duck as though it was poison. She poked it with her fork like she was trying to bring it back to life.

“Is there a problem with your duck?”

“No. I’ve just never had duck before.”

“Give it a try. I’m sure you’ll love it, even though it’s a little on the greasy side.”

Johanna forked off a piece and had to stop herself from picking it up and shoving it into her mouth. It wasn’t like she didn’t do that in the comforts of her own room back in Lawrence, but she was considered the lady of the house and was expected to act like it.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.