Proposing Mischief by Regina Jennings

Author:Regina Jennings
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Fiction;Series: The Joplin Chronicles 2;FIC042110;FIC042030;FIC027360
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2021-11-03T00:00:00+00:00

Mr. Caine did not like her.

Maisie covered the road to town. It had come to her that he was the man who had walked into Boone’s office the day Boone first offered her the proposal. He’d also witnessed her and Silas arguing in front of the butcher shop. Were his hackles always raised, or was it only when Maisie came around? She’d had those high-on-their-horse types snub her before when she came to town, but it was usually women, and it wasn’t usually so personal. What did this Mr. Caine have against her?

Maisie came over the rise near the Joplin Children’s Home and saw Mr. Caine’s horse. He’d stopped to exchange pleasantries with Mrs. Bowman, a young caretaker employed by the home. This was Maisie’s chance to set him straight.

Maisie sped up her footsteps, barely catching him as he bade Mrs. Bowman farewell.

“Mr. Caine, we need to settle something,” Maisie said as she approached his horse.

Mr. Caine’s surprise at seeing her was quickly covered by a welcoming smile. “Mrs. Bragg, how may I help you?”

Maisie didn’t like standing on the ground, looking up at him, but she wasn’t intimidated. “What have I ever done against you?” she asked. “I would consider that maybe you have a feud with my kin, but you didn’t even know I was a Kentworth and still you showed your teeth.”

His polite smile froze in place. “What have you done against me?” He lifted his eyes to a point on the horizon before deciding on his answer. “I saw you at the Bragg offices and knew you looked familiar, but it wasn’t until that day at the butcher shop that I remembered where I’d seen you before. I used to see you about town with a miner who’d had a bit of luck. Marsh was his name, I think. There was one night on a streetcar that I saw the two of you . . .” He raised an eyebrow. “Let’s just say I was thankful that my own daughter doesn’t carry on like that in public . . . or private.”

Maisie tried to swallow, but her throat refused to cooperate. “I thought he was going to marry me,” she said at last. “If things had worked out—”

“I’d say they worked out very nicely for you. Boone’s parents always feared some woman would catch him unawares. Some woman not afraid to barter her charms. What was it, three months ago, that you were with Marsh, and now you’re married to Bragg? You don’t even know him.” He shook his head. “I applaud your success, but don’t expect me to approve. Good day, Miss Kentworth.”

He reined his horse toward town, leaving Maisie choking in shame.

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