The Most Unsuitable Wife by Caroline Clemmons

Author:Caroline Clemmons [Clemmons, Caroline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Caroline Clemmons
Published: 2011-02-21T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Paper stacks littered the top of Pearl's cherry desk. Whirls of writing and figures covered each page. Pearl turned a sheet of paper to share information with Sarah and ran an ink-stained finger down a column of numbers.

"You can see I've made estimates on all the costs. We'll have plenty of money left over in case of bad luck. With some bargaining on the building, the place should pay for itself in a year."

"Are you sure, sister?” Sarah bit her lip, a worried frown creasing her brow. "It's true you're a wonderful cook, but lunch every weekday is a lot to take on?"

Pearl nodded. "Yes, but there're enough people in this town to furnish steady lunch trade. I counted up the number of potential customers. If only a small portion of them come in, we'll sell enough lunches to keep us busy. And bread and desserts to sell for people to take home.”

After worrying with it for days, she had made her decision last night. She refused to sit around and dally time away enduring Lily's sour temper and biting remarks. Drake had no intention of allowing her out on the ranch, so that left little outlet for her energies.

She planned a small restaurant to serve lunch to the townspeople. Near the front she planned a bakery counter for her breads and pies. She didn't need a lot of profit. Being useful and busy meant much more.

"I've looked at the building—at least on the outside. It's a good price even if the owner won't come down. The size works for this purpose. I'm going to make an offer for it."

"What will Drake say? What will Grandpa and Lily say?"

"I don't know. But I can't be like Lily, and I can't sit around and drink tea all day with a woman who hates me. They'll have to understand."

"At least you'll be free in the evening to have dinner with Drake and Storm when they return."

"Yes. That's what I thought. While Drake's working at the ranch, I'll work at our restaurant. When he's home in the evening, I'll be there with him."

Her sister exhaled and placed both hands on the desk. "When do we start?"

Pearl couldn't hide her surprise. "Sarah, I know you like the life we have now. Even though school will be out for the summer in another few weeks, I don't expect you to be a part of this."

The young woman's eyes widened and pain flashed across her face. "How could you think I would do anything else?"

Tears pricked behind Pearl's lids. Yes, how could she have doubted Sarah's loyalty? No matter what her sister said in private, to the world she offered Pearl unqualified support. She reached across and patted her sister's arm, then gave it a little squeeze.

"Thank you. Of course, we won't make much money at first, but we'll be partners in any profits we earn."

"But you've already given Storm and me part of your money. I don't need more."

"If the money came from the person we believe, it is partly yours and Storm's anyway.

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