The Other Bride by Lisa Bingham

Author:Lisa Bingham
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Nights were the worst time for traveling, in Phoebe’s opinion. By evening, the boxcar was a black, impenetrable oven, with only weak light from the lantern hung from the ceiling, and a thin bar of starlight at the door, to provide some relief from the oppressive environment.

Already the other women had grown used to retiring as soon as the sun set. Within the hour, they had said their goodnights and fallen fast asleep.

All but Phoebe.

There was too much noise for her to sleep this night—or perhaps the problem lay in her own brain.

Stepping soundlessly over the recumbent figures of the other women, Phoebe took her accustomed spot opposite the doorway, which was left open a crack to let in fresh air. Wrapping a shawl around her shoulders, she sighed and reached into the pocket of her wrapper. She was itching to open Louisa’s telegram, but since she’d known its presence would cause too many questions, she’d waited until she had a few minutes of peace and privacy.

Phoebe should have heard something from her friend ages ago. For days she had tormented herself with all sorts of horrible possibilities. Slitting the seal with her fingernail, Phoebe hastily opened the message and held it up to the dim light emanating from the swaying lantern.

Dearest Phoebe, Charles Winslow is a rat and a bounder. Except for letters of credit left at the hotel, I have been waiting for days with no sign of him. This does not bode well for a happy marriage! I have used Winslow’s letters of credit to great advantage. Have greatly augmented my wardrobe with dozens of shoes and matching parasols. I bought a lapdog and have advertised for personal maid and companion, setting up interviews. Haven’t I come a long way since my own days of service? As far as I am concerned, C. Winslow can remain in hiding. Hope you are doing well.

Louisa Marie Haversham Winslow

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