Transforming Emma by Linda Carroll-Bradd

Author:Linda Carroll-Bradd [Carroll-Bradd, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Inked Figments
Published: 2020-03-18T05:00:00+00:00

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Chapter Eight

~o0o~

Twenty minutes later, Emmaleigh turned the corner onto Main Street, carrying her carpetbag. Resentment clogged her throat. She must look like a whipped dog slinking back to its disapproving master. The thought stiffened her spine. With every stomping step, she kicked up dust. Just past Eithna’s seamstress shop, she spotted Brett astride Rascal next to the buggy and the wagon. When those arrangements were made?

He held the reins of Father’s brown stallion, Ajax, along with Gingersnap and Cinnamon.

At least, she could work off some of her agitation with an energetic ride home. For the last thirty feet, she was aware Brett watched her approach. A tingle skittered over her skin. She glanced his way but couldn’t read his expression in the shadow of his hat brim. Abreast of the farm wagon, she dropped her bag among several portmanteaus and valises, nodded to Harry in the driver’s seat, and moved toward Gingersnap.

“Emmaleigh…” Kurt held out a hand toward Brett for Ajax’s reins. “Please drive Missus Trayhern in the buggy. I’m sure you ladies will enjoy the time to get acquainted.”

Before she could stop herself, she looked askance at her father then glanced at the woman wearing a rose silk jacket over a burgundy skirt with a train now gathering dust from the road. Irritation tightened her hands, and she forced herself to loosen them before stepping next to the buggy.

“Excuse me, Miss Wallache.”

The quiet voice stopped Emmaleigh with her boot resting on the buggy’s metal step. “Yes?”

“I know we haven’t been formally introduced.”

The memory of the tense conversation in the café rose. A flush heated her cheeks. “Witnessing our family discussion fairly eliminated the need. I apologize for any uncomfortable feelings generated.”

A horse gave a sharp whinny.

Gasping, Emmaleigh jerked around.

Tristan yanked on Gingersnap’s reins, pulling her head this way and that.

Her chest pinched.

The skittish horse reared on her back legs.

“Whoo-hoo.” Tristan grabbed his hat and circled it in the air.

“Hey, stop that. She only needs a gentle touch.” Her admonishment couldn’t have been heard, because before she finished, the horrible man kicked the horse’s sides and charged down Main Street in a cloud of dust.

Within a few buildings, the horse was in a flat-out gallop, ears pinned close to her head.

Heartbeat pounding in her own ears, she cast Brett a look conveying her concern for her horse’s welfare.

Narrowing his gaze, he nodded. “Sir, take these.” He tossed Cinnamon’s reins to Mister Trayhern, clamped his hat tighter on his head, and bolted after the reckless rider.

Kurt and Mister Trayhern followed at a trot.

Harry snapped the reins on Polka and Blaze, and the farm wagon rolled toward the edge of town.

Needing to reach the ranch fast, Emmaleigh jumped into the driver’s seat and untied the reins. She looked toward the passenger seat, only to see the woman still remained outside of the buggy. “Climb inside, please.”

The woman lifted a shoulder. “I’m afraid I’m only accustomed to being handed up into conveyances.”

Unbelievable. With a clamped jaw, Emmaleigh retied the reins and climbed out.

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