Read Online A Girl Like That by Frances Devine - Free Book Online Page A

Katie sent Molly what she hoped was a firm look. “Mr. Nelson is merely an acquaintance. Not even a friend, much less a suitor.”
    Molly laughed. “Hey, I’m only fooling. Don’t get riled up, now.”
    In the crowded dressing room, Katie made her way past women getting ready for the afternoon performances. She hurried to get into her costume then sat at a dressing table to apply her makeup.
    Oh, what had she done? She knew better than to accept a ride from a man who was practically a stranger. When her father found out, and he would, he’d likely put her on the first train back to the farm. Katie cringed at the thought. But there was no getting around it. She had to tell him herself. Right after the show.
    For the first time, she didn’t enjoy performing. Her heart didn’t soar as it usually did when she sang her solo, and she recited her lines without feeling. As soon as she’d made her final exit, she rushed to the dressing room and poured her heart out to Bridget.
    “Now, now. Don’t be frettin’ so. After all, your da would probably rather you took the ride than be walking down the streets of the Patch. What with all the—” The girl stopped and gave Katie a curious look. “What do you think a fine young gentleman would be doing at Conley’s Patch?”
    “Well, I don’t know. Maybe he had business there.” She frowned. What was Bridget getting at?
    “At the Patch? What sort of business would he be in?”
    “I’m sure I don’t know. How should I?”
    “If he’s going to be hanging around you, you’d best be finding out everything you can about him. Including his business.” Bridget’s eyes widened. “He could be a gambler or even criminal of some sort. They often look like gentlemen.”
    “Bridget, you’re scaring me.”
    “Well, and I mean to. A girl can’t be too careful, after all.”
    Katie sighed. “Guess I needn’t worry about it. If my father doesn’t send me away, he’ll watch me like a hawk.”
    “I won’t be arguing with you about that.” Bridget darted a sympathetic look at her.
    Just then, the rest of the women flocked into the room, and Katie took a deep breath. The show was over. There was no putting it off any longer.
    She found her father removing the paint from his face.
    “Katie, my girl.” He sprang from the chair and planted a kiss on her cheek. “It’s glad I am you came to see me. You’re usually running off someplace before I can hardly say hello and good-bye.”
    “You’re stretching the truth, Pa, and well you know it.” Katie smiled, relieved to find him in a good mood. Maybe he wouldn’t be so angry after all.
    “Pa, there’s something I need to tell you.” She cleared her throat and swallowed.
    “Well, and here I am. What is it?”
    “Please don’t be angry with me, because I’m very sorry.”
    He frowned and peered at her. “Have you been spending too much of me hard-earned money now? Is that it?”
    She shook her head vehemently. “I have my own money now.” The very idea.
    “That hasn’t been stopping you from spending mine, too, now, has it?” He patted her on the arm. “But I don’t mind a bit, my Katie girl. So don’t be fretting.”
    Maybe she should let well enough alone. After all, there was no harm done. She gave her father a tremulous smile and turned to go. No, it would be much worse if he found out from someone else. She turned and faced him again. “I accepted a ride to the theater from a young man this afternoon.”
    “Ah yes. You’ll be referring to Mr. Nelson. I thanked him nicely for rescuing my daughter from the streets of shantytown.” He pursed his lips and scowled. “And how many times have I told you not to be walking around Conley’s Patch by yourself?”
    Katie gasped. He told her father? But how was that possible? “When did he tell you?”
    “Right after he dropped you off at the door. He wanted me to know why you were in his carriage. A fine upstanding young lawyer, he is. And very concerned that I