An Improper Situation (Sanborn-Malloy Historical Romance Series, Book One)

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Authors: Sydney Jane Baily
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    She thought that, perhaps, he was using her home as a welcome change from all that he knew in the city. He was dressing in denims bought at Webster’s store in town, barely combing his hair, sitting on her porch swing at all hours with one of her father’s books in his hand—one day Uncle Tom’s Cabin , another day The Count of Monte Christo —and happily wielding a hammer when necessary.
    After nearly two weeks with her visitors, Charlotte was starting to wonder how long this could go on with her hiding in her study, Reed and the children discovering things to do during the day, and then everyone congregating for meals.
    As far as Charlotte could see, this had nothing to do with her being an adequate guardian when, except for occasionally lending a hand at bathing time, she was doing little in the way of parental duties. Reed Malloy was not only doing it all; he seemed to be relishing the assignment immensely.
    And, of course, she was relishing the sight of him in his well-fitting denims!
    It was another delicious supper, and she added a little more butter to her boiled potatoes, while shooting a quick glance to the man at the other end of the table. Should she say something to him tonight?
    The children were settling in comfortably, too comfortably perhaps. They’d rearranged their room and were talking about sending for their toys. Reed seemed unconcerned with his business in Boston, having mentioned the capability of his partner and associates.
    The truth was, even now, when she knew something had to give, she was loathe to say anything and disturb the peaceful arrangement they’d fallen into so quickly.
    Her writing had not suffered. In fact, she’d taken some comfort in knowing there were other people in the house, and without having to forage for food in town or at the neighbor’s, she’d had more time to complete her work.
    Reed had sent off another article for her that afternoon on his trip to town. She had spent an agreeable afternoon playing with the children. More games and flower-picking and—
    “ A dance?” came a veritable squeal from Lily that brought Charlotte out of her reverie, as she mashed yet another boiled potato under her fork. She realized she’d been staring at Reed without hearing a word he was saying.
    “ That’s what I said.” He was helping himself to seconds of the corn. “A barn dance. And we’re all invited.”
    Charlotte nearly choked on a piece of roast beef. As it was she coughed loudly and, with eyes watering, asked, “What do you mean ‘We’re all invited’?”
    Reed stared back at her. “Just what I said. Even you, Miss Sanborn.”
    “ Even me ,” she repeated indignantly. “Well, of course, me, I live here. But how could you be? I mean, no one even knows you.”
    “ Despite that, Miss Sanborn, it’s a friendly town and when I was at the post office today, or rather, at Jackson’s,” he clarified, referring to the general store that handled the express and the regular mail, “I saw the notice about the dance. While I was looking at it, one of your townspeople—Miss Prentice, I believe—told me to come along as they could always use another dance partner.”
    Charlotte thought of the petite Miss Prentice with her tightly wound blond curls and her big blue eyes and wondered just how long her conversation with Reed had lasted.
    Of course, Eliza Prentice would latch onto a fresh bachelor the moment he wandered into town, thinking nothing of striking up a conversation with a stranger and immediately asking him to a dance. She was an incorrigible flirt, despite the fact that she was already betrothed. But how much had Reed told Eliza about his accommodations?
    “ Are you sure you’re telling me everything, Mr. Malloy?”
    His eyes widened visibly but he said nothing. The children looked from one adult to another, visibly excited over the idea of a dance.
    “Are we going?” It was Thomas this time, and he actually sounded eager to venture out in

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