Read Online Bride Blunder by Kelly Eileen Hake - Free Book Online Page B

put—with good reason. Now there was a woman to work for. She knew it, too. Had half the pups in town sniffing after her skirts but knew better than to go twitching them at anyone. Every man alive heard of women who played hard to get. Well, here he’d found a woman who meant it.
    He never could resist a worthwhile challenge, and it didn’t hurt that this one came wrapped in a petite package with that saucy smile and a few freckles. Always had a soft spot for freckles.
    But the one girl Amos fixed on talking to went to extreme lengths to avoid him. I wonder if she remembers our encounter four years ago. How long can she hold it against me for “manhandling” her?
    He’d find out soon enough. Until then, Amos fully intended to enjoy the view. So he watched and listened as Midge explained to the council how Miss Chandler came to them highly qualified, with letters of reference, and would like to help them set up the Buttonwood school.
    More importantly, he listened to what Midge avoided saying. No mention of how it’d been rumored she herself was to be given the post. Not a word about Mr. Miller and Miss Chandler’s impending marriage. The unsaid attracted more and more attention.
    â€œMiss Chandler, your references exceed expectation and your experience speaks to your ability.” Saul Reed gave a satisfied nod and fell silent amidst nods of agreement.
    â€œThere is an issue left to address.” Frank Fosset, a short, jovial man who sold and traded oxen to wagon trains heading to Oregon, apparently hadn’t gotten the same information as others on the council. “Miss Chandler, it is my understanding you came to Buttonwood to be Mr. Miller’s bride. As you know, married women find themselves carrying many responsibilities that preclude them from teaching. I apologize for asking a personal question, but it seems the council has forgotten to look into this matter of your marital plans. Are you getting married or not?”
    ***
    â€œEventually.” Marge refused to slouch. “I plan to marry in the future, but Mr. Miller and I have yet to determine absolute compatibility and set a date.”
    Despite Midge’s efforts on her behalf, Marge knew there’d be questions. This council meeting would only be the beginning of the queries, speculation, and downright gossip about her and Gavin.
    Gavin. Strange how she couldn’t re-erect the barrier of his name in her mind. After calling him “Gavin” in her mind for when she claimed him as her fiancé, then for a scant hour in person, she couldn’t convince her head or heart to reclassify him as “Mr. Miller,” as was proper. Oh, when she spoke to others she could adhere to social convention easily enough. But in private...
    They always say you’re at your truest when no one else is watching. Marge didn’t want to think about the things she hid within, the things she allowed no one to see. What does that say about who I am?
    â€œThe Grogans, my son, and I are aware of the ... uncertainty regarding Miss Chandler’s arrangements with Mr. Miller.” Josiah—at least she thought that was his name—Reed, owner of the mercantile and mayor of Buttonwood weighed in. “Until such a time as the matter is settled, we understand she is to live with Ermintrude Miller, while Gavin takes up temporary residence within the mill itself.”
    â€œWhile Miss Chandler and Mr. Miller go about reacquainting themselves,” Dr. Reed—Midge’s adoptive father—added his voice, “she is applying for the position of schoolmistress. Should she wed, obviously another candidate would be needed.”
    â€œWhich would leave us in the lurch.” Mr. Fosset seemed unlikely to cave to popular opinion. “We need some sort of stability or contingency plan if we’re to take on such a poor risk.” He belatedly realized how that sounded as he added, “No offense, Miss