Read Online Grace (The Marriage Market Book 2) by Stevie MacFarlane - Free Book Online

ignore the painful spanking if he would just return to his other pursuits.
    "No, this is a punishment."
                  "I need you," Tempest cried, looking at him over her shoulder with accusing tear-filled eyes.
                  "I know, but you will learn you do not control everything and that your tantrums will bring you more than a red bottom if you don't behave. In fact, I find a great deal of my day is spent thinking of ways to discipline my naughty wife if she doesn't mind me."
    "You do?" she gasped.
    "Yes, I do. Now go upstairs and wait for me. I'll be there soon," he said as he helped her up and rose from the settee. "And don't touch yourself, Lass. I know you have brought yourself pleasure many times over the years when you were angry with me and wanted to punish me with your disinterest. Dinna do that today, or you're likely to find out just how determined I am to break you of your disobedience." Stooping, he pulled up her pantalets and smacked her bottom before letting her skirts drop.
                  Tempest's face went from pale to red in seconds as the enormity of his promise registered. Swiftly she fled the room, her feet flying up the stairs. For once, she didn't slam their bedroom door.
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter Six
     
     
                  Molly Muldoon chewed nervously on her fingernail and looked around the huge kitchen. She knew this day was coming and had done everything she could to avoid it, including pretending to be sick and trading favors, but it was finally here and she couldn't think of any way to get out of it. It was her turn to cook dinner.
                  Oh, she could make a delicious apple pie and molasses cookies that would have everyone shitting like a blue goose, but that was the extent of her culinary expertise. Why, why had she lied in her letter to Mr. Jordon?
                  Because you thought he was rich and although the likelihood of him wanting the likes of you was slim, there was always a chance. Thought you'd maybe marry a rich man and have servants to cook and fetch for you, didn't you, you silly girl?
                  "Oh shut up!" Molly hated it when her conscience got the best of her. It was a sarcastic voice in her head that wouldn't or couldn't be quiet. "I should have told Angus the truth when I had the chance," she mumbled, looking in cupboards for something to inspire her.
                  Yes you should have, you deceitful little baggage. You got yourself brought out here under false pretenses, now your goose is cooked. When he finds out you can't cook, he'll toss you out on your ear!
                  "But his letter was so sweet," she sighed. "The way he talked about working side by side and building a future together and maybe having a few children. I guess I got caught up in his dream."
    Y ou got caught all right. Right between a rock and a hard place.
    "Oh, for the love of Mike, will you shut up! You're not helping anything."
                  "Molly, are you all right in here?" Martha asked sticking her head in the doorway. "I thought I heard yelling."
                  "Oh, yes… I just cut myself," Molly said, grimacing as she clutched her finger in her apron.
    Little liar.
                  "Oh dear, let me see. Jane is out for a buggy ride with Dr. Martin, but they should be back soon."
    As Martha approached, Molly backed up.
                  "No, no it will be all right. I just don't know if I can make dinner tonight, what with all the bleeding."
                  "I'd better take a look at it," Martha insisted. Reaching out she took hold of Molly's forearm and tugged. "Come on, Molly. Don't be such a ninny."
    Shoulders slumping in defeat, Molly released her finger and showed it to Martha.
    "Why I don't see a thing wrong with it," Martha observed. "Are you feeling all right in the head?" she asked,