Read Online Johanna: Bride of Michigan (American Mail-Order Bride 26) by Clara Kincaid - Free Book Online Page A

plates and sat down. A maid came into the room and poured Johanna a cup of tea, asking her if she cared for any orange juice, darting off when she said yes.
    Johanna layered her pancakes with syrup. “I was wondering, Paul.”
    “About?”
    “Would it be possible for Sara to be my lady’s maid? I’d rather have her assist me. It’s so hard to tighten my own corset.”
    Paul gazed at her. “I could always help you with that,” he teased. When Johanna stared wide-eyed at him, he quickly added, “I was only kidding, dear. I had hoped you’d like Sara. She’s a lovely girl and in need of another position here. Mother isn’t fond of her.”
    “Oh, and why ever not?”
    “Mother can be difficult with the staff, but now that you’re my wife, I think you need to take charge of them.”
    “But I have no idea how to do that.”
    “You’ll learn. Plus, it’s your place as lady of the house. Take your time and get to know them. I consider them to be both reliable and friendly. I wouldn’t have hired them otherwise.”
    Johanna wanted to ask him how his mother felt about that, but she didn’t want him to think she planned to not get along with Cecilia. She obviously was important to Paul or she wouldn’t be living with him.
    “So, where are we going again?”
    “The seamstress. Natasha is very skilled and can create even the most current styles.”
    “You could just buy me bolts of fabric. If I had a sewing machine, I could make my own dresses.”
    Paul chewed his pancakes and swallowed hard. “Is that what you did in the factory you worked at?”
    “No, fabric was woven with machines. It was my job to clear the machine if it jammed.” It was also how her leg had been injured, when the machine came apart, but she wasn’t ready to tell Paul that just yet. She thought he’d reject her for certain if he knew.
    “I have a pump pedal sewing machine in the sewing room.”
    “You have a sewing room?”
    “Yes. Nobody uses it, but Mother insisted it would be a welcomed addition to the house. She’s wanted me to get married and have a family for years.”
    “How do you feel about that, having children?”
    “I love children. Plus, I see no sense in building up my mill if I have no children to leave it to, if the lumbering is able to continue in Michigan.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Lumberjacks have been cutting down white pines for over ten years now. Nobody knows how long the trees will last. I only hope it’s not soon. I’d hate to see a place like Saginaw become a deserted ghost town.”
    This worried Johanna considerably. “What would you do then?”
    Paul smiled. “We’ll leave when you’re finished.” He excused himself and left the dining room.
    Why didn’t he answer my question? Is he afraid of thinking about what he’d do? How long would the white pines last?
    Johanna finished her orange juice and walked out of the dining room to find out where Paul had gone. Sara was waiting outside and she knew Paul must have told her she could be Johanna’s lady’s maid from the smile that spread across her face.
    “So, he told you?” Johanna asked with a frown. She had wanted to be the person to tell Sara.
    “Yes, and I promise I’ll be the best maid you’ve ever had.”
    “Since I’ve never had one before, I’m sure you’ll be great. Where did Paul go?”
    “He’s in the parlor.”
    Johanna walked into the parlor and Paul was looking over a few papers. “I’m ready.”
    Paul looked up and nodded. “Good. I need to get over to the mill after I take you shopping.”
    “Good, I’d love to see the mill.”
    “Not today, I’m afraid. I have business to attend to there, and it would only bore you.”
    Johanna sighed. “I see, but what will I do to occupy my time?”
    “Get to know the staff, like I said earlier. I’m sorry if this disappoints you.”
    “It does,” Johanna admitted. “But I would love to see how it works. I’m very excited to actually.”
    Paul took ahold of