Read Online Kitty: Bride of Hawaii (American Mail-Order Bride 50) by Janelle Daniels - Free Book Online Page A

him. We’ve built a friendship over the past couple of weeks, and you can’t deny our connection. Ample reasons to marry, and yet you still refuse.”
    She nodded once, unable to meet his eyes.
    “And you still won’t tell me your reasons for rejecting my offer?”
    She shook her head. “I can’t.”
    He couldn’t decide which upset him more, the fact that she was willing to marry a perfect stranger but refused to marry him, someone she cared for, or that she wouldn’t tell him her reasons for rejecting him. He wished he could let it go—let her go. But as he watched her fidget with her skirt, he knew there’d never be another woman he wanted as much as her. “All right, then.”
    There had to be something he could do—some way he could keep her close. Perhaps with time, she’d trust him enough to confide her past, and they could work through any issue she had. But what type of position would she accept? She wanted to use her education, but there wasn’t much need for a teacher or governess on the plantation. In fact, the only skills he needed at present were—
    He froze. That could work.
    Switching tactics, he leaned back, resting an ankle over his knee. “So, you’d like to acquire employment?”
    Her eyes shifted warily toward him. “Yes.”
    She wasn’t ready to accept marriage, but she might be willing to take on some of its duties. He kept his tone neutral. “You’re highly educated.” When she nodded, he continued, “A governess or teacher would be an excellent position for you, but might you consider another?”
    Her teacup paused halfway to her lips. “What other type of employment do you have in mind?”
    “A type of social secretary.”
    “I don’t think—”
    He held up his hand. “Please hear me out.”
    She placed her teacup back on the saucer before setting both on the table, its steam curling up between them. “All right.”
    “I’m in need of a social secretary of sorts—I’m not sure what the best name for the position is. With the new tariff recently in place, Castle & Snow Industries faces a new challenge. While Hawaiian sugar has dominated the market the last decades, that edge has been leveled. Mr. Snow mentioned we’ll need to court our clients in lavish style to control the market share as we have in the past. To do so, we’ll need to host parties, soirees, balls, et cetera.” He paused to sip his tea.
    “It makes sense,” she agreed. “But what exactly would you need me for?”
    “Isn’t it obvious? I have no wife. I’m inept at planning or hosting parties. While I’ve attended my fair share of events, my time is better spent on business endeavors where I’m most needed. Castle Sugar is a well-oiled machine, but someone still needs to oversee it, to make the large decisions.”
    “I understand.”
    She shredded a cookie in her lap, not realizing her nerves had made a mess. He hid his smile behind another sip of tea. “I’d like to hire you to handle that aspect of my business. From what you’ve mentioned, your education has trained you to handle those duties well.”
    The duties of a wife.
    “Yes.” She cleared her throat. “I can handle planning and arranging all types of social affairs.” She quieted, no doubt mulling over his offer. She had to be tempted.
    He went in for the strike. “Your salary is negotiable, of course. Would two thousand dollars a year be sufficient?”
    She choked on the offer. He was aware it was well above anything she’d earn as a governess or teacher.
    Before she could interrupt, he added, “Unfortunately, with guests arriving at odd times, I might need you close by to step in. I realize what an inconvenience that will be for you. To alleviate some of the difficulty, I’d also like to offer food and housing as a bonus of your employment.”
    Her lips pressed together as she shook her head. “I can’t live with you.”
    He’d like nothing better than to have her under his roof. It wasn’t as good as marriage, but it