Read Online Tabitha: Bride of Missouri (American Mail-Order Bride 24) by Amelia C. Adams - Free Book Online Page A

Smith’s horsewhip in no way influenced their decision. The winner of the coveted title of Miss Atwater goes to Tabitha Phillips!” the mayor announced, and again, the crowd cheered.
    Feeling more awkward than she ever had in her life, Tabitha stepped forward and gave a little bow, then escaped off the stage as quickly as she could. Pastor Reed reached out and caught her elbow.
    “Congratulations, Miss Phillips. You deserve the win.” He let go of her arm. “I’m so terribly sorry, but I’ve just now received a note. One of my parishioners is dying and has asked for me. Do you mind terribly if I leave?” He glanced around. “Oh, look. There’s Mr. Scott. Perhaps he could see you home.”
    “I’m sure that would be all right,” Tabitha said, trying not to sound eager. “I’m sorry you have to leave.”
    “And I’m sorry to tear myself from your side. Congratulations again. Oh, and you should know that the voting was unanimous.” Pastor Reed gave her a smile. “Let me speak to Mr. Scott, and then I’ll be on my way.”
    “Oh, you don’t have to do that,” Tabitha protested, but he was already making his way through the crowd. She followed along behind.
    “I wonder if I could prevail upon you for a very pleasant favor,” Pastor Reed said as he drew up alongside Mr. Scott.
    “Certainly. What do you need, Pastor?”
“It seems that I’ve invited a young lady to a festival, but I won’t be able to see her home. May I turn Miss Phillips over to your care? I heard someone mention that you’re engaged to be married—would this compromise your situation?”
    “No, not at all. Miss Phillips and I are already acquainted, as you saw, and I’d be delighted.”
    The pastor looked relieved. “Excellent. I know she’ll be in good hands.” He turned to Tabitha. “Enjoy the rest of your evening, and I’ll see you at church tomorrow.” With a small bow, he was gone.
    “Well now, Miss Phillips—or should I say, Miss Atwater—it would appear that you belong to me now,” Mr. Scott said, a grin on his face. “What shall I do with you?”
    “I believe it’s time for the potluck,” Tabitha replied. “You could help bring my potato dish from the house.”
    “Then by all means, let’s go get it.”
    Tabitha pulled her shawl a little more tightly around her shoulders as they walked. The sun was lowering in the sky, taking the warmth of the day with it.
    “I’m not sorry the pastor had to leave,” Mr. Scott said. “I know very few people here, and I’m glad for someone to talk to.”
    “What about your friend—Hoss, was it? Isn’t he here?”
    “Naw. He’s at home snoozing in front of his fire. He doesn’t go for things like this. And if you don’t mind my saying so, you seem a bit uncomfortable as well. Didn’t you want to win?”
    “No. I was pulled into the whole thing. Although, I did enjoy the look on Darcy’s face when my name was announced.” Tabitha laughed at the memory. “I’m sure that makes me evil. I should probably talk to the pastor about it.”
    “Are the two of you courting, then? He seems like a good fellow.”
    Tabitha shook her head. “No. No, we’re not. For the thousandth time.”
    Mr. Scott looked at her curiously. “I didn’t ask a thousand times.”
    “You didn’t, but it seems like everyone else in town has. He asked to take me to the festival. That’s all.”
    Once at the house, Tabitha led the way into the kitchen and pulled a pan of bubbling potatoes from the oven. She’d kept them on the lowest possible heat while she was gone, and now they were perfect. She placed the pan inside a box to make it easier to carry, then picked it up. “Shall we go?”
    “Aren’t I helping you with that?”
    She looked at his arm.
    “Oh, that. Hmm.” He glanced around. “There must be something I can carry. Make me useful.”
    “You could carry the serving spoon,” Tabitha suggested.
    “A pity task? That’s the best you can offer me?”
    She lifted a shoulder.