Read Online The Ride of Her Life by Lorna Seilstad - Free Book Online

floured board and cut them in circles with an upside-down glass. She slipped a biscuit-filled pan into the oven as the back door opened. She gasped and banged the oven door shut.
    “Sorry, Miss Lilly. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
    “Eugenia, what are you doing here so early? I thought I told you to come in around nine.”
    With a smile, Eugenia removed her enormous orange bonnet and slipped an apron over her head. “I couldn’t let you do breakfast all by your lonesome.”
    “I don’t mind.” Lilly poured dry beans into a pot of water and set it on the back of the stove to soak before hefting the cast-iron skillet into its place in the front.
    “Oh, but I do. I want to help. What can I do?”
    Lilly complimented the young woman on her desire to help, but not ready to trust Eugenia with food, Lilly glanced around the kitchen for a task to assign. “I know. Why don’t you set the tables for the men? We need ten place settings.”
    Eugenia nodded and scooped a stack of plates into her arms. “Will they need bone dishes too?”
    “Excuse me?”
    “Well, full place settings have bone dishes. Soup bowls too, now that I think of it.”
    Lilly stopped placing slices of bacon in the pan. “Eugenia, have you ever needed a bone dish or a soup bowl for breakfast?”
    “No, ma’am, I guess not.” She hung her head.
    “Plates, cups, napkins, and silverware will be fine. You figured out where all those were last night.” Lilly went back to her work, chuckling to herself. Lord, if You sent Eugenia to teach me patience, please help me learn this lesson fast.
    No sooner had Lilly pulled the last crispy slice of bacon from the skillet than she heard the heavy footfalls of the men entering. She grabbed a dry towel and wrapped it around the handle of the coffeepot before passing through the kitchen door into the dining room. “Morning, gentlemen. Breakfast will be out in a minute.”
    “I can pour the coffee, Miss Lilly,” Eugenia offered.
    Nick flashed Lilly a knowing smile, but Lilly pretended not to notice it. After hesitating for a second, she passed the girl the coffeepot. “I’ll be out with your bacon and eggs shortly.”
    “That’s good, lassie,” she heard Sean McGready tell Eugenia as Lilly turned to leave. Maybe the girl would work out after all.
    “Blech!”
    Lilly whirled and saw Mr. McGready spew his coffee across the table.

8
    “Are ya trying to poison me, lass?”
    Rushing over, Lilly grabbed the pot from Eugenia. “Is there a problem?”
    “Taste it.” Mr. McGready thrust his cup in her direction.
    “If you don’t mind, I’ll . . .” She picked up another cup and began to fill it. Easing the cup to her lips, she took a sip. A rancid taste filled her mouth.
    “Go ahead and spit it out, lass.” Mr. McGready handed her a napkin. “Ain’t fit for a soul to drink.”
    She forced the liquid down. “That won’t be necessary.”
    “So, what’s wrong with it?” Nick asked. “The girl mix it up wrong?”
    “I made it myself.” Lilly stared into the cup. What was the film on top of the brew? What had she tasted?
    The answer hit her so hard she nearly dropped the cup in her hands.
    Soap.
    She turned toward Eugenia. “When you washed the dishes, did you rinse them well?”
    “You didn’t say to rinse them. You said wash and dry them.”
    Chuckling broke out among the men, and soon the room was filled with full-bellied laughter.
    Tears pricked Eugenia’s eyes, and Lilly took her arm and guided her into the kitchen. Poor girl. Lilly chastised herself for not speaking to her in private. After giving Eugenia a hug and apologizing for not giving clearer directions, Lilly returned with fresh cups and gathered the soapy ones. “I’m so sorry about all of this.”
    “’Tweren’t yer fault.” Mr. McGready tugged on his beard. “Besides, this is the best laugh I’ve ever had before me mornin’ biscuit.”
    His humor was infectious, and she found embarrassment ebbing and a smile