Read Online To Have and To Hold by Tracie Peterson, Judith Miller - Free Book Online Page B

alcohol and his behavior as erratic and wild as a charging bull, Audrey decided she had best put some rules into effect prior to the arrival of the remaining boarders.
    â€œBe sure you tell any of the men who will be residing here at Bridal Fair that we have rules, and they will be strictly enforced. Those who don’t adhere to the rules will be required to move to the workingmen’s quarters.”
    Mr. Parks’s eyes flashed with surprise, and his expression sobered. “Rules? I never heard about any rules before I moved in.” He glanced at Mr. Fenton and Mr. Uptegrove. “Either of you hear about any rules?”
    â€œNope.” They both shook their heads. Mr. Uptegrove leaned back in his chair. “What kind of rules are you referring to, Miss Audrey?”
    Audrey could feel the heat climb up her neck. She’d spoken too soon. Telling the men her expectations in front of her father would cause them both discomfort. He’d think she didn’t trust him. Still, she couldn’t have men drinking or acting like ruffians in their home. She toyed with the edge of her napkin while she tried to sneak a look at her father. His focus was fastened on her like a starving dog eyeing a dish of food.
    â€œI don’t believe I’ve heard the rules, either. Why don’t you run through them for us, Audrey?” Her father picked up his cup and took a deep swallow of coffee.
    â€œI haven’t posted the rules just yet because Mr. Morley personally vouched for the three of you. However, I don’t want to have the order of our house disturbed by any unseemly behavior. It seems only sensible to post rules before the others arrive.” She inhaled a deep breath.
    â€œAudrey’s right. I can only imagine what kind of roughnecks you’re going to bring back to live under our roof.” Aunt Thora blew a wisp of hair from her forehead. “Makes me shudder to think of it.”
    There was little doubt Thora was going to go off on one of her tangents if Audrey didn’t interrupt. “First and foremost, there will be no drinking on the premises. Secondly, no man can return here if he is in an intoxicated state. No liquor can be brought into the house for any purpose. I don’t want men buying alcohol and drinking it in their rooms,” she explained.
    Mr. Parks nodded. “Seems reasonable enough. Anything else?”
    â€œSmoking is reserved for the porch only.” Just yesterday she’d found evidence that Mr. Fenton had been smoking in his room. What if he fell asleep with a burning cigar or cigarette and set the house on fire? She wasn’t about to take chances when it came to Bridal Fair. Besides, smoking indoors smelled up the entire house. “And every man must bathe on Saturday. Preferably more often, but I insist upon once a week.”
    â€œWhew! You sure got high standards. Hope there’s nothing else.” Mr. Fenton craned his neck and looked down his nose.
    Audrey clenched her fingers until they started to lose all feeling. “There are a few other rules, but nothing I believe you’ll find objectionable.”
    â€œSuch as?” Mr. Fenton’s eyebrows shot high on his forehead.
    â€œI don’t intend to keep food warm for stragglers. Meals will be served according to the work schedule. If someone dallies and isn’t here, he’ll have to wait until morning to eat. As you know, we pray before our meals. We expect the men to remain patient and quiet during prayers—even if it isn’t their general practice.” Audrey glanced back and forth among the men. “I will expect the men to strip their bedding on Monday morning so that I might have it washed and replaced by Monday evening. There may be a few other rules, but nothing beyond the normal expectations of mannerly conduct.”
    Mr. Parks shrugged his broad shoulders. “Well, I doubt you’ll have any trouble from the three of us. We’ll