Read Online With Autumn's Return (Westward Winds Book #3): A Novel by Amanda Cabot - Free Book Online

build, and it was clear that Miriam had inherited her blonde hair from her. The green eyes, though, were a legacy from her father, a tall, heavyset man with graying brown hair and ordinary features. Were it not for his vividly colored eyes and the impeccably tailored clothing that announced his success, Elizabeth doubted anyone would give him a second look.
    “You wouldn’t have loose flounces if you bought your clothes from Elizabeth’s sister,” Miriam told her mother, her expression indicating that this was one subject on which the two women would never agree.
    Quick to intervene, Mr. Taggert shook Elizabeth’s hand. “I appreciate your placing your advertisement in the Telegraph . I hope the results have been what you expected.”
    Unwilling to admit that she had yet to treat a patient, Elizabeth merely nodded. The results had not been what she had expected, but perhaps her expectations were unrealistic. Everyone from Jason Nordling to Dr. Worland seemed to believe that was the case. But there was no time for introspection, for the guests began to arrive. As the first entered the mansion, Mrs. Taggert arranged the receiving line in the spacious foyer, placing herself at the beginning, followed by her husband, Richard, Miriam, and then Elizabeth. “We’re saving the guest of honor for last,” she explained. The position suited Elizabeth, reminding her of the church receiving lines where, as the youngest child, she had been the last to greet parishioners.
    “Yes, I’m delighted to be living in Cheyenne,” Elizabeth said more times than she could count. “Yes,” she told the women who asked, “this is one of my sister’s designs.” Fortunately for Elizabeth, Charlotte had left most of her clothing behind, including this emerald-green silk gown. The scooped neckline highlighted the strand of tiny pearls that Mama and Papa had given Elizabeth for her eighteenth birthday, but the gown’s true beauty came from the artful draping of the overskirt. Dipping below the waist in the front, it was gathered into a bustle that extended into a short train. And, though she had not planned it, the color complemented Miriam’sgown, causing more than one woman to comment on how well Elizabeth and Miriam looked together.
    “I can’t believe how many people are here,” Gwen said when she arrived with Harrison. Though she had tried to demur, he had insisted on accompanying her, claiming that he wanted a beautiful woman on his arm. Even Gwen’s scoffs had not managed to hide her blushes. And the way she clung to Harrison’s arm tonight reminded Elizabeth how little Gwen was accustomed to society. Her simple farming background and Army life with her husband had not prepared her for the glitter of Cheyenne’s upper crust.
    “You look lovely,” Elizabeth said softly. “Just think of all the stories you can tell Rose tomorrow.”
    “Good move,” Harrison murmured. “You know how to calm her. I’ll take over now.” He led Gwen to a small table where a formally clad man was offering guests cups of punch.
    Though her throat was dry, Elizabeth knew it would be at least another half hour before she could enjoy the cool refreshment. She smiled and greeted the next guest, trying not to let her smile fade when she saw that Jason Nordling was in line. It wasn’t as if she were surprised. She’d known it was probable that he’d been invited when she learned of his friendship with Richard. It wasn’t as if she didn’t know how to be polite. She did. And it wasn’t as if she’d have to spend more than a few seconds conversing with him. There was no reason, absolutely no reason, to be bothered just because Jason Nordling was coming her way.
    Looking more handsome than ever in his formal clothing, he inclined his head in a short bow as he greeted Mrs. Taggert. Whatever he said must have charmed her, for Elizabeth heard the older woman laugh. It appeared Mr. Nordling hadto uphold his reputation of being charming . . . to