The Most Eligible Bachelor Romance Collection: Nine Historical Romances Celebrate Marrying for All the Right Reasons (41 page)

His face lit with a grin. “Ah, a philosopher.”

“No, an optimist. I know how quickly the fabric dries in the prairie wind, and judging the distance of those clouds, the storm won’t hit for a few more hours. They will dry in time.”

He lowered his hand from the sheet. “I like your optimism, Miss Ellis. I wish I could share in it.”

The sheets brushed against her legs, flapping and playing in the wind. She was suddenly aware of the wet blotches on her apron and bodice, and her rebellious curls blowing against her nose and cheeks. She moved the curls out of her face.

“Are you a pessimist, Mr. Longley?”

His eyes trailed to where her curls were now secure behind her ears. “Not a pessimist, more of a realist.”

“Then you’re not a romantic?” The wind gusted and her curls slipped out of place, tickling her cheeks. She moved them off her face to secure them once again.

“Please don’t.”

She stopped her hand midswipe. “Please don’t, what?”

“Please don’t tuck your curls away again.” His gaze moved from her curls to her eyes. The look on his face sent heat into her cheeks. “Your hair is very becoming.”

Sarah slowly lowered her hand to her side, allowing the curls to frolic about her face.

“What did you ask me?” he said.

She suddenly felt silly for what she had asked, but she would have to repeat the question. “Are you a romantic?”

His smile started small, but then it grew until his eyes shined. “One would think so, given the current circumstances I find myself in. Are you a romantic, Miss Ellis?”

“I am. I love to imagine what the world could be, rather than what it often is.”

Rays of sunshine broke through the clouds at that moment, sending heat down to the prairie.

“If you’re a romantic, do you believe in love at first sight?” he asked.

It felt like a strange conversation to have with a man she had just met—yet she wanted to answer him.

“No, I don’t believe in love at first sight.”

His brows came together, and he tilted his head. “No?”

“Falling
in love
with someone is different than loving them. A man and woman can fall in love at first sight, and perhaps fall out of love just as quickly. But
loving
someone is a commitment you make, day after day, for the rest of your life.”

The wind continued to toss her curls, but she left them alone as she studied his pensive face.

“Mr. Longley.” Genevieve suddenly stood at the end of the line of sheets, clothed in an attractive pink gown. “Could I have a moment of your time?”

Mr. Longley’s focus shifted to Genevieve as he tipped his hat at her. “Of course.” He looked back at Sarah. “I forgot to mention why I stopped to talk to you in the first place.”

Sarah slipped her curls behind her ears. “Why is that?”

“I was wondering if you had a chance to repair my shirt yet.”

She tried to hide the disappointment she felt. He’d only sought her out to inquire about his shirt. “I will have it ready for you before supper.”

He nodded his head at her in good-bye and then joined Genevieve.

Sarah gathered her laundry basket and walked the other way.

She found Mr. Beaumont sitting on the front porch next to her mending basket.

“Hello.” He stood and motioned to the rocker next to him. “Care to join me?”

Sarah took the seat and picked up Mr. Longley’s shirt, inspecting the tear at the elbow. It would be an easy fix, just as he’d said.

“I enjoyed myself last night,” Mr. Beaumont said. “It was fun to see Luke having such a good time. And you sang beautifully.”

She looked up at him and laughed. “You’re just trying to be nice.”

He joined in the laughter. “Maybe I am.”

They rocked in silence for a moment as she threaded a needle with white thread and set to work on Mr. Longley’s shirt.

“Miss Ellis, may I speak plainly?”

“Of course.”

“You are a delightful young lady.”

Heat rose in her cheeks. “Thank you.”

“I’ve had the opportunity to speak to each of the ladies here at Belle Prairie, and I’m convinced you are the one Luke should marry.”

She couldn’t bring herself to meet his eyes. “That’s for Mr. Longley to determine.”

“That’s the problem.” He leaned against the armrest on the rocker. “I don’t think he knows his own mind. He’s so worried about following the rules, he doesn’t ever ask himself what he wants.”

“What can I do?”

Mr. Beaumont lifted a brow. “Help him break the rules—just once. Show him what he’s missing. It doesn’t have to be serious, just a little fun. He’ll realize it’s not the end of the world.”

Sarah’s needle stopped midstitch. “Intentionally break a rule?”

He nodded. “I’ve heard you’re good at that.”

Sarah’s stomach clenched as if she’d been punched in the gut. “Y–you’ve heard I’m good at breaking the rules?”

Mr. Beaumont sobered. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Did the Greenfields tell Mr. Longley I’m a rule breaker?” She didn’t want to break the rules. She only broke the ones that didn’t matter. What must they think of her, if they would tell him such things?

“It’s not how it sounds. It’s just that Luke is so strict—you’d be good for him.” Mr. Beaumont tried to sound reassuring, but Sarah wasn’t convinced.

Chapter 9

I
look forward to walking with you after supper.” Luke stood with Miss Pinet near the flapping sheets, thankful for an opportunity to have some time alone with her.

She offered him a beguiling smile. “I must go inside and help get supper ready, but I’ll be waiting to go on a stroll with you afterward.”

She walked toward the house, and his eyes followed her the whole way.

A gust of wind whipped the sheets. One slapped against his leg so violently, it felt like a viper had jumped up and bit him. He tore his eyes from Miss Pinet and reached down to rub the spot, sure he’d have a welt.

When he looked up, she was gone.

He walked toward the porch where John sat with Miss Ellis.

She made a lovely picture sitting there with his shirt in her hands. The simple act of kindness brought warmth to his heart.

He climbed the porch steps and she stopped her hand midway through a stitch, but she didn’t smile at him. In fact, she looked a little upset.

“We were just talking about you.” John rose from his seat and indicated his vacant rocking chair. “Would you care to sit next to Miss Ellis?”

“I’m actually finished with this.” She snipped the thread quickly and set her shears down in the basket. “I must get inside to help with supper.”

“Do you have to go so soon?” John asked.

“I’m afraid so.” She stood and held out the shirt to Luke. “The repair is finished.”

He took the shirt but didn’t examine her work. Instead, he studied her face. “Is everything all right?”

“Of course. I’ll see you at supper.” She picked up her sewing basket and walked inside the house.

John sat in the rocker and scanned the horizon. “This is a peaceful place.”

“What did you say to upset Miss Ellis?”

“Me? Why do you think I said something?”

“She was fine when I saw her by the clothesline.”

John lifted a brow. “Maybe she was upset to see you with Miss Pinet.”

“That’s ridiculous. All of the ladies know I’m here to select a wife. She knows I’ll be spending time with each of them.”

John’s expression indicated he didn’t agree. “Just because they know you’re courting each of them doesn’t mean they won’t get jealous.”

Luke hadn’t anticipated jealousy.

At supper, he watched the four young ladies from a new perspective. The last thing he wanted to do was create strife between anyone, especially between these four women. When he left, God willing, one of them would be his bride. The other three would remain behind, and their friendships would need to stay intact.

From what he could see, they worked in companionable silence. Miss Ellis sat near the children, her voice and eyes animated as she spoke with them about their adventure at the river. Each one looked to her with respect and admiration, and a couple of the older boys looked as if they might even have a fondness for her.

The supper plates were being cleared away when Miss Pinet approached. “Would you care to take that walk now?”

Luke stood, excusing himself from John and Mr. Greenfield’s company. “Of course.”

They left the dining room, and he noticed the other three young ladies watched them go.

He opened the door and followed her outside. The clouds had crowded together in a dark mass in the west. “Do you think it’s wise to walk on the prairie with that storm coming in?”

Miss Pinet lifted her pretty face to the sky and then slipped her arm through his. “It’s a ways off. We’ll be fine.”

She smelled of lavender and was dressed as well as any woman he’d seen in Boston. “I’ve been eager to spend some time with you,” he said. She looked at him with those stunning brown eyes, and he almost lost his train of thought. “Th–there are so many things I’d like to discuss,” he went on. “I thought maybe we could start with our childhoods. I grew up in Boston, the son of a minister. Where did you grow up?”

It was as if a candle had been snuffed, and darkness crowded her eyes. She looked forward, taking several steps before speaking. “I’ve never been to Boston.”

He waited for her to say more, but she didn’t. An awkward silence filled the space between them. Did she not hear what he asked?

Maybe he could get her to talk about something else. “Have you always wanted to be a missionary?”

“I suppose.”

“Why did you decide to go into this work?”

Again, she walked in silence.

“Was your father or mother in ministry work?” he asked.

She stopped so abruptly, Luke almost stumbled.

“Those clouds look menacing. Should we head back?” she asked.

“Have I said something to offend you?”

“No, of course not.” She removed her arm from his.

“I’m sorry if it sounded like I was prying. I just want to know more about you.”

“Why must you know more?” Her dark eyes snapped. “The past is in the past. What does it matter what my mother and father did? I’m standing here, today, committed to teaching the Chippewa children. I plan to dedicate my life to this work—I will never go back east.” She wrapped her arms about her slender waist. “My parents and my past have nothing to do with my life now.”

He reached out to touch her shoulder, but she pulled away, almost flinching. “Please don’t. If you want to marry me, I’m willing.” She dropped her arms and squared her shoulders. “But discussing my past is out of the question.”

He hoped his eyes, and his voice, conveyed how much he truly cared. “Do you think you’d ever grow to trust me enough to share your past with me?”

She didn’t speak at first, but the look of certainty in her eyes said enough. “No.” She lifted her chin. “But I can tell you, I would make a good wife. I will share in your work and labor beside you night and day. I will keep your home warm. If God is willing, I will bear children for you and raise them up in the Lord. I will stand by your side for the remainder of your days. You have my word.”

Any man would consider himself blessed to have such a dedicated, hardworking bride, especially one so beautiful. The prospect of living as man and wife with her was tempting. She offered him everything he could ever desire… everything but her heart.

“What of love?” he asked.

“Love?” She looked confused. “What does love have to do with anything?”

“It has to do with everything. How could you be my wife and not love me?”

“Love is a fickle term used by people who are driven by their emotions. People use it to get what they want, and take what isn’t theirs to take.”

“So you don’t believe in love?”

“I believe in commitment and hard work.”

She stood with her arms wrapped around herself, the wind tossing her thick brown hair. Despite what she said, he wanted to believe she could love him, and grow to trust him.

But was it a gamble he was willing to take? Her beauty had beguiled him, though he was smart enough to know it wouldn’t sustain a marriage.

Chapter 10

L
ightning flashed through the menacing clouds as Sarah slipped the cool nightgown over her shoulders and secured the high button at her throat.

“It was like a scene from a book,” Mary gushed as she ran a brush through her long red hair. “We sat amongst the violets and spoke on and on about ourselves. The smell was almost intoxicating—”

“Mary!” Hazel’s voice rose in shock.

“I said ‘almost.’” Mary rolled her eyes and slid the brush through her hair again. “Mr. Longley is everything I had hoped and more. I’ve never met a more handsome man.”

“Looks aren’t everything,” Sarah gently reminded. “He’ll age, and his looks may fade. It’s his heart that will grow more beautiful over time, if he fashions it after Christ.”

Mary appeared not to hear her.

Sarah sat on her bed and separated her hair into three parts to begin her nightly braid.

Genevieve opened the door and slipped into the room.

“You’re lucky you came in before curfew, Genevieve.” Hazel clucked her tongue. “You could have been suspended from your work.”

“I’ve been home for almost an hour. Mr. Longley and I sat on the porch and watched the storm roll in.”

Sarah couldn’t stop the envy from creeping into her heart at the thought of the two of them together.

“Sarah is the only one left who hasn’t had time with Mr. Longley.” Mary patted Sarah’s knee as her eyes filled with empathy.

“We’ve had a few opportunities to talk.”

“But has he asked you for time alone?” Hazel knotted her nightcap under her chin with a yank on the strings.

“No, he hasn’t.”

“Surely he will.” Mary offered a sympathetic smile. “He only has two more days before he must decide.”

“Unless he already has decided,” Genevieve said as she unbuttoned the front of her dress.

Her comment made Mary’s brows rise. “He can’t possibly make up his mind, not until he’s had proper time with each of us.”

Genevieve removed her dress and stood in her chemise. “Maybe the opportunities he’s had to talk with Sarah are enough to know she’s not the right one.”