Bride Blunder Read Online Free Page A

healer who provided a different sort of care. Doreen, who could say the right thing, went well with Josiah, who had the uncanny way of knowing what someone needed at what time.
    As for her, Midge’s flair was for observation. She watched, she listened, she noticed. In short, she spotted things people didn’t want others to guess at. She read expressions, registered changes in stances or gestures, wondered about things that were none of her business because she learned long ago that a girl never knew when something might become her business.
    It pays off to pay attention.
    And right now, from her vantage point a few paces away—out of sight of Mr. Amos Geer—Midge couldn’t help but frown. Mr. Miller seemed like he was holding back his excitement before, but now that the stage arrived—the top loaded down with more luggage than she could’ve dreamed up even with her considerable imagination—his posture tattled of surprise.
    He’d reached up to help down a woman, smiled in a friendly but not loving way at her, and asked something to make her shake her head slightly. Why was he glancing back in the coach? And there ... the stiffening of his shoulders as he signaled for the luggage to be brought down.
    Mr. Miller didn’t look excited anymore. His smile stretched tight instead of wide, his movements went jerky, like a body’s does when doing something under protest.
    Midge looked at the new lady, Miss Chandler, who seemed vaguely uncertain and massively overdressed. No ... something is wrong here.
    She watched Mr. Miller take Miss Chandler’s elbow—touching her as little as possible as he helped her into his wagon. Very wrong, indeed.
    ***
    All too aware of the town’s scrutiny as the stage pulled up, Gavin took a deep breath. It didn’t matter what anyone else thought—although Daisy’s charm and looks would win over the stodgiest grump in no time flat. But it did matter if she felt uncomfortable the moment she stepped foot in town.
    The stage stopped a few feet in front of him, making him walk to meet them. He pulled down the folding steps as the dust settled then straightened up to open the curved door. A mass of lavender skirts floofed into view before one dainty hand, clad in soft tan leather, reached toward him.
    Daisy. He enfolded her tiny hand in his, stepping back as one small foot extended toward the steps, offering a glimpse of polished black boots whose endless buttons encased tantalizingly trim ankles. She descended, gaze lowered to watch her step, her hat blocking her face until they moved a short distance from the coach. It was only when she raised her head to smile at him Gavin recognized the woman before him.
    â€œMarge?” He clasped her hand in both of his for a moment. Unexpected it might be, but it was a pleasure to see his old friend. Daisy should have told him she’d brought her cousin for companionship on the journey. “So good to see you!”
    â€œWonderful to see you as well”—a faint blush colored her cheeks before she added—“Gavin.” Her use of his given name sent an odd, though not unpleasant, clench to his midsection, but he brushed it off. They were soon to be family, after all.
    He peered past her. “Where is Daisy?”
    â€œShe couldn’t accompany me, I’m afraid.” Marge lifted her chin. “With her wedding date so near, she couldn’t leave, and Aunt Verlata and I determined it wouldn’t be overly improper for an affianced woman to travel alone.” A teasing smile tilted her lips. “Daisy told me to be sure and mention how put out she is that you didn’t RSVP to her invitation.”
    â€œThe invitation...” The echo came out choked as the stagecoach driver began tossing down Marge’s luggage. Daisy is to be married ... but why is Marge here? Marge ... All at once, the missing memory slammed into place with the finality of a nail in a