Chase (Prairie Grooms, Book Four) Read Online Free

to a man just like him. After all, look what living in this country had done to them! Of course, their brother the duke had lived here for many years, but he seemed so much more refined and civilized, one born to the dukedom. Where as his brothers seem to lack that same refinement. What then, would the man she came to marry be like?
    “Oh, Apple,” inquired Harrison.
    “ You shall address her by her given name,” snapped Imogene. “Apphina will answer to nothing else."
    “Oh , yes I will!” blurted Apple.
    “Apphina!” admonished Imogene.
    “ Why can't we use our nicknames here?” asked Fina. “No one knows us and I'd rather they use our nicknames than our given names because we must face facts…”
    “Don't say it!” commanded Imogene .
    “ I'm afraid you'll have to get used to their new sense of freedom, cousin Imogene,” said Harrison. “Around here lots of people go by a nickname. Why shouldn't they?”
    “ Because their nicknames are not refined, nor are they proper,” huffed Imogene. “Therefore, they will use their given names at all times.”
    Harrison winked at the three girls. “Personally, I'm going to stick with their nicknames. It's what I've known them by their entire lives.” He looked at Colin. “What say you, brother?”
    “I totally agree,” he said with a huge grin.
    “ I will not tolerate such disrespect!” snapped Imogene.
    Colin tried not to laugh, and failed miserably. “Things are very different here, dear cousin. You'd best get used to it.”
    “ He's right you know,” added Harrison. “And it's not only nicknames you'll have to get used to. There are lots of things here you’re not familiar with,” he said as his voice trailed off. “Death roams the prairie just like any other predator.”
    Imogene stared at him a moment, then looked at Sadie and Belle, knowing full well what he meant. She returned her attention to Harrison and Colin. “I meant no disrespect, dear ones, especially in light of what you've endured.”
    “Let us talk no more of it,” said Harrison. “ Instead, let us speak of why you’re here.”
    Imogene turned in her chair, and looked at Lena, Fina, and Apple. “Yes, let's.”

     
     
     
    Two
     
    Lena, Fina, and Apple watched in fascination as Sadie peeled potatoes, cut them into quarters, and threw them into a pot of boiling water atop an enormous cook stove. Sadie was small, no more than Apple's height, a few inches above five feet. But she was fiery and brave, two attributes Lena and her sisters had never afforded anyone, including themselves. “I say, you’re quite good at that,” said Lena.
    Sadie looked up from her work. “You'll get just as good at it.”
    Lena wasn't sure if her words were a threat or a promise, and hoped for the latter as she turned and studied Belle who was taking a pan of roasted chickens out of the oven. Lena’s mouth began to water, it had been a long time since any of them had eaten, and their brief tea hadn't been enough to tide her over. Sheer hunger drove her to ask the impossible. “Do you need any help with that?”
    Belle stood up and wiped her brow with the back of her hand. “You’ve just arrived and I know you're exhausted. I remember how tired Penelope, Constance, and Eloise were on their first day. But don't worry, I'll take you up on your offer tomorrow.”
    “Where are our other cousins?” asked Fina. “Why aren’t they here?”
    “They’re in Clear Creek at the hotel,” said Sadie. “Their husbands are with the posse, and we didn't have enough room. Jefferson and Edith have been staying in Duncan's old room so that we could take turns watching over him. He’s much better now, so the room is yours.”
    “ Of course, Aunt Honoria’s husband," said Lena to herself.
    “ He's now Edith's husband,” said Belle. “And I must inform you that they love each other very much.”
    Lena looked at her. “You will have to excuse me,” she said. “It might take us awhile to learn