Cinders' Bride: Mail Order Brides of Texas Read Online Free Page B

woman’s things in the room. A brush sat on the top of the trunk at the end of the big bed, along with lace handkerchiefs and a small bottle of lilac water. Curious, she opened the big oak trunk and her blood ran cold. It contained women and baby clothes. He'd never mentioned a wife.
    Closing the trunk, she sat on the bed. In fact, she didn’t know anything about her husband including his first name. Then again, she thought she knew John Hardy through his letters, but it was all a lie. She was in no position to be hurt, but Cinders should have mentioned being married before.
    It really wasn’t her business. After all, he'd never made her any promises and they both knew the marriage wasn’t real, only an arrangement for her protection. He married her to keep her safe, not because he cared for her. Her present circumstances were far better than John Hardy and far better than what she left behind in New York City- a life of poverty, crime and forced prostitution.
    She wrapped her arms around her waist and sucked in a deep breath. She’d made it out of the city despite all the challenges. Standing up, she walked to the window and gazed out at all the empty land. It was very different from the tenements she’d lived in with her parents. She had longed for a family with children, but he’d made it clear he didn’t share her longing.
    She’d make a different dream, just one without babies. Breathing in the clean air was a novelty. Happiness was hers if she wanted it; and she wanted it.
    A knock on the door startled her and she turned from the window. Cinders stood in the doorframe with a heavy metal bathing tub in his hands.
    “I brought water in and it’s heating. I thought you’d like a bath.” His face reddened as he gazed at her.
    “Oh, my, yes. I’d love a bath. Thank you.” She started to smile, but ended up wincing.
    “Just don’t get your stitches wet. Actually, I don’t know how you’d keep it dry. Maybe a bath isn’t the best idea.” He shook his head slowly.
    “I can make it work, Cinders. Besides you can’t offer a woman the luxury of a bath then change your mind.”
    “I suppose you got me there.” He set the tub on the floor. “I thought it would be better in here since the men are always in and out. Cookie said he had a great time with you.”
    Her eyebrows rose. “Really? I got the impression he didn’t like me.”
    Chuckling, he headed to the door, then stopped and turned. “He does that to everyone. I should have warned you. I’ll get the water.”
    He was going to get the water? Her father would have considered it a woman’s job. Real baths almost never happened- it was usually a basin of cold water and a sliver of soap.
    “Here’s the last one.” Cinders poured the steaming water into the half-full tub and left a wooden bucket filled with hot water next to the bath. “You can rinse off with the water in the bucket.” He gave her a slight smile. “I’ll let you have your privacy.”
    “Thank you.”
    He nodded and left, closing the door behind him.
    The invitation of the bath enticed her and she shed her clothes in seconds. Stepping into the tub was pure heaven while sliding down into the water was ecstasy. On the other side of the tub lay a towel with a bar of soap on it. Gingerly she reached out and picked it up, her mouth formed an o as she studied it. The soap was brand new. Never in her life had she been the first to use a bar of soap.
    She quickly lathered her body, being extra careful not to get her bandage wet. Washing her hair had been a bit precarious but she managed by holding the towel over her cheek. Finally, the water cooled and she reluctantly got out. Even the towel was soft as she dried herself extra well. How exhilarating to have the dirt from the city washed off for good.
    The throbbing of her cheek worsened as she stood and the temptation to examine her cheek under the bandage was great, but for now, what she didn’t know would be best. She had a good