Loving Linsey Read Online Free Page B

tussled with a beehive? Come overhere and let me put some cold cloths on your face.”
    Compliantly Addie allowed Linsey to guide her to the stool in front of the vanity. After Linsey pressed cold, wet cloths into Addie’s hands, she picked up a silver-plated brush and started working the tangles out of Addie’s straight blond hair.
    â€œWhere are you running off to so early?” her sister asked.
    â€œThe orphanage. But I want to stop by the smithy first and see if Oren has any nails made. I’m giving Noah and Jenny one of my lucky horseshoes to hang in their new home after the wedding.” She didn’t dare bring up the possibility that she might not be around next month for the ceremony; Addie looked as if she’d had enough distress heaped upon her.
    But the mention of their childhood friend brought a sharp pang of regret. The ache remained with Linsey as she brushed Addie’s long pale hair, then twisted it into a chignon at her nape. Linsey had lost count of the dreams she and Addie had shared over the last few years. Of meeting a handsome fellow, marrying in a double ceremony, and building homes side by side so they’d never be apart. . . .
    Linsey sighed. Now she would never know the bliss of married life. Even if she did find her true love before she departed this world, she couldn’t in all good conscience marry a man who would barely be a groom before she made him a widower.
    With Addie’s hair tended to, Linsey took her place in front of the mirror so Addie couldstyle her unruly red tresses. Yes, unfortunately, it was too late for her to find wedded bliss.
    Linsey stilled. But it wasn’t too late for Addie.
    Her gaze shot to her sister’s haggard reflection. As long as she could remember, she’d taken care of Addie. But what about when she no longer could? Who would take care of Addie when she was gone?
    No one. Other than Aunt Louisa, Addie had not a soul to depend on.
    Unless . . .
    Of course! Why hadn’t she thought of it sooner? If she could find Addie someone to share her life with, then Addie might not grieve so deeply at her passing.
    The more Linsey thought about finding Addie a mate, the more perfect it sounded. It would be her parting gift to her sister, to honor the friendship and companionship they’d shared over the years.
    After Addie left to collect her lessons for the day, Linsey danced around the bedroom, her mood lighter now that she had a plan. She gathered her basket and gloves, mentally listing the requirements for her sister’s future husband. He must be strong and capable, yet gentle and compassionate. Oh, and he must be suitably employed so that he could properly provide for Addie. Addie would have a dowry, of course, but Linsey refused to hand her sister over to some fortune-seeking scoundrel.
    And children. He must get on well with children, for Addie loved them so. She always said she could have a dozen and still want more.And books. Addie loved her books, so he must support her fondness for them.
    He could never forbid Addie from teaching, either, for that was a special calling for a special woman—who deserved an equally special man.
    But who?
    The question echoed in her mind as she descended the staircase. The pungent aroma of fresh coffee and the sweet temptation of apple pastries lured Linsey to the sideboard in the dining room.
    There was no sign of Aunt Louisa, which didn’t surprise Linsey. The woman often left to visit Granny Yearling before anyone else awakened. When Addie walked into the room a few minutes later, Linsey decided that it was probably for the best that they hadn’t run into her. As wan and weary as Addie looked, Aunt Louisa would surely notice something amiss, and Linsey couldn’t bring herself to tell the old woman what had happened.
    Telling Addie had been difficult enough.
    Linsey wrapped a few pastries in a napkin while Addie grabbed her lunch basket from the