Pearl of Promise (A Sweet Mail Order Bride Western) (The Brides of Carville) Read Online Free Page B

Pearl of Promise (A Sweet Mail Order Bride Western) (The Brides of Carville)
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bring the basket of goodies over to the tables set up for food.  The entire town had turned out for the summer social, with hundreds of people milling about, laying out blankets to sit on, and putting dish after delicious dish onto the food tables.  Children ran and screamed and played out in the field, with eagle-eyed mothers shielding their eyes from the sun from time to time, to check on their young ones. 
    Nora unloaded the basket one-handed while she held Gwen, curled up on her chest, her sweet little head resting on Nora’s shoulder. 
    “You came!”  Louise said, setting her own basket on the table, then glancing at the three children who trailed behind her.  “You children go run and play—and keep an eye on Mary.”
    “Of course, I came,” Nora grinned.  “I told you, I couldn’t wait.”
    Confusion passed over Louise’s eyes.  “Oh!  But I thought Arlen said…” she trailed off.
    Nora frowned.  “What did Arlen say?”
    “Nothing. I—”
    “Louise Barclay, you tell me right now,” Nora warned.
    Her friend sighed.  “Stanley said that Arlen told him that you weren’t feeling well, and you probably wouldn’t be making it to the social today.”
    Nora gasped.  “You can’t be serious!”
    “You haven’t been sick, then?”
    “No, I haven’t.”
    “Please, don’t say anything.  It’ll get back to Stanley, and he’ll be furious that I said anything.  He and Arlen still have to work together, and it would be awkward if I caused a fight between you two.”
    “You wouldn’t be the one causing it—but I promise, I won’t mention it.”  Nora was getting tired of having to swallow her anger and resentment, but at least this time it was for a good cause. 
    “Robert!” Louise called, leaning to look around Nora.  “You put your sister down, you hear!  She is not a wheelbarrow!”  She flashed Nora an apologetic look.  “I have to go set that boy straight.  We’ll talk more, later.”
    Nora watched her friend stalk off toward her oldest son, who was standing beside a now-crying Mary, who had tumbled to the ground from the rough play.  Eight-year-old Robert held his hands up in protestation of his innocence.
    The scene made her laugh, and she turned away to finish unpacking the food.  Arlen had already disappeared, off to talk with the men gathered near the back door of the church.  She was glad—she needed to cool off before speaking with him again.  I’d like to just avoid him all day, she thought.  In fact, she wished she could.  She imagined how much fun she’d have if he wasn’t watching over her every move. 
    Soon her imagination was off and running, and in her mind she was having all kinds of interesting conversations, listening to hilarious jokes, and making new friends.  She had to shake off her imaginings and force herself to mingle with the other women, reminding herself that she didn’t have to settle for imaginary friends and conversations today.
     
    **
     
    Arlen stood listening to Stanley Barclay go on about the new sluice he bought for his claim—but his attention wasn’t really on his friend.  It was on Nora.
    He watched as she made her way through the crowd, stopping here and there to take part in conversations.  She swayed and patted Gwen on the bottom, to keep the baby happily snoozing on her shoulder.  When Gwen started to fuss, one of the older girls came up to Nora, and Nora handed the baby off to the girl, who seemed thrilled to be able to cradle the baby in her arms. 
    A few seconds later, he noticed Nora was still swaying, and it made him smile—he wondered if she knew she had already developed that motherly habit.  He’d seen other women from church doing the same thing—even women whose youngest children were old enough to run. 
    It was sweet, the way Nora had slipped into the role of mother so easily.  She was good at it—kind and patient, even on the nights when Gwendolyn kept her up, walking the floors.  Those
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