Pioneer Love: Damaged Hearts Head West: Mail Order Bride 5 Bundle Read Online Free Page B

back of the house,” he said and led her down a short hallway. “Here is the kitchen. Feel free to help yourself or ask any member of staff if you need anything.”
    Anna couldn’t believe it. The kitchen was large and a cook nodded at her as she walked through. This was like a dream, but what would she do here? Ian had turned and was walking away; quickly she followed him as he went through another door.
    “This is the library,” he said. “I love to read, but Ryan is not so keen. The books are mostly my taste but if you want anything different just ask.”
    Anna could not help but stare as she turned slowly in a circle. It was amazing and contained more books than she had ever seen and she knew that she had found her home. With all these books, all this to study she could spend a lifetime happy. Ian walked on and reluctantly she followed him to a sitting room and a den, and finally he pointed out the basement.
    “We preserve fruit and vegetables in the summer and store then down here for winter,” Ian said.
    Anna nodded a smile of joy lighting up her face. “I would love to help with that,” she said.
    “That would be great,” Ian said with a smile.
    Anna felt a surge of joy.  It was so good to feel useful.
    “That was the private part of the house,” Ian said. “Now we can pass into the guest area.”
    He led her down a corridor and through a sturdy door. There was a reception area where a slim girl sat behind a counter.
    Ian nodded to the girl. “The first floor is all bedrooms. Some are individual, some suites. At the moment, we have fifteen guests staying which is good for this time of year. Let me show you round.”
    There was another library and a large dining area for all the guests. Then he showed her an activity room where the guests could paint or play music or do any activity they so pleased. Then on to the living room where people could lounge and have discussions, etc. “Finally,” he said and with a bow he opened a door.
    Anna felt her jaw drop, inside was a reasonably sized ballroom.
    “This is for anyone who wants to throw a party,” Ian said. “We usually have one at Christmas and a few others throughout the year.”
    Anna tried to keep a smile on her face but she could feel her numb leg. Ryan would expect her to dance and she would be clumsy and laughed at. What would she do?
    “Ryan loves the ballroom,” Ian said. “He loves to dance but me I would rather sit in the corner and have a good ole discussion. How about you?”
    Anna felt a smile tug at the corners of her mouth. It was as if Ian knew what to say and always put her at ease. “I don’t dance very well because of my limp,” she said.
    “Oh my, I am so sorry,” Ian said. “I never meant to make you feel bad.”
    “That is alright Mr.Ian,” she said.
    “If I’m honest,” he said. “I have two left feet so I hate to dance anyway. Now, what do you think of out humble abode?”
    Anna admitted that she was very impressed by the establishment and found herself staring around in awe. Ian headed into the dining area towards a group of guests. Anna hung back. She did not want to spoil the moment, did not want them to laugh at her or to make cruel comments about her limp.
    Ian turned and noticing her reticence and he held out his arm. “Do not be shy,” he said as she took it. “Gentlemen this is Miss Anna Montgomery.”
    As she limped over holding Ian’s arm, she noticed the men as they looked at her limp. Gritting her teeth she expected an onslaught as had happened many times before. But the men looked at Ian and their frowns changed to smiles.
    “It is an honor to meet you, I am Mr. Harris and these are my associates.”
    After that, the men treated her with courtesy and reverence and she enjoyed the rest of the tour.
    Ian was very kind to her, he smiled easily, made jokes and everyone around really seemed to respect him a lot. Whenever their eyes would meet, Anna would feel lightning course through her blood and a