Undaunted Hope Read Online Free Page B

able to fend for myself.”
    â€œShe needs to get into some warm clothes.” Alex finally broke into the conversation. “I was just taking her to one of the boardinghouses to get a room.”
    â€œShe can’t stay in a boardinghouse, Mr. Bjorklund,” Mr. Updegraff said testily. “They’re full of single miners. And she won’t be safe even behind locked doors.”
    â€œMaybe she can live with the Rawlings family,” Alex suggested.
    â€œShe can stay in my house and board with my housekeeper.” Mr. Updegraff spoke with finality and glanced toward town at the biggest house that rose above the rambling shacks. It was made of clapboards and painted a fresh coat of white.
    Alex took another step forward, this time positioning himself between her and Mr. Updegraff. “Miss Taylor will stay at your house over my dead body.”

Chapter 3
    T he low, menacing growl in Alex’s tone reminded Tessa of his dogs, who had followed them up the path and were now standing straight and stiff next to their master.
    It was becoming increasingly clear that Alex and Mr. Updegraff weren’t the best of friends and that the situation was quickly escalating. “How would Mrs. Updegraff feel about having another mouth to feed?” She addressed Mr. Updegraff as she attempted to sidle around Alex. “Perhaps you should check with your wife before you invite me into your home.”
    â€œNo need to worry about what my wife thinks. She’s living down in Detroit with the children on all the handsome paychecks I send her.” There was the flash of something in his eyes before it disappeared. Was it loneliness? “I’ve insisted that she and the children stay in civilization where it’s safe. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
    â€œSurely it can’t be that uncivilized here,” she started.
    Mr. Updegraff cut her off curtly. “If you stay, I insist that youlive with me. I reside in the company house, which is quite nice. I’ll be able to make sure you’re well protected.”
    His sincerity was difficult to refuse. Nevertheless, Alex’s renewed murmur of protest spurred her to reject his offer. “Mr. Updegraff, I’m sure you can understand that staying under your roof without the presence of your wife would put my reputation in jeopardy.” It was already in jeopardy, but she prayed he’d never learn that.
    â€œIf we can’t come to terms upon a safe living situation for you,” he replied smoothly even as his gloved grip on his horse’s reins tightened, “then I’m afraid I won’t feel right about allowing you to remain in Eagle Harbor.”
    Tessa stared up at the man who claimed to do all the hiring and firing in Eagle Harbor. From the steely way he held himself atop his gelding and the hard set of his mouth, she suspected he was accustomed to giving orders and commanding unquestioning obedience in return.
    A warning bell in the back of her mind told her she couldn’t accept Mr. Updegraff’s offer of hospitality, which was really more of an order than offer. Even if he was trying to look out for her best interests, she couldn’t take any chances on tarnishing her reputation.
    â€œShe can stay with the Rawlings,” Alex insisted. “They have the next biggest house in town. I’m sure they’d appreciate the extra income from having a boarder.”
    â€œYes, I’ll stay with the Rawlings,” she agreed, not caring or knowing who the Rawlings were. She wasn’t ready to be kicked out of Eagle Harbor yet. But could she make Mr. Updegraff understand her dilemma without angering him and getting herself fired for the second time in one day?
    â€œI’ll take her to the Rawlings myself,” Alex said, hooking hishand through her arm. “She’s drenched and freezing and needs to get warmed up before she takes a chill.”
    Mr. Updegraff didn’t say