A Great Catch Read Online Free PDF Page A

still be there later. God understood the pressing matters on her mind. Right now she needed to dress and prepare for today’s suffrage meeting.
    Easing a ruffled white shirtwaist and powder-blue skirt from the wardrobe, she gathered her stockings, underpinnings, and shoes, nestling as much as possible in the sling. With nowhere else to put her broad-brimmed hat, she clamped it in her teeth and slipped from the room, closing the door behind her.
    “What in the queen’s name are you doing?”
    Emily spun to find apron-clad Britta, her grandmother’s matronly housekeeper, blocking the hallway. Britta tugged the hat from Emily’s mouth.
    “I didn’t want to wake Aunt Millie, but I needed an early start to the day.”
    “A steam engine thundering through your room wouldn’t wake your aunt.” Britta relieved Emily of the blouse and skirt too. “Your grandmother is awake and out having her morning tea. Why don’t you dress in her room?”
    “I’ll need your help to do up my dress.”
    “Of course you will, pumpkin. And I’ll have a gander at that wrist while we’re at it.”
    Thirty minutes later, Emily had won the battle with her silk stockings and lost the battle of whether the sling was still necessary. Britta insisted she continue to wear it for at least a few days. Truth be told, as much as the injury ached, she didn’t mind the inconvenience.
    Britta adjusted the sling. “Now, you join your grandmother under the oak, and I’ll bring out a fresh plate of waffles for you.”
    “With strawberries?”
    “God’s smiling on you today, young lady. One of the local boys was selling big, juicy, ripe ones yesterday. The warm weather brought them on early this year, and I bought a pint basket with your name on it.”
    “You’re too good to me, Britta.”
    “I certainly am.” She chuckled, a deep, full-bellied laugh, and propelled Emily toward the door. “And I plan to put some meat on those skinny bones of yours or die trying.”
    “I know I’m too thin.”
    “No, pumpkin, you’ve become a beautiful young lady right before our eyes.”
    Emily nudged the screen door open with her foot and stopped short. Dressed in a tawny-colored linen suit, narrow striped tie, and checkered sportsman’s cap, Carter Stockton sat at the rattan table with her grandmother. Suddenly her corset felt cinched too tightly. Even the cool morning breeze wafting off the lake didn’t provide enough air. What was he doing here?
    Her grandmother waved her over. She smoothed the side of her skirt and touched her hair, then smiled and took a deep breath. With no other options, she crossed the lawn and joined them.
    Carter stood and pulled out a chair for her. “Good morning, Emily.”
    Emily took the seat and forced a weak smile. “Good morning.”
    “Mr. Stockton came to see how you were doing.” Her grandmother spooned sugar into her tea.
    “I’m fine.” Emily’s voice quivered, and she paused to swallow. “Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”
    “It’s the least I can do after plowing you over.”
    “As I said yesterday, I accept full responsibility for the fall.”
    Her grandmother smiled and picked up her cup of tea. “I told him you’d need to keep your arm in the sling for a few days.”
    “Will it inconvenience you terribly?” Carter forked a bite of waffle.
    “My biggest concern is finishing the articles I have due.”
    “Articles?”
    “For the Woman’s Standard .”
    His mouth dipped in a frown. “You believe women should have the right to vote?”
    “You don’t?” She stiffened. She shouldn’t be surprised. Most men disapproved of her work. “Why should they not be granted suffrage? Because women aren’t capable of intellectually dealing with the political arena? I’ll have you know, Carter Stockton, women can think just as well as any man.”
    “Darling, need I remind you of James’s admonition?” Grandma Kate’s voice grew stern. “‘Let every man be swift to hear and slow to