Alice: Bride of Rhode Island (American Mail-Order Bride 13) Read Online Free PDF Page A

drink on the table before her hand could get anywhere near his.
    “You have many lovely friends, James.” The sound of his name all but caressed him. He finished his second drink and poured another, taking his seat again.
    Suitably fortified, he decided to end this agony so they could both retire in peace. “Alice, I want to make it clear to you that I don’t expect you to share my bed.”
    The surprise on her face twisted something inside him. “You don’t?”
    All of the chivalrous reasons instantly fled. She was his wife. He didn’t need to keep his distance.
    But a vision of his maman filled his head. He wouldn’t disrespect her wishes, despite that she no longer walked the earth. If he took Alice to bed, the marriage would be real. And forever.
    Once he acquired Menhaden Fishing, he’d have no use for his wife. And he was fairly certain as well that she would have no use for him . He was under no delusion—Alice would harbor a deep animosity for him once this was all done.
    He would procure the fishing company, but that would be all he took from Alice Endicott Martel.
    “We don’t know one another well,” he continued. “Your things have been placed in my bedroom on the second floor, which is now yours.”
    “Where will you sleep?”
    “The servant’s quarters on the first floor, in the addition I mentioned earlier.”
    “Where will the servants sleep?”
    James shifted in his seat. “We don’t have any. Mrs. Irwin will no longer be staying here. She’ll continue to help us a few times a week. I think her husband will be happy to have her back in their home.” The last remark, an attempt to lighten the mood, only increased the confusion on Alice’s face.
    “But...I don’t understand. I thought you wanted to be married.”
    Uncomfortable, James said, “I do. And please feel free to make yourself at home, but I don’t expect anything further.”
    “What about children?” she pressed.
    He was glad for the brandy warming his insides, but it still didn’t take the edge off her questions. “Perhaps in the future,” he lied. “There’s no need to rush.” But guilt reared its ugly head, jolting him. He needed to escape her company. “You look tired,” he said quickly. “Why don’t you let me show you to your room.”
    He turned away as she nodded, her stricken expression more difficult to ignore than he’d imagined.
    He led her upstairs, entered his room, and lit the lamp on the nightstand. Then he fled.

 
    Chapter Six
     
     
    A lice sat in the parlor with Theo. She stared at the chess pieces and considered her next move, but her mind was restless.
    It had been this way for the past week. There had been no honeymoon, just James telling her he didn’t expect anything from her. What he’d really meant was that he didn’t desire her enough to share his bed.
    It bothered her more than she liked.
    She was nothing more than a housekeeper. Not that it was unpleasant—Mrs. Irwin had schooled her in the everyday routine and continued to stop in to help, but Alice was confident she could handle the household chores herself. Besides, she didn’t have anything else to do.
    Why doesn’t James want a real marriage with me?
    It was true they were virtual strangers, but the only solution for that was to get to know one another. The insufferable man, however, refused to be present long enough for a conversation, let alone a meal.
    After supper— if he ate supper with them—he would promptly depart, saying he had paperwork that needed his attention. Frank would also leave, to see Mary Beth. That left Theo to take pity on her.
    “You’re taking a long time on this move.” He raised an eyebrow and watched with a youthful countenance. He had the dark look of the Martel men, but still carried a baby face and lankier build.
    “My apologies.” She moved her rook. “What is James like?”
    Theo smiled. “It’s hard marrying someone you don’t know, isn’t it? Please don’t take this the wrong