Counterfeit Courtship Read Online Free PDF Page A

going to start now,” Ellie said, but Graham noticed her moving in closer too.
    Betsy apparently grew bored with Sugar’s ear and released it, and the dog lay at Noreen’s feet, facing the baby as if guarding her.
    Joseph laughed his rich, deep laugh. “I’d say this is going to be the best-protected baby on Pearl Street.”
    As Noreen smiled at him, Graham drew in a huge breath. Ellie had certainly lightened the mood for them and helped them through this hard time, or rather, her dog had. But that didn’t mean she had to help care for the child. He and Noreen could manage that just fine.
    â€œWould you like me to watch her this evening and give you a chance to rest?” Ellie said as Noreen handed Betsy to her.
    â€œNo, you and Graham have a party to attend. Betsy and I will be fine by ourselves.”
    â€œI’m not going,” Graham and Ellie said simultaneously.
    Noreen gave Graham her mother-knows-best look.
    He ignored it. “I’m going to take a hot bath. Then I’m going to the train station and sending a telegram to General Lee to ask if he has any news of Father’s whereabouts. I’m going to write a letter to Andrew Johnson, asking for pardon and amnesty, and then I’m going to bed early.”
    â€œGraham, you have to go to the party. Ophelia has gone to great trouble and expense, more than she can afford, to give it for you. You’ll break her heart if you don’t go.” Noreen turned to Ellie. “You too, dear. She thinks as much of you as she does of Graham.”
    He held in a groan. This was already the longest day of his life, and it was only noon. Did the women in his life have to make it the longest night too?
    â€œWould you like me to come tomorrow afternoon and help?” Ellie asked.
    The little minx, changing the subject like that. Sure, she didn’t like the Natchez social whirl any better than he did, but if he had to go, so did she. He’d just sit back and wait for the best time to break that news to her.
    â€œYou can come back as many afternoons as you like, when it’s too hot for you to be at Magnolia Grove.” As the baby began to fuss again, Noreen took her from Ellie and bounced her on her knee.
    â€œNoreen, you’d be better off without her help. If you let her hang around, you’ll end up engaged to somebody.” Graham started for the center hall, beckoning Ellie to follow. “But for now, we have some things to discuss.”
    He strode to the door and out to the front gallery, not bothering to see whether Ellie—or her dog—followed. Outside, he eased himself onto one of the old rockers. It still felt as good as it had before he left.
    Within moments, Ellie came outside and chose the rocker farthest from him.
    â€œSit over here by me. I don’t want to have to yell so the whole neighborhood can hear.”
    She took her time in complying, which was no surprise, but she eventually sat next to him.
    â€œWe need to talk about this party,” he said, using his colonel voice.
    â€œWe already did. You’re going. I’m not.”
    He should have known it wouldn’t be easy. “Oh, yes, you are. You cooked up this courtship idea, and you’re not leaving me to explain why you’re not with me on my first night home. You owe it to me after causing this fiasco.”
    She huffed out a big sigh. “It’s not that bad.”
    â€œIt’s not?” He leaned forward in his chair. “What happens when time goes by and there isn’t a wedding? Did you think of that?”
    Her wide eyes and surprisingly silent mouth told him she hadn’t.
    â€œYou’re the big plan-maker. I hope you have a solution for this.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he regretted them.
    â€œNow that you mention it, I have thought of something—”
    â€œNo!” The word came out like the howl of a man falling off a cliff. He sprang