Courting Trouble Read Online Free PDF Page B

sake and for the sake of his good standing in the community, he would be sure to let her down gently.
    ‘‘Tomorrow evening,’’ he said. ‘‘After store closing. Would that suit?’’
    A soft sigh escaped her lips. ‘‘Yes. Yes, it most certainly would.’’
    —————
    Essie could not believe her good fortune. Had she known how easy it was to bring a man to heel, she’d have done so years ago. But then, perhaps it had nothing to do with ‘‘fortune’’ and everything to do with God’s plan for her life. Finally— finally —His plan was bearing fruit.
    She laid her new summer skirt and shirtwaist across the back of her bedroom window chair, careful not to crease or wrinkle the freshly ironed garments.
    She knew how much Hamilton liked it when she wore readymades from their store, and she wanted to be sure to please him tomorrow. For tomorrow, after store closing, he was going to declare his intentions.
    Oh, how she wished she could wear one of her lovely hats, but she’d given up on trying to wear them in the store. If she were to don one now, it might spook him.
    She laid a white linen detachable collar and matching cuffs on her toilet table, the only concession to extravagance in the ensemble she was preparing. Glancing in the mirror, she caught her reflection. The reflection of the soon-to-be Mrs. Hamilton Crook.

chapter THREE
    ESSIE GROANED, CLUTCHING her stomach and curling up tightly on the bed. Mother dipped a cloth in cool water, then wrung it out. Essie eyed the array of clothing hanging limp on the chair so far away.
    Mother draped the cloth across Essie’s forehead.
    ‘‘I have to get up. Mr. Crook is expecting me.’’
    ‘‘You cannot. You’re too sick. Besides, you’ve no business forcing yourself on that poor man. I cannot imagine what you have been thinking to make such a spectacle of yourself. It’s downright embarrassing.’’
    ‘‘Please, Mother. You’ve made your opinion on this crystal clear, but I haven’t changed my mind. I’m going to continue working at the Slap Out for as long as Mr. Crook will have me.’’
    Her insides gurgled and she slapped a hand over her mouth. Mother pulled the chamber pot from under the bed, uncovered it and held it while Essie emptied her stomach again.
    There was nothing for it. She’d have to send word to Hamilton that she would not be in to the store today. Nor to their little tête-à-tête afterward.
    ————
    ‘‘I’m telling you it is here. Miss Spreckelmeyer said so. She knows how I have been waiting and waiting for that book. You must locate it straightaway, sir. I insist.’’
    Mrs. Lockhart punctuated her demand with a thump of her cane, sending a ripple up her arm, across her shoulders, and through her sagging middle.
    Hamilton forced a polite smile. ‘‘I will look yet again, ma’am. Do you happen to remember the title of the work?’’
    ‘‘Certainly. Don’t you think I’d remember what volume I ordered?’’ The elderly woman pinched her lips together revealing a spider web of creases and folds around her mouth. ‘‘Honestly. I detest dealing with such simplemindedness. When is Miss Spreckelmeyer to return?’’
    ‘‘As I said earlier, she’s taken ill today. I expect her to return as soon as she is able.’’
    ‘‘Well, it can’t be soon enough. Now hurry it up, young man. Miss Spreckelmeyer would have had the book all wrapped up and tied with string by now.’’
    ‘‘The title, Mrs. Lockhart. It would be helpful to know the title.’’
    ‘‘I told you that already. Will you please pay attention. It is a work by Mrs. Bertha Clay entitled Clarabel’s Love Story .’’
    ‘‘Yes, ma’am. If you will excuse me, I’ll check once more in the back.’’
    He allowed a scowl to cross his face the moment he stepped through the curtained partition. Clarabel’s Love Story . What in heaven’s name did that old boiler want with a love story and where in the blazes would Essie have put