Dacey: Bride of North Carolina (Amercan Mail-Order Bride 12) Read Online Free PDF Page B

as she followed Beatrice up the plush carpeted steps.
    At the top of the stairs, they took a few steps down a hall before Beatrice opened a door to her left. She ushered Dacey into a room that was nearly as big as the house where she grew up.
    A huge four-poster bed with rich cream-colored damask coverings dominated one wall. A marble fireplace, writing desk, side chairs, fainting couch, and a bookshelf rounded out the room’s furnishings.
    Awed, Dacey stepped inside, admiring the soothing pale green tones of the walls and draperies. She set her valise down near the door and walked over to a window. Gently, she pushed back the lace covering the glass, admiring a sight that showcased the river meandering through the property. A long, thin door opened onto a balcony that offered additional spectacular views.
    Intrigued by the landscape below her that included an elaborate flower garden with a fountain and walking paths, she jumped when Beatrice settled a hand on her back.
    “You’re welcome to explore the grounds all you like. Just be careful if you go wandering. We do have some poisonous snakes in the area.”
    A shiver of dread slithered down her spine. She could deal with vermin of all types. Spiders didn’t make her flinch. She’d even faced down a bear that wandered out of the mountains onto the ranch one summer, but she couldn’t abide snakes.
    “It’s okay, darling. Most often, they stay in the wooded areas, near rocks, or along the water.” Beatrice hugged her shoulders. “No need to fret.”
    The woman spun her around and led her back inside. They crossed to a far wall where Beatrice led her across the room and to a space that made Dacey’s mouth hang open in surprise.
    “We added these to most of the bedrooms in the last few years,” Beatrice said, motioning to a large bathtub in the private bathroom. “You might like to take a hot bath before we dine this evening.”
    “Oh, yes, ma’am. I surely would.” Dacey considered how good it would feel to sink into a tub of hot water and soak her weary body.
    When she’d responded to the advertisement for a mail-order bride in North Carolina, she never imagined she’d find herself in a place of such luxury. In her mind, she’d agreed to marry a simple farmer, not the only child of a family with a prosperous plantation.
    She refused to dwell on the fact Braxton Douglas had no interest in marrying her. Instead, she focused her attention on making the most of her time at Bramble Hall. If she had a few minutes before dinner, she’d write letters to her roommates Josephine and Chevonne, letting them know she’d safely arrived.
    “Please, Dacey, make yourself at home. I want you to feel welcome here at Bramble Hall.” Beatrice hugged her again then moved to the door. “I’ll send someone up to help you while I find a dress suitable for you to wear this evening.”
    “Thank you, kindly, ma’am.”
    Beatrice grasped her chin in her hand and smiled. “None of that, now. Call me Beatrice.”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    Dacey grinned when Beatrice winked at her and exited the room in rustle of silk.
    With no idea what she’d gotten herself into, part of her thrilled at the plethora of possibilities awaiting her.
     

Chapter Four
     
    Dacey stood on a rug in the bathroom, drying herself with a soft towel that smelled of flowers and sunshine when she heard someone in her room.
    Grateful her valise held a clean change of underclothes, she hurried to slip them on. Quickly wrapping a towel around her wet hair, she cracked open the door. A maid dressed in a crisp black uniform with a starched white apron hung a gown on a hook inside the open closet door.
    Entranced by the elaborate gown, Dacey forgot to be shy. She stepped into the bedroom and hurried over to inspect the dress. Cream chiffon floated in airy layers over white figured silk while vertical rows of black velvet ribbon and lace created a striking effect.
    “Good golly! That’s about the fanciest thing