Deeply Devoted Read Online Free PDF

seen anything as fine as this?” Anna asked, fingering a fluffy towel.
    “I don’t believe so, but I have a feeling that Peter didn’t bring us here to check out the home goods today,” Catharine said. She too ran her fingers across the towel wistfully. “Where did your sister go?” Catharine looked around, but it seemed her sister had disappeared.
    “I have no idea. You know Greta, she’s got to see everything there is to see.”
    Catharine shook her head. “Well, she’ll have to do that another time, I’m afraid. We’re a little pressed for time today. Let’s see if we can find her before Peter comes back.”
    Moments later they spotted her talking to a soldier. Was he the same one they’d met when they’d arrived? He looked awfully familiar. Catharine bit her lip, hating to interrupt what seemed to be a pleasant conversation, but Greta was so gullible. She could easily be taken in by a man’s charm, even if she barely knew him.
    Catharine cleared her throat, and they both looked her way. “Greta, excuse me, but you must come with me and Anna. We have shopping to do.” Catharine decided that she must sound like a nagging mother. The handsome soldier in his stiff army uniform gazed at her through dark, brooding eyes when she spoke, making her feel like an old maid indeed.
    The soldier bowed slightly. “How do you do? I’m Staff Sergeant Bryan Gifford at your service, ma’am.” He smiled at Anna with an admiring sweep of his eyes.
    “These are my sisters, Catharine and Anna.” Greta gestured with her hand. “Bryan was the one who offered to help us at the train station, remember.”
    Mmm, so they’re already on a first-name basis . . . Catharine nodded at him and said, “Yes, I do remember.” He seemed to be a flirt, and she stiffened, realizing that she didn’t know anything about him. It was hard to trust anyone, and even though they were new to America, she was not accustomed to his open friendliness. But being tall and handsome would appeal to Greta. Especially tall, handsome, and in uniform.
    “I’d like to invite you all for ice cream, if you have the time.”
    “That would be wonderful, wouldn’t it?” Greta looked to her oldest sister for her answer. “Bryan says the emporium has a café.”
    “We can’t,” Anna said. “The ceremony is in less than an hour, Greta. You know that.”
    “Perhaps another time, Bryan. We have things to tend to—” Catharine never finished as Peter walked up, along with a woman neatly dressed in a black skirt and crisp white blouse.
    “Mrs. Moody is going to assist us in outfitting all of you for the farm,” Peter said.
    “You must be Catharine,” she said, holding out her hand. “Peter’s been telling me all about you throughout his correspondence, and you’re every bit as beautiful as he said you would be!”
    Catharine smiled back at the middle-aged lady, surprised that she might have been the topic of anyone’s conversation. “ Dank U wel ,” she told her, not knowing what else to say.
    Bryan interrupted. “If you ladies will excuse me, I’ll let Mrs. Moody help you with supplies. I hope we meet again soon,” he said, turning hooded eyes on Greta. Greta blushed and waved as he strode to the front door.
    Greta turned her attention to the list that Peter held in his hands. “Do we really need everything on that list, Peter?”
    Mrs. Moody’s face held a questioning expression as she looked from Greta to Anna and then back to Peter.
    “Mrs. Moody, these are Catharine’s sisters, Greta and Anna. They’ll be staying with us for a while once we’re married.”
    Mrs. Moody’s face softened. “I see . . .” Catharine knew from the sound of her voice that she didn’t see. “Please, ladies, follow me to the apparel department and you’ll be out of here in no time.”
    “I’ll be close by if you need me for anything.” Peter gave Catharine a slight nudge and handed the list to Mrs. Moody.
    Mrs. Moody turned out to be quite