Heidi Vanlandingham - Lucie: Bride of Tennessee (American Mail-Order Bride 16) Read Online Free PDF

hands, and turned it over where several large weeping blisters marred her palm. He took out his handkerchief and wrapped it around her hand, carefully tying it over her knuckles. “Your hands are too soft for this kind of work.”
    She pulled away, cradling her bandaged hand against her chest. “I admit I haven’t had many jobs, but I can’t continue accepting charity from your mother—or you. I intend to earn the money to pay for our room and the food we eat.”
    “Well then, you can begin by helping me pick out my mother’s gift.”
    She relaxed, her spine and shoulders slumping a bit, which relieved the muscle cramps in the back of her neck. “What are some of the things she likes?”
    He shrugged. “The usual things women like.”
    “That’s not an answer. Does she need a new dress? A new bonnet maybe?”
    He shook his head. “No. She can’t possibly wear all the dresses she has now. Or the bonnets.”
    She pursed her lips and glanced around the store. “What about a book? My father loved reading and set aside one hour every evening. It was his favorite way of relaxing.”
    “Mother enjoys Harper’s Bazaar.” His eyebrows raised. “Odd, but I can’t recall ever seeing her read a book. Me? I love books, but haven’t been able to sit down with one since taking over the hotel. One of these days I’ll get back to reading.”
    “I know exactly what you need to give your mother for her birthday.”
    “I’m glad one of us does. What’s your brilliant idea?”
    “Well,” she hesitated then squared her shoulders. “You need to take her on a train ride to The Point Hotel on the Narrow Gauge Railroad. I’ve heard it is quite lovely, and the views from The Point are breathtaking.”
    He closed his mouth and stared at her. “Well, it’s definitely different, I’ll give you that.” He picked up a small figurine and turned it over in his hand. The small horse had been carved from hickory, the darker grain pattern covering the mane and tail. She loved how the artist had captured the wild essence of the animal as it reared on its hind legs, pride on its noble face.
    He set the statuette back down and glanced over at her, the same stately look on his face. “If you don’t mind my asking, where are your parents? You seem a bit young to be alone and taking on the responsibility of your brother.”
    “They died in a fire. There was no one else we could turn to for help—no family. I promised Alex I’d take care of him, so he wouldn’t have to go to an orphanage, and I plan on keeping that promise.” She turned away and mumbled, “No matter how hard it gets.”
    “I think your idea has merit, Lucie. My mother has been hinting she’d like to visit The Point and see what everyone’s been talking about. My father never took her—wasn’t willing to line the plush bank accounts of the men who owned the land there.”
    He placed his hands in his front pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Think I’ll pay for her to stay a night or two at the hotel as well.” He gave her a crooked grin and wriggled his dark brows. “Maybe she’ll learn a few of their secrets for our little place.”
    Lucie laughed. “Sounds like something your mother could do with her hands tied behind her back. In the short time I’ve known her, I’ve seen her do some amazing things—stop a street brawl, turn the growling sheriff into a teddy bear—and remain a total lady at the same time. It was truly an eye-opening experience.”
    “Sounds just like my mother.” He dipped his head to one side and gave a slight bow. “Thank you for your help.”
    He smiled and a small dimple appeared in his left cheek. She’d thought him handsome before, even with his usual scowl, but the man smiling at her now took her breath away.
    “Well, Lucie, I will leave you to your work and go purchase tickets for my mother’s birthday present.”   
     

 
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Four
     
    Lucie watched Sebastian walk across the street and