Johanna: Bride of Michigan (American Mail-Order Bride 26) Read Online Free PDF Page B

bride?
    Gretchen came forward and kissed Johanna’s cheek. “Congratulations, dear.”
    “That’s good and all, but we should go back to the house now where we’ll be able to speak more privately,” Cecilia abruptly said.
    “Can Gretchen come, too?”
    “Certainly,” Paul said.
    “Perhaps it would be better if I took my leave, Johanna. I’ve assured myself that you’re properly married. It’s time for you to adjust yourself to your new life,” Gretchen interjected.
    “Can you come see me before you leave town?”
    “I’d like to, but I have a very tight schedule, I’m afraid.”
    Johanna sighed. She wasn’t sure why Gretchen was suddenly changing her mind about seeing her again, but she suspected it might have something to do with Cecilia.
    Paul led Johanna outside into a glorious day that held a promise of a much cooler night, as the wind had more of a chill to it. They walked back to the buggy and once they were settled inside, off the horses trotted. Johanna sat upright, gazing at the buildings they passed that were more on the rough side. Soon, though, the landscape changed drastically and brick homes came into view. Home after home after home, all of them mansions.
    The carriage stopped in front of a huge, mostly red brick Queen Anne mansion with octagonal towers, many elaborate chimneys, and domes. Cecilia must really be well off. Under an archway, the buggy finally came to a stop, and Paul lifted Johanna to the ground. She smiled up at him shyly and moved out of the way so he could assist his mother. The buggy then moved on, presumably to the stable. Paul took Johanna’s arm and they walked up the three steps to the blue door with a sinister-looking doorknob, a lion’s head made of brass. The door was opened and Johanna’s breath caught in her throat. The beautiful woodwork practically glowed with the light that came through the door. Paul dropped her arm and she wandered across the wood floor, staring in awe at the high ceiling sporting a multicolored stained glass window. She had never in her life seen anything like it before.
    It took a moment before Johanna realized Paul and Cecilia were studying her. “This is a beautiful home, Cecilia.”
    “It’s not my house, dear. It’s Paul’s.”
    Her chest ached like someone was squeezing it in their fist. “B-But I thought you were a lumberjack, Paul?”
    “What did you expect, dear?” Cecilia said.
    “Perhaps it might be better if we discuss this later,” Paul said. “After you’re shown to your room.”
    Johanna gulped but nodded. “But I think I left my suitcase in the buggy.”
    “John will bring it in, after he takes the buggy to the barn.”
    “Don’t you think it would be better for us to talk in the parlor?” Cecilia asked with raised brow.
    Paul’s mouth whitened slightly, his jaw tight. “No, Mother, I do not, but we’ll meet you there after I show Johanna her room.”
    Paul led Johanna up the staircase, which was as elaborate as the foyer. The woodwork in the house was amazing and must have taken years to perfect. At the top of the stairs, Johanna could see all the way up to the third floor with a globe at the top. The sunlight coming through lightened the hallway considerably.
    “This way,” Paul instructed. Johanna strolled up the hallway and when she reached the last door on the right, Paul said, “This is your room. I hope you like it.”
    The rosewood double-carved bed was exquisite. Johanna wanted to pull back the quilted coverlet and snuggle under the sheets. Her breath came hard and fast and she sat on a chair, pressing a hand to her chest. She couldn’t believe this was happening to her.
    Paul sat opposite her, smiling slightly. “I had hoped you’d like your room. I thought it would be better to speak with you privately before my mother scares you back to Massachusetts.”
    “I wouldn’t let her do that, we’re married now.”
    Paul’s eyes twinkled as he said, “Yes, we are, but to her credit, she