Judith: Bride of Wyoming (American Mail-Order Bride 44) Read Online Free PDF Page B

bride was fodder for gossip. The news would have spread quickly.
    “It’s nice to meet you,” Judith replied, suddenly feeling unsure of what people thought of her. She reconsidered the purchase, not wanting to seem eager to take over Sean Montgomery’s home. “Just out for a walk, to get familiar with the town and all.” Her cheeks felt hot and tears stung for some reason. Mortified, she looked away blinking back the tears.
    “Welcome to Bent Pass, dear.” Lorna hugged her around the shoulders and then guided her forward. “I imagine the selection here is certainly lacking compared to the large stores back east. But my husband and I do what we can to bring as much of a selection as possible.” Seeming to understand, Lorna motioned to where bolts of fabric and sewing notions were. “I do take pride in the different types of fabric we have. It’s one of my favorite things to purchase. Do you sew?”
    “I’m a seamstress,” Judith replied weakly.
    Lorna Brown gasped. “Well that certainly is good fortune for Sean. That house of his could certainly use a woman’s touch.”
    A weight lifted from Judith’s shoulders. She relaxed, liking the woman immediately and wanting to hug her again for being so friendly to her. “Yes. I thought the same thing.”
    “Let me take the baby so you can browse. Then, how about a cup of tea?”
    Now she couldn’t help the tears. When she sniffed, Lorna’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry did I say something to hurt your feelings?”
    “No. No, of course not. It’s just that you are so nice to me and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.”
    Once again, the woman hugged her. “Of course you do, dear. It is a lot to take in. Come on to the back. Let’s have some tea and it will give you time to settle down. Martin, my husband, can mind up here.” She turned and called out over her shoulder. “Martin, I’m sitting down for a cup of tea with Miss Judith.”
    A man she’d not noticed stood up from where he’d been sitting. Unlike Lorna, who was large-boned with a broad face and expressive eyes, Martin Brown was tall and thin as a reed. He wore spectacles and barely gave them a glance. “Yes, of course. You go on, dear. I’ll be here.” He nodded at Judith. “How do you do, Miss?”
    “Fine, thank you,” Judith replied to the man who’d already returned to a book he held.
    “Martin prefers the literary world over reality I’m afraid,” Lorna explained with a warm smile directed at her husband. “He’s not much on talk.”
    “I love to read,” Judith replied, which earned her a second glance from Mr. Brown.
    “Will you be making a new dress for the wedding?” Lorna asked as they settled into chairs on opposite sides of a small, square table. “I have the most beautiful green fabric that will suit your tone and eye color.”
    Judith had explained to her the circumstances of the upcoming marriage. For some reason, she felt comfortable sharing with the woman, with her lack of judgment and welcome attitude.
    “I hadn’t thought on it. I don’t think I have time. I’d brought one with me to wear. It is an off-white dress. It seems wrong to wear it to marry a different man. It’s not that important, I’ll wear another one I have.”
    Lorna huffed. “Don’t be silly. Of course it’s important. It is your wedding day. You deserve to wear a nice dress to mark the special date. I’ll help you. When is the wedding?”
    “I don’t know.” Judith sighed. “I’ll have to ask Eloise. I doubt Sean knows. In a week or so.”
    With a sly smile Lorna leaned forward. “And with such a handsome groom, who would care if it’s not put off too long.”
    “Oh goodness,” Judith felt her cheeks flame and both of them giggled like schoolgirls. “I am so glad that I came here today. I hope you don’t mind if I presume too much as to call you my friend.”
    “Of course not, honey. We will be fast friends, I can feel it.” Lorna looked to a makeshift crib they’d fashioned