Leora: Bride of California (American Mail-Order Bride 31) Read Online Free PDF Page A

Spectators? Yes, that was a better word. Guests, spectators, passers-by – it didn’t matter.
    And as luck would have it, she soon didn’t need an excuse to look. “Ohhhh, the tragedy!” came a loud whisper. “Why is he marrying that girl?”
    Taking that as her cue, Leora, then Theron, turned. The pews went silent, but every eye was now riveted on Leora’s dress. A few women put a hand to their mouth to stifle a gasp while others let their eyes drift back to Mrs. Wingate.
    “Ahem,” the Rev. Wingate said to pull their attention back. “Theron Alexander Drake, will you have Leora Ann Mitchell to be your wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others keep yourself only to her so long as you both shall live? If so, say ‘I do’.”
    Someone behind them sneezed, then another began to cough and another, for whatever reason, said. “Ouch!”
    Theron’s eyes narrowed. “I do!”
    The Rev. Wingate looked just as perturbed, but continued. Now it was Leora’s turn and the pastor’s words hit her in a rush. She only caught part of what he’d said, as the noises behind them, though subtle, were still a distraction. She did manage to catch husband-live together-holy state of matrimony … good grief, no wonder Lottie had such a hard time during her vows. And she had much more important things on her mind at the time.
    But was this any different? Who brings this many people to a wedding of two people no one knows? At least she didn’t know them. It bordered on ridiculous and she wondered what was going on. Did this Mrs. Rutherford really think she ran the church as well as the rest of the town? Or was Mrs. Pleet exaggerating?
    “If so, say ‘I do’.”
    Leora shook herself. “What?”
    The Rev. Wingate stared at her with a tight smile. “If so, say ‘I do’,” he repeated with forced patience.
    “Oh, yes,” she said and swallowed. “I do.”
    “Well, that’s it then,” someone behind them muttered.
    Leora stiffened and sensed Theron do the same. She heard the Rev. Wingate, after glaring at the latest naysayer, say a few more words, then before she knew it, “I now pronounce you husband and wife.” He said it with a happy smile, as if to challenge the throng behind them. “Brother Drake … you may kiss your bride.”
    She sucked in a small breath. Kiss? She’d never been kissed. Theron was gazing at her with those piercing blue eyes, and for the first time she noticed the thick lock of dark hair that fell across his forehead. Her eyes fixed on his mouth as it quickly descended toward hers.
    Then it happened – her first kiss! And though it was only a gentle brush of his lips on hers, she felt her knees grow a little weak and the tingly sensation from the day before encompass her whole body. Enough so, that when he lifted his lips from hers, she did the unthinkable.
    She moaned.
    Naturally, Mrs. Rutherford was the first to gasp, followed by a quick succession of whispers and assorted noises from the rest. At this point Leora didn’t care. What could they do? She and Theron were married.
    “It is now my pleasure to present to you, Rev. and Mrs. Theron Drake,” Rev. Wingate said.
    Theron and Leora turned to face Mrs. Rutherford and her followers. The church went silent. Some had sour expressions on their faces, Mrs. Rutherford’s the sourest. Others looked quite happy, while a few were checking their watches. One even had the audacity to stand up and clap, followed by Mrs. Pleet who did the same.
    Mrs. Rutherford turned, glared at the traitor and the man quickly sat down. Mrs. Pleet didn’t.
    So this is how it’s going to be, Leora thought. Mrs. Rutherford and her cabal of followers didn’t approve of her. Well, they were just going to have to get over it. She was here, she was married and she wasn’t going anywhere.
    She glanced at her new husband. Theron had locked eyes with