Patience: Bride of Washington (American Mail Order Bride 42) Read Online Free PDF Page A

remember to be considerate of the other boarders. How many others are there?”
    “Four. I’ve only the four rooms to let, but two girls are sharing temporarily. They’re all nice and I’m sure you’ll become friends in no time.”
    Patience gestured to the tray on a small table. “And thank you for the tray.”
    When Mrs. Shaw had gone, Patience walked over to the narrow dressing table. After removing her hat and jacket and unbuttoning the top button of her blouse, she poured water from the ewer into a lovely china basin. Soaping and rinsing her hands, she peered into the mirror and examined her face.
    With a slight shake of her head at the pale image with sagging hairstyle, she dried her hands and returned the towel to the holder. She sat in the chair near the table and removed the tea towel from the food. In addition to a pot of tea that was still hot, she had a thick roast beef sandwich on crusty bread, sliced pickles, and an apple tart. As soon as she’d eaten, she gathered clean clothes and went in search of the bathing room.
    She’d cleaned indoor bathing rooms in two of her jobs but had never used one. Her family had to use a large galvanized tub they brought into the kitchen on Saturday evening. This room had a large white oval tub with claw feet and a plug in the center.
    A sink sat in one corner and a toilet in the other. She had no idea where the waste and excess water went. For now she didn’t want to think of anything troublesome or mystifying. She turned the knobs and water came out a spout right into the tub.
    When she’d filled to four inches—marked in paint on the side of the tub—she climbed into the water and sighed. The temperature was only tepid instead of hot, but she didn’t mind. Imagine not having to fill pails of water and then empty the tub the same way. She rested her head on the rim and soaked away her fatigue.
    What a lovely experience. She could hardly wait to write her parents and Mercy. As soon as she went back to her room, she’d do just that.
    ***
    Andrew drove the buggy to the back of Marianne Hauser’s home. He knocked at the kitchen entrance before he opened the door without waiting for anyone to answer.
    Marianne hurried to greet him. “Did you pick up the bride?”
    “She’s at the boarding house.” He clasped her hands then put his arm around the charming widow and walked by her side into the parlor.
    Marianne sat on the sofa. “Tell me, what do you think of her?”
    He took the seat beside her. “She’ll do nicely. Attractive and I believe she has spirit. She’s well-spoken if you overlook her dreadful Massachusetts accent. Her father insisted she was well-educated by him and had a good business head. According to him, she can do accounts, secretarial work, and is proficient in five languages if needed to talk to the workers.”
    “What will Stone think, though?” Marianne appeared worried.
    “He’ll be mad as a wolf whose prey escaped. Don’t fret, dear. This will work out for us.”
    She shook her head. “I don’t know, Andrew. He’s so opposed to anyone replacing his mother.”
    “But he’s a man with needs. Surely he can understand I have the same urges. His bad experience has him painting all women with the same brush. Patience will change his attitude.” He pulled her into his arms.
    She cuddled up to him. “I hope so. I’m tired of waiting for you, Andrew my love. I want the world to know we’re together.”
    “They will, dear, they will.” He kissed her passionately. “Shall we discuss this further in your boudoir?”
    With a coquettish giggle, she took his hand and tugged him toward the stairs.

 
     
     
    Chapter Three
     
    After her refreshing bath, Patience returned to her room relieved to wear clean clothes for the first time in days. Although her wardrobe was small, she took pleasure from how well-made her dresses were. Mama had a friend who received Godey’s magazine and loaned her copies. For their better dresses, the women in