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

the Eaton household copied the designs painstakingly.
    Most of her sparse collection of clothing was for menial work in the factory or the string of jobs she’d had since. Except for two skirts and shirtwaists, she’d left them behind. As the wife of a successful businessman, Andrew Kincaid would expect her to wear the latest styles.
    Besides, this was her new life and she wanted to forget the series of disastrous and embarrassing incidents she’d endured since the factory burned. Starting now, she’d force herself to forget those times and concentrate on blending in with her groom’s plans. Within reason, of course, for she had no intention of becoming a doormat for anyone. 
    After penning her letters, Patience took the serving tray and dishes from her meal downstairs. “I’ve a couple of letters to mail. Can you direct me to the post office?”
    Mrs. Shaw took the tray. “Nice of you to bring this down for me. When you go out the gate, turn left and go one block, then turn right for two blocks. You’ll see the sign next to the mercantile.”
    “Thank you. I’ll enjoy looking over the town.” With her letters in her purse, she set out.
    Blue skies welcomed her and a faint breeze brushed her skin. The homes of assorted sizes she passed were well-kept and appealing and people she met smiled a greeting. She was glad she’d donned her blue dress, a good color for her hair.
    As she left the residential section and strolled by businesses, she was happy to see Destiny’s downtown included a milliner and a dress shop. Not that she’d ever bought clothing from a seamstress because she and her mother and sister were excellent needlewomen. Still, she’d always secretly yearned for a dress made especially for her by someone else.
    When she spotted the post office, she went in and introduced herself. “I’m staying at Mrs. Shaw’s boarding house.”
    The smiling postmaster took her letters. “Welcome to Destiny. I’m George Hammond. Have you come to our town for a particular reason?”
    She pushed a few of her coins toward him. “I’m to marry Mr. Kincaid in a month.”
    Surprise registered on the man’s face and his hand hovered over her payment for a second too long. “Best wishes. Appears to me he’s a lucky man.”
    Why did  bitterness tinge the postmaster’s voice? “Is something wrong with Mr. Kincaid that I should know?”
    A smile split the man’s broad face. “Not at all. You’ll see the elder Kincaid, Andrew, is a fine man and a hard worker. Built his orchard from a small time operation to one of the largest in the state. His son has worked hard in the business too.”
    She exhaled a sigh of relief. “That’s good. You had me worried for a minute.”
    He ducked his head. “Sorry. You take care now.”
    Patience stepped aside for the next customer and left the small post office. Although her funds were limited, she wandered into the mercantile. Browsing was free and she enjoyed being able to take her time. She stopped at the fabric and thread and perused the colors available, pleased to see a nice variety.
    Two women approached her. They looked like a mother and daughter. Each was petite with blond hair and wore the latest fashions.
    The youngest said, “I’m Virginia Winfield and this is my mother. We were in the post office and heard you say you’re going to marry Mr. Kincaid.”
    “I’m pleased to meet you. I’m engaged to him. Until the wedding, I’m staying at Mrs. Shaw’s boarding house.”
    Mrs. Winfield sniffed. “I don’t understand how you can consider the son.”
    Patience blinked and didn’t bother to correct the women’s mistake. She was uncomfortable listening to gossip but wondered if this was something she should know.
    Virginia pursed her lips and said, “He’s the worst sort of cad. Stone by name and stone for a heart.”
    In spite of her curiosity, the sense of being disloyal to her groom engulfed Patience. She nodded at each woman. “I’ll reserve judgment