Prince Charming Read Online Free PDF Page B

She waited until she heard the click of the door as it was closed, then called out, “Why is it so dark in here, Madam? Don’t you wish to see the sun today?”
    â€œI do not wish to,” her grandmother replied. “I’m dying, Taylor. I know it, God knows it, and so does the devil. I won’t make a fuss. It wouldn’t be ladylike. I won’t be accommodating, however. Death is going to have to stalk me in the dark. If fortune stays on my side, he won’t find me until all of my business here has been concluded to my satisfaction. Light might give him an advantage. I fear you’re ill prepared for the tasks ahead of you.”
    The switch in topics took Taylor by surprise, but she was quick to recover. “I beg to differ with you, Madam. You have trained me well. I am prepared for any eventuality.”
    Lady Esther snorted. “I left a good deal out of your training, didn’t I? You know nothing about marriage or what it takes to be a good wife. I blame my inability to discuss such intimate topics on the times, Taylor. We live in such a restrictive society. We must all be so very prim and proper. I don’t know how you came by it, but you have great compassion and love inside you, and I will tell you now, I’m thankful I wasn’t able to take those qualities away from you. You never caught on that you were supposed to be rigid, did you? Never mind,” Lady Esther continued. “It’s too late to change. You’re a hopeless dreamer, Taylor. Your infatuation with those dime novels and your love for the ruffian men is proof enough.”
    Taylor smiled. “They’re called mountain men, Madam,” she corrected. “And I thought you enjoyed listening to me read the stories.”
    â€œI’m not saying I didn’t enjoy the tales,” Lady Esther muttered. “But that isn’t the issue now. The stories of Daniel Crockett and Davy Boone would entice anyone, even rigid old women.”
    She’d mixed up the names. Taylor thought it was done on purpose so that she wouldn’t think Madam had become as fascinated by the mountain men as she had. She didn’t correct her again. “Yes, Madam,” she said, guessing she wanted to hear her agreement.
    â€œI wonder if I’ll meet up with those mountain men in the afterlife.”
    â€œI believe you will,” Taylor replied.
    â€œYou’re going to have to get your head out of the clouds,” her grandmother warned.
    â€œI will, Madam.”
    â€œI should have taken the time to teach you how to train a man to be a good, caring husband.”
    â€œUncle Andrew explained everything I need to know.”
    Lady Esther snorted again. “And just how would my brother be knowing anything about that topic? He’s lived the life of a hermit all these years in the Highlands. You have to be married to know what it’s all about, Taylor. Don’t pay any attention to anything he told you. It’s bound to be wrong.”
    Taylor shook her head. “He gave me sound advice, Madam. Why didn’t Andrew ever marry?”
    â€œProbably no one would have him,” Madam speculated. “The only thing my brother was ever interested in was his giant horses.”
    â€œAnd his guns,” Taylor reminded her. “He’s still working on his patents.”
    â€œYes, his guns,” Madam agreed. “I’m curious, Taylor. What did he tell you about marriage?”
    â€œIf I wish to turn a rascal into a fine husband, then I must treat him very like a horse I’m trying to train. I should use a firm hand, never show him any fear, and dole out affection only sparingly. Uncle Andrew predicted I would have him eating out of my hand within six months. He will have learned to value me and treat me like a princess.”
    â€œAnd if he doesn’t value you?”
    Taylor smiled. “Then I should borrow one of Uncle’s fine guns and shoot