Rescued (Flowers of the Bayou) Read Online Free PDF Page A

for reprimanding the child for stating the obvious truth, but it wasn’t for her to do so. She was a child and it was rude.
     Vivian felt the same in her heart but learned several years ago that Amelia was under Lorraine’s thumb and whatever Lorraine wanted Amelia was more than eager to deliver. In this case Lorraine wanted Amelia to marry an old man who would make her miserable. Still she held out hope that before it was too late the woman would understand her own worth and see just how beautiful she was.
    “Yes Ma’me” Georgia said obediently. “I’m sorry Amelia I didn’t mean it.” Georgia looked from one woman to another feeling guilty. Then decided it would probably be best if she carried herself  upstairs and played in her room.
    “Georgia” Amelia began kindly. “After Vivian and I finish our chores I’m going to get ready and I would like it very much if you would come help me. I finished sewing a new dress but I don’t know what else to put with it.”
    “You really want me to help?” She asked suspiciously. Not sure if she was just saying so to make her feel better.
    “I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t Georgia.”
    “Can I go wait for you in your room? Your bed is the best for bouncing.”
    “How would you know?” She said accusingly, but not too harsh. “To think all the time I went into my room and sworn I’d made the bed. Now I know who the culprit is.”
    “I promise to clean up after myself.”
    “I’m just teasing. I will be up soon.”
    “You will go now. It’s almost noon anyhow. I was thinking I could put some of those tight curls in your hair that Mr. Hanson likes so much.” Vivian offered rising from her chair.
    “I would like that very much Vivian.” Amelia figured Vivian would do as much. She always helped her get ready. They were more like a mother and daughter than friends, a fact that sometimes created problems when outside of the walls of the Bradford house. “I’ll be up shortly I just need to finish up some things first.” Excusing herself Amelia moved out of the stuffy room into the foyer.
    Yesterday she gone into town and purchased a simple blue vase. It was the least she could do since she had broken the one in the library. She planned on giving it to Mr. Bradford yesterday but had been too busy. Dashing down the hall to the far end of the kitchen Amelia dragged a yellow stool to stand upon as she retrieved the cerulean glass from atop the tall oak wood pantry.
    She needed to hurry she knew now that Mr. Bradford always left after lunch to meet Mr. Jasper McMahon and it was getting close to that time. Besides Georgia and Vivian were waiting for her as well and if she was late meeting Morgan lord help her.
    Running towards the study she stopped once in front of it took a breath and ran a hand over her wrinkled skirt before she rapped on the door twice. It was not even a moment before she heard the deep rumbling of a voice bidding her come in. Pushing the door open she did.
    Jordan looked up from the stack of papers splayed across his desk. He’d been expecting Jasper but the sight of the pretty brown skinned maid was not unwelcome.
    “Sir.” She began, holding the vase in her hands. “I know it’s not much, but I did want to try and replace the one I broke. I’m sorry.” Moving forward Amelia placed the piece on his desk and watched as he lifted it into his hands to examine it.
    Jordan would have laughed if not for the serious look on her face. Why would she think that he would want her to replace that old vase, it was hideous and he hadn’t been sorry to see it go—hadn’t he told her so?
    She avoided him like the plague, he couldn’t imagine the amount of courage it took to bring him this. Jordan thought she was going to faint when she’d come to him a few days back to ask is she could take her leave early today.
    Grinning he placed the vase back down. “It’s an improvement to say the least.” He chuckled. “So much so, I think I’ll leave it