Spoiled Evelyn (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 4) Read Online Free PDF Page A

brides?”
    “Also none of your business.”
    His mouth fell open. “I’ll be darned! You’re a mail order bride, aren’t you? Who’d you come to marry?” He chuckled ruefully at the thought. “Come on, honey. Who’s the lucky guy? I sure am dying to know.”
    “I’ve had enough of this conversation. People are waiting for me.”
    “There’s a party in the dining room. Filled with Vanguards. Are they waiting for you? Are you marrying a Vanguard? The only bachelor in that family is Percy, and he’s barely nineteen and as green as they come.”
    This highlighted the drawbacks of a small town. “Excuse me.” I moved to pass him, but a hand clamped around my upper arm. “Oh!”
    He drew me near, which was alarming. “Evelyn. I really like that name. You don’t have to tell me a thing, honey. That’s all right. I’ll find it out myself then, and soon. You can’t kick a stone in Boot Creek without somebody knowing which direction it went.”
    “You have the manners of an ox,” I grated, thoroughly annoyed.
    “I’ve been accused of that before. I do apologize for being so forward. I’m not sorry I kissed you, though. I think that was the best kiss of my life, and I’ve kissed some beautiful women in my time. There’s something special about you. I can’t put my finger on it.”
    He released my arm, and I managed to brush past him, grasping the banister for support. Rendered speechless, my only concern was taking the steps safely and not falling to my death. My knees felt strangely weak, and my heart pounded in my chest, as if I had just run a mile. He came down behind me, because my backbone prickled with awareness. In the lobby, I searched for Percy, finding him speaking with a tall gentleman.
    “My dear!” he exclaimed. “There you are.”
    The stranger, who had taken advantage of me, loitered near an urn, leaning against the wall, while staring at us, listening to every word.
    “This is my older brother, Harold. Harold, this is Evelyn.”
    “How do you do?” I asked, holding out a hand.
    He shook it. “I’m well, and you?”
    “Just fine, thank you.” Knowing the stranger listened to our conversation inhibited me greatly, fearing he might learn too much, but he already knew everything. He was far too astute for his own good and far too handsome.
    “I thought we’d be celebrating a wedding,” said Harold. “Mother’s disappointed it didn’t happen.”
    “I’m sorry about that. You’ll have to forgive me for the delay. I’d like to get to know Percy a while, before making such an important decision. It would be sensible to give it a little more time.”
    “If you ask me, this mail order business is anything but sensible. It’s a farce, and Mrs. Hershey should quit while she’s ahead.” He seemed rather stern, his features pinched.
    “Yes, perhaps,” I murmured, slightly intimidated by him.
    “Don’t lecture my fiancé, Harold.” Percy’s hand fell to my back. “Evelyn’s decision to wait is indeed practical. I, for one, am relieved I’ve found such a wise woman. Not only is she dreadfully smart, but her beauty is beyond compare. Have you ever seen a woman as lovely?”
    “I’d have to disagree and say my wife, Percy, otherwise I’d find myself sleeping with the dog in the barn.”
    Laughter rang out behind us, and we turned to observe the stranger, striding across the carpet, like a leopard approaching his prey. “I couldn’t help overhearing,” he said. “Congratulations, Mr. Vanguard. This is your fiancé?” His eyes roamed over me. “She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. I sure hope I don’t get in trouble for saying that out loud.”
    “Mr. Brittle, your interruption is unwarranted,” grumbled Percy. “Your opinion does not matter in the least to me.”
    “I’m aware of that. I know I don't fit in with your type of society, but that won’t stop me from speaking my mind.”
    “This is a private conversation,” said Harold.
    “In a very