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

handsome and charming. I just adore dimples.”
    Unfortunately, Harold seemed unmoved by this display, frowning. “I’ve seen better acting at the Bird Cage Theatre.”
    “Don’t mind him,” said Percy. “He’s always grumpy.”
    We stood in the doorway of a large dining room, which had been decorated with fresh flowers and streamers. Tables had been set with gleaming cutlery and pretty, scalloped edge plates. An impressive three-tier wedding cake stood out amongst a collection of plates and spoons. Everyone had turned to stare at us, a sea of interested faces—faces of the Vanguard family, waiting expectantly to meet me.
    I knew I had disappointed them, just as I had disappointed Percy by not marrying him. This was going to be the most difficult hour of my life, having to pretend that I was madly in love with Percy. To add to my consternation, all I could think about was the encounter with the stranger in the stairwell, someone by the name of Chuck Brittle, who had shamelessly taken advantage of me and had kissed me, as if we were lovers.
    Oh, Lord. Give me strength. I’ve gotten myself into a real quandary.

Chapter 5
    I excused myself after two hours’ worth of what felt like an interrogation, pleading a headache. I had never felt worse about myself in my life, having lied my way through every conversation. My face felt fatigued, because I had smiled brightly, pretending to look as joyous and excited as any bride-to-be. The truth was an entirely different matter. No amount of cake or champagne could convince me that I was in love with Percy.
    Tory had unpacked my things, arranging tea, which waited on the small table before the couch. I had collapsed against the sofa, staring miserably at the detail work on the ceiling. The well-appointed room boasted lavish wallpaper, heavily carved furniture, and decorative lamps, which gave off a fair amount of light, as the draperies had been drawn.
    “Aren’t you going to have tea?” Tory sat in a plush chair across from me. “It’s chamomile. It’ll soothe your aching head.”
    “I underestimated my own stupidity,” I murmured.
    She giggled, “I knew you’d come to your senses. I’m quite eager for that hundred dollars. You can give it to me when we board the train in a few days.”
    “I feel nothing for Percy.”
    “I’m not surprised. You’ve courted far more distinguished gentlemen, as I recall. He’s no more than a boy. He’s handsome enough and polite, but he’s hardly a match for a woman who knows her own mind.” She appeared thoughtful. “Or, you could marry him and rule the roost. If you want to control every aspect of your life, he’s the man for you. You could do whatever you wanted. You could marry him and insist on a separate house. You’d never have to be intimate with him. You could take on a lover. Perhaps, it’s not as bleak as you think.”
    “That’s terrible. Then how would I have children?”
    “Your lover could sire them.”
    I sat up, reaching for the cup. “I thought my ideas were foolish. That’s even worse.”
    “Well, it looks like we shall return to Philadelphia and Joseph Cardcastle then.”
    “No. Absolutely not. I won’t marry him, and they can’t force me.” A knock on the door startled us. “Are we expecting something? Did you order food?”
    “No.” She got to her feet. “I’ll see who it is.” Opening the door, Mrs. Hershey appeared.
    “Hello, my dear. May I speak to Miss Warner, please.”
    Tory stood aside. “Mrs. Hershey is here to see you, Evelyn.”
    “Let her in.” I got to my feet. “Hello.”
    “I wanted to speak to you, but I never did get a chance. You were quite popular downstairs. I’m sorry you’re not feeling well.” She smiled sympathetically. “I had hoped to have a word.”
    “Please come in. Would you like some tea?”
    “That would be wonderful, thank you.”
    She sat in Tory’s seat, as the maid left the room. “I confess, but it was too much for me.”
    “I could see