Tabitha: Bride of Missouri (American Mail-Order Bride 24) Read Online Free PDF Page B

to say next?” It was best to remain as impersonal as possible. If she let herself become friends with him, it would be even more difficult to ignore the way her heart beat faster when he leaned across the counter to see what she had written so far.
    “Let’s see. How about, ‘With all your responsibilities, I understand why you haven’t written of late. I imagine that by the time you’re done grading your students’ papers, the last thing you want is to write one more word. I did enjoy hearing about your hometown and your summer adventures, though, and would like to hear more about them when you get the chance.’”
    Tabitha wrote all that down, then asked, “It’s been a while since you heard from her, then?”
    “Yes. She’s so busy, though—I can’t blame her. And what can I say—I’m a patient fellow.” He fished in his pocket with his left hand and pulled out a photograph. “Isn’t she worth waiting for?”
    Tabitha took the picture from his outstretched fingers. The girl was pretty—there was no denying that. She had long golden ringlets piled high on her head, a few tumbling down artistically, and she was posed next to a trellis of flowers. Her dress was beautiful, flounced and ruffled and beribboned all the way down to her feet. Yes, she certainly was lovely.
    “I can see why you’re so besotted,” Tabitha said at last, passing the picture back to its rightful owner. She glanced down at her own plain dress and apron, feeling just a little jealous. Odd, because she’d never been the jealous type. “What shall we say next?”
    “‘I just showed the postal worker your picture, and she agrees that you’re lovely.”’
    “Oh, no,” Tabitha protested. “Don’t involve me in this.”
    “Why not? Doesn’t every girl want as many compliments as she can get?”
    “It’s nice when people think we’re pretty, but I don’t think we need to know what every stranger in the world thinks. Come now, let’s finish this the right way.”
    Mr. Scott seemed amused at her outburst. “Oh, all right, then. ‘I don’t mean to pressure you, but I’d very much like to know when you plan to come to Atwater. My home isn’t large, but it’s clean and well maintained, and it’s standing ready for you. Just say the word, and all the final arrangements will be made. I’m looking forward to welcoming you here and showing you all the beautiful things Missouri has to offer.’”
    “And how would you like to sign it?” Tabitha asked when he fell silent.
    “That’s just the thing. I don’t know.”
    Tabitha shook her head. “Is this like trying to decide how to start the letter?”
    “That’s it exactly. Do I say ‘love’? That seems premature. ‘Sincerely’ feels like a business letter. ‘Regards’ feels as though I’m writing to my grandmother. What do you recommend?”
    ‘Well, to be honest, I’ve never written a romantic letter before. I’m not sure I’m the best one to ask.”
    Mr. Scott looked at her with amazement. “You’ve never written a romantic letter before? How is that possible?”
    Heat rose to Tabitha’s cheeks. “I’ve never had anyone to write to.”
    “Oh, come now. You must have had dozens of suitors.”
    Everything came back to that, didn’t it? She’d have to introduce Mr. Scott to Mrs. Smith. She imagined they’d get along famously. “I’ve been approached by several young men for courtship, if that’s what you mean, but none of them were a good fit for me. Now, I don’t recall this conversation being about me. We’re writing to Miss Ivy, aren’t we?”
    “Yes, yes, that’s right. We’re trying to finish this letter up properly. How about, ‘Warmest thoughts.’ Does that work?”
    Tabitha smiled. “I think that works very well.” She penned the closing, then passed the paper over to him. “You should at least sign it with some sort of scrawl, even if it’s with your left hand.”
    Mr. Scott shook his head. “You just want to see me make a