The Bridal Swap Read Online Free PDF Page B

sleep out in the cabin. All alone. With nothing but his thoughts to keep him company.
    “No. I’m fine, Ma.” At the questioning arch of her brow, he added, “Honest.”
    “If you change your mind, let me know. I’m sure Kate would understand.”
    “I’ll do that.”
    “What are your plans for the day?”
    “I’m working on Mr. Wilcox’s dining table. He’s anxious to have it before his in-laws arrive next weekend.”
    She paused in her preparations. “Could you put it off for a couple of hours? I need someone to keep Kate company while I deliver this.” When he opened his mouth to speak, she tacked on, “I wouldn’t ask, except Nathan has been up all night with Bess. I took his breakfast out to the barn about an hour ago, and the calf still hasn’t made an appearance. And your father and Caleb are milking the cows.”
    He didn’t want to play babysitter for Francesca’s little sister, but what choice did he have? His mother went out of her way to make life comfortable for him and his brothers, so whenever she asked a favor, he did his best to comply.
    “Fine. I’ll do it.”
    “You’re a sweetheart, you know that?”
    “Don’t tell anybody.”
    Amid her soft laughter, there came a light knock on the front door.
    “That’s probably her. Do you mind, dear?”
    Swallowing a sigh, he went to greet their guest. At the sight of her, the greeting on his lips fell flat. Her clothing, fancier even than the previous day’s, was utterly out of place here.
    Her silk brocade ensemble put him in mind of the eggplant growing in his ma’s garden—deep, luxurious purple. The slim jacket had sleeves that bloomed out at the shoulders and tightened at the elbow on down to the wrists. A beribboned V emphasized her trim waist, erupting into a six-inch ruffle. The straight skirt below had slits revealing pleated skirts underneath. Corded rosettes adorned both the jacket and skirt, and frothy white fringe peeked out of the wrists.
    Her elegant look was spoiled by the mass of chocolate waves tumbling past her shoulders. My goodness, she looked all of sixteen with her hair down. Young and vulnerable. Sweet.
    Nope. He took a step back. He refused to be drawn in by her beauty . If anything, Francesca had taught him outward beauty, no matter how innocent-looking, didn’t guarantee a beautiful heart.
    “Good morning, Josh.” Her cheeks were a becoming pink. “Might I speak with your mother, please?”
    “She’s in the kitchen.”
    With a stately nod, she walked past him. He remained where he was, unable to pull his gaze from her retreating form. She moved with grace and poise, head high and spine straight as an arrow, like a queen before her royal subjects.
    Frowning, he shook his head. How many hours of practice had it taken to perfect such posture? Time better suited to more productive pursuits.
    Bits and pieces of their conversation drifted out to the living room.
    He heard the self-deprecating humor in Kate’s voice as she asked for help with her hair. “It appears I’m helpless without my staff.”
    “Don’t worry, dear. Let’s go up to my room and see what we can do.”
    “Since I’ll be on my own for a while, maybe you can give me some pointers.”
    Josh stuffed his hands in his pockets, finding it odd that a young lady would need help fixing her hair.
    As the pair ascended the stairs, he wondered how Francesca would’ve coped without servants to do her bidding. He hadn’t given it a thought before this moment, all the changes he’d expected her to make. Instead of being waited on hand and foot, she would’ve had to do everything herself. While he’d been blinded by love, she’d obviously been thinking of more practical things.
    In less than ten minutes, Kate and his mother were making their way back downstairs. His mother reached the bottom steps first. “Will you make Kate a cup of hot tea? Her breakfast is on the stove.”
    To Kate, she said, “I’m sorry to run off, but Laney Hedrick has