Violet: Bride of North Dakota (American Mail-Order Bride 39) Read Online Free PDF

find a better man there? One that would put up with your shenanigans as I do?” He was also teasing.
    The large man pushed to his feet, handed Amelia his plate, which he’d eaten clean, and nodded at Violet. “Good to meet you, ma’am. Now I must go back to work.”
    “Excuse me while I see my husband off.”
    Sven grinned rakishly at his wife. “Ready to see me off, eh? Are you ladies going to throw a grand party while I’m gone?”
    “We are indeed, so you’d best work hard to pay for it.”
    Sven pulled his expectant wife in for a hearty kiss and patted her on the behind. He nodded to Violet, pulled on his coat, gloves, and hat, and strode out the door.
    A lot of energy left the room with him.
    “I do love that man.” She sighed. “I’ll be glad when he can stop working the evening job. I miss him, especially in the evenings. I’m glad you are here with me tonight.”
    Amelia sat back beside her, and they ate in silence until Violet sighed in contentment and leaned back in her chair. “Thank you. That was delicious.”
    A knock sounded at the door. Amelia excused herself and opened it.
    Another woman’s voice said, “Amelia, darling. I heard you had company.”
    “Mother, what are you doing out in this storm?”
    “I live three houses down. I’m hardly in danger of freezing. I need to borrow a cup of flour.”
    An older version of Amelia entered the door and stopped. “Why, you’re beautiful.”
    Embarrassed, Violet said, “Thank you.” She could feel warmth in her cheeks.
    “Daniel brought her here,” Amelia said smugly.
    “Did he now?” The older woman’s eyes sparkled as she crossed the room and took Violet’s face in her hands. “I couldn’t be happier to have you for my daughter.”
    “Before you jump to any conclusions, Mother, let me make introductions. Violet, this is my mother, Brenna Lund,” Amelia said. “Mother, this is Violet Keating. She is here to marry—“
    ”I know,” Brenna interrupted. “I heard Daniel picked you up at the train station.”
    “That’s because her groom wasn’t there.”
    The older woman pulled back in surprise. “You’re not here to marry my son?”
    Violet could only wish. “No, ma’am. I’m not.”
    Disappointment colored her eyes. “Then who?”
    Violet and Amelia exchanged glances. Violet said, “James Evans.”
    “But he’s just a young ‘un. He has plenty of family money but he doesn’t have the sense God gave a goose.”
    “Mother, you shouldn’t speak ill of the man Violet has traveled all the way from Massachusetts to marry.”
    Brenna sank into a dining area chair. “I am sorry to have disparaged your husband-to-be. Though if he falls through, please consider my son as his replacement. Daniel is a good man. Stubborn, but loyal.”
    “I do not believe your son is interested in me.” Embarrassed, Violet gave a little laugh. “I gave him quite a scare when I mistook him for James at the train station.”
    “Oh, he is definitely interested.” Amelia nodded emphatically. “I’ve never seen him looking at a woman like he looked at you. Like you were as precious as gold. You would be perfect for him. It’s a shame you’re here to marry...”
    Her voice trailed off.
    Violet had thought exactly the same thing not long before, but she had to remain faithful to the man who’d sent for her. She would be marrying James. If he hadn’t been killed in an accident, that is. “Tell me a little about James. What kind of man is he?”
    The two women exchanged glances. Amelia looked at her. “So you’ve never met him?”
    “No. I just arrived in town.”
    “What did he tell you?”
    “That he’s wealthy and handsome and young.” When neither woman spoke, Violet said, “Did he tell me true?”
    Amelia shrugged a shoulder. “His father is wealthy and he’s young enough to live on the goodness of his father, so that’s true enough. And I guess some women would consider him handsome.”
    Her mother snorted. “If they like