Page 357 of Conveniently Wed
Loud, insistent rapping woke her from her dreams of Garrett. Disoriented and half-awake, she scrambled to her feet and hurried to the door.
“My gracious, Aundy, are you unwell?” Ashton asked, pushing his way inside the front room.
“I’m well.” Aundy knew she probably looked like a rumpled mess but didn’t care if she did.
Ashton had been fun to visit with on numerous occasions, it was interesting to see his huge, stately home, but he’d never be a close friend, someone Aundy counted on.
Something about him seemed secretive. Even she could tell Ashton wasn’t always telling her the truth. With no idea what he wanted or why he’d dropped by unannounced, she really wasn’t in the mood to visit with him. “May I help you with something?”
“No, my dear.” Ashton motioned for Aundy to have a seat. Instead of sitting on the sofa Ashton indicated, Aundy chose the rocking chair. A sense of foreboding settled over her and she studied Ashton as he settled into the armchair across the room.
He fidgeted with his pocket watch, taking it out of his vest then shoving it back without ever looking at the time. One of his polished boots tapped out an erratic rhythm and he looked like he’d buttoned his collar too tight.
“Are you well?” Aundy thought he looked quite unlike himself.
“Quite, my dear.” Ashton leaned back in the chair. “I realize you’ve had a time of it the last few days and I wanted to offer my assistance. If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know.”
“That’s very kind, Ashton. Thank you.” Aundy offered a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“It isn’t kindness, Aundy,” Ashton said, looking at her with a probing gaze. “It’s quite selfish on my part. You see, I’ve been meaning to ask you something and well, with things like they are, it seems like the most favorable time.”
Confused by Ashton’s words, she was startled when he strode across the room to her chair and dropped to one knee.
“Let me care for you. Let me keep you safe from harm. Let me love and cherish you. Become my bride.” Ashton brought Aundy’s hand to his mouth and kissed the back of it fervently.
Barely resisting the urge to jerk her hand away and wipe it on her skirt, Aundy worked up a smile. She had no idea why Ashton would propose to her. He needed some dainty beauty for a wife, one whose only concern was making him comfortable. Aundy was most definitely not the woman best suited for the position.
“Ashton, your proposal is quite flattering, but I know it’s just this situation that has driven you to ask.” Aundy rose to her feet, forcing Ashton to do the same. She stepped behind a chair to keep space between them. In an effort to appear sincere, she held a hand to her chest. “You are a dear, sweet man, Ashton. I appreciate your friendship and your proposal, but you deserve more than I can give you.”
Ashton looked crushed as he picked up his hat and gloves from where he’d tossed them when he arrived.
“I’m sorry. I just assumed you felt the same way I do.” Ashton mumbled something she couldn’t hear.
“Begging your pardon?” Aundy asked as Ashton walked toward the door.
“Please, forgive me for attempting to thrust my attentions on you.” He offered her a remorseful look then rushed out the door.
Aundy released the breath she didn’t even realize she held. She sank into a chair and replayed the conversation with Ashton in her head. His proposal made no sense to her.
He was the type of man who preferred beauty to brains, submissive to independent, feeble to strong.
Sincerely hoping she hadn’t hurt his feelings, Aundy decided to go for a ride to clear her head. Quickly changing into a riding skirt and boots, she left her hair in a braid, but added a wide-brimmed hat and hurried out to the barn.
Bell greeted her with a friendly whinny.
“You want to go for a run, girl?” Aundy asked as she saddled the horse and led her out of the barn. After mounting Bell, she decided to check on Nik.
George and Bill helped move the sheep to a pasture closer to the house, where it would be easier to keep an eye on them.
All was calm as Aundy approached. Nik sat beneath a tree playing a mournful tune on his harmonica while Bob and Butter rested at his side.
“That’s a sad song you’re playing,” Aundy said, as she swung out of the saddle.
“I know, but I feel sad today.” Nik stuffed his harmonica into his pocket and stood. He’d grown in the weeks since he came to the farm. His new overalls, which Aundy bought to give him growing room, fit him well. It wouldn’t be long before he’d outgrow them and they’d be too short. She expected Nik to be a tall, big man when he reached his full weight and height.
For now, she was glad to have the gangly boy with her on the farm. Affectionately throwing an arm around his shoulders, Aundy gave him a quick squeeze before kneeling down and petting both Butter and Bob.
“Why does someone want to hurt our sheep?” Nik couldn’t understand what his sheep had done to incur someone’s wrath. “They’re harmless.”
