Page 381 of Conveniently Wed
Her aunt bustled to her side and pulled her into a warm hug. “I’m so sorry, honey. I just meant…”
The door opened and Ma walked in with a basket of eggs. She harrumphed. “What now?” Her crisp, no-nonsense voice held not a smidgeon of warmth.
Katie pulled away and turned from her ma’s intense stare. She brushed at the tears.
“We were talking about…the situation,” Aunt May confessed.
“It’s not a situation, it’s a chance of a lifetime.” She slammed down the basket of eggs none too gently. “Mr. Richardson is afine man with an upstanding reputation, and the very fact he’d choose you should have you jumping for joy.” She pointed in Katherine’s direction. “Furthermore, after all I’ve done for you, the least you could do …”
Aunt May touched Ma’s arm, jerking her head sideways toward the girls climbing down from the loft. Ma let out a huff but pursed her lips shut.
Katie fought the pain that clawed at her heart. It was not the first time that remark,after all I’ve done, had been thrown in Katie’s direction. What exactly had her ma done other than be a mother? And why was she cold and stern with Katie but warm and affectionate with the rest of the family? That familiar ache of somehow not belonging washed through her as she gathered around the table.
To win Ma’s approval, she would have to live a lifetime with a man she didn’t love.
Ma stomped back and forth, dropping the cutlery and smacking down a plate of flapjacks with such force that Katie jumped.
“Katherine had better get used to the situation and fast. Mr. Richardson is coming for a visit this afternoon, and I expect her to be on her best behavior.” She talked loudly enough for the whole household to hear, but directed the conversation to Aunt May. “And if she thinks she’s the only one who has suffered the ravages of this war, she can think again. We’ve all had to make concessions. You don’t find me a constant watering pot.”
Katie whirled around. Her body shook, and her chest ached. She had to get out of there before she lost control of the tears once again. “I’m standing right here. You don’t have to talk as if I’m not in the room, but I’ll gladly vacate.” She walked out the door and slammed it shut.
Pa stepped onto the porch from the yard. “I thought breakfast was on.”
“I’m not hungry.” She marched past him to the barn.
4
Curled up in the loft in a bed of hay, the barn gave her the privacy she needed. She stroked her old cat Tabby, who rubbed up against her. A thick darkness coiled around her soul.
She had grandparents in Richmond. Maybe she could find her way there. But her parents never talked about their life in the city, nor did they have anything to do with her grandparents.
Nothing fit. Every idea she had for escape filtered in, then out. A getaway plan was about as likely as grabbing a handful of mist.
She scooped her cat into her lap. Tabby circled and plopped down. Her purr deepened as Katie smoothed her hand over the soft fur.
The deepest part of her heart spoke the truth. She had no choice because she cared about her family. Mr. Richardson’s generous offer was nearly impossible to turn down. Her parents would once again have a home, their independence, and a renewed sense of hope.
She had it within her grasp to give Pa the gift of doing what he loved most—working the rich Shenandoah soil. The thought of him walking proudly out his door able to supply the needs forhis family pulled on her heart strings. She could put a smile back on Pa’s face, give much-needed room for her sisters to grow, and win Ma’s love. What else was there to decide?
Mr. Richardson had offered Pa a house in trade for the small chunk of land her father had owned and farmed. What did he want with Pa’s farmland back in Dayton, miles from his ranch in Lacey Spring? She aimed to ask him tonight. If they gave up that land, it would leave her parents nowhere to rebuild if the whole arrangement fell apart.
And why would Mr. Richardson want her? There were other attractive women far more suited to his lifestyle. He was a successful rancher with a large spread who had a solid reputation in the Shenandoah Valley. He could have his choice of any woman. She often overheard talk of the mysterious Josiah, the handsome and wealthy loner who needed love. The other wistful ladies would do anything to get his attention. She was too inexperienced and unsophisticated for the likes of him, and her humble roots were far beneath his station. It made no sense other than that he was out for what every man wanted.
Her stomach flip-flopped. The mere thought of his presence set her nerves on edge. She bit down hard on her lip. The memories of his timely appearance in the woods and then again in the saloon burned vividly in her mind. Instantly, heat rose from her neck to her hairline. She had to hand it to him, though. He’d kept his promise and hadn’t spilled the beans to Pa. For that she was grateful.
Her stomach twisted like a washrag. With deep breaths, she worked to calm the knots. She was about to marry a stranger—someone she knew little about. The first time she’d laid eyes on him and his wife had been in Lacey Spring. They’d made a handsome couple. And now she was supposed to be that lady of elegance at his side? Fat chance. He had no idea what he wasgetting himself into, and he would be sorry. It would serve him right, after pressuring the situation. She was no Georgina.
But as she left the barn, Katie squared her shoulders and lifted her head. She could do this. She had to.
Josiah took the steps two at a time and rapped on the screen door of the small cabin. It had been one of the longest weeks of his life, since Jeb had told him Katherine wanted a week to think. The invitation could only mean one thing—she had decided. Worry had him on edge, especially after her cold reception in town.
Jeb answered the door and slipped out onto the porch. “Have a seat.” He pointed to the nearby chair.
Josiah slid onto a wooden seat too small for his large frame, which creaked under his weight.
“You need to understand one thing,” Jeb said. “I will not force her. Katie has a mind of her own. She hasn’t told anyone what she’s decided, just said she wants to talk to you.”
A bead of sweat formed on Josiah’s brow, and he swiped it away. Jeb’s words could mean only one thing—she was letting him down gently.
