Page 8 of Papa's Little Bride
What will he do if I’m disobedient? Will he send me to my room? Will he take me over his knee and spank me?
I’d be lying if I claimed I wasn’t intrigued by Mr. Freemont’s proposal. Or tempted. Despite his pointing out my squirming on the stool, I can’t help myself from shifting and pressing my legs tightly together as I look into his eyes, trying to judge whether or not his heart is true.It never occurred to me I might find a husband so soon after leaving the orphanage.
Without a dowry or an older relative to arrange a match for me, most of the men in Gerrardsville would pass me over. Betrothals are often secured years before a marriage ever takes place. I wonder why Mr. Freemont would want me, a girl he’s just met, over a match that could be advantageous for his familyor his businesses.
His words from moments ago keep echoing between my ears.
If you walk out that door, I will miss you, and I will worry for you.
Could it truly be as simple as that? Or, perhaps, his desire for a not-so-ordinary marriage has scared other women away. I’m no fool. He must realize how vulnerable I am, sitting in his fancy kitchen in his fancy house, wearing araggedy dress and holey shoes while my uncertain future looms over me.
I have three possible choices. One—I can live on the streets and most likely freeze to death this winter. Two—I can march myself to Madam Angelic’s house of ill-repute and spread my legs for strangers. Or three—I can accept Mr. Freemont’s outlandish proposal and never face the possibility of starving or freezing on thestreets again. From a logical standpoint, option three is my smartest move, and it’s also the choice my heart is begging me to make.
If I’m well-behaved and prove myself a good wife, perhaps Mr. Freemont will fall in love with me and decide to keep me at the conclusion of our thirty-day trial. But even if he deems we must part ways, I’ll still be provided for, and no matter what happensin the end between Mr. Freemont and I, it’s likely I’ll have the means to help the other girls in the orphanage. A few extra supplies, especially food and medicine, would make a world of difference to the dozens of girls who call the orphanage home.
Yes, option three is an opportunity I can’t refuse.
My heart races, because when I sayyes, I will soon become a married woman. Noticingthe heat flaming in Mr. Freemont’s dark eyes, I can’t help but squirm again as I imagine all the naughty, not-so-ordinary, things he’s going to do to me.
“Faith?”
“I-I accept your proposal, Mr. Freemont.”
Relief washes over his features, then his expression soon turns serious and almost dark. “Papa,” he says. “Remember. You will call mePapa.”
“Yes, Papa.”
Hegathers both my hands in his. “Papa is going to take very good care of his little girl.”
