Patience: Bride of Washington (American Mail Order Bride 42) by Caroline Clemmons Page A

fripperies.”
    His face wore a grimace of displeasure. “Come on, Patience. You know you planned on this sort of thing before you arrived here. You knew Dad was wealthy when you agreed to come.”
    Hurt and anger mingled to tinge her words. “Stone Kincaid, you’ve misunderstood my situation. I didn’t make the arrangements, my father did. I didn’t want to go to the dressmaker, Andrew insisted and Marianne carried out his request. Although the fabrics were wonderful and I’m sure the gowns will be gorgeous, I don’t need fancy dresses.”
    Hands in his pockets, he strode toward the desk. “Oh? What is it you need?”
    “The same as any other woman. I want to know that I have a safe home, enough in savings that I don’t worry about rent or food, that I have a decent job, and I need security for myself and any children I may have. I enjoy pretty clothes, but I don’t need more than the basics.”
    He leaned a hip on her desk. “Like the dress that hurt my eyes? Sorry, I can’t believe you aren’t relieved to have found a wealthy man to marry.”
    His statement shot straight to her heart. She couldn’t explain her dilemma, her reluctance, or her confusion to him. “Get off my desk. Go back to whatever it is you do while you brood in your office.” She made a shooing motion with her hands.
    “You forget, this is half my desk. I’m leaning on my half. Matter of fact, your right arm is on my half.”
    She stood and glared at him. “If you don’t remove yourself from this area, I will not be responsible for my actions.”
    “What do you think you can do about me being here? I’m co-owner, or have you forgotten?”
    “How could I forget?” She shook her finger at him. “But I’m warning you, Stone Kincaid. Get. Off. My. Desk. Now.”
    He laughed at her.
    Anger triumphed over her judgment. She picked up the ledger, snapped it shut, and hit him on the side of the head.”
    “Ow.” He straightened and touched his head. “Why the devil did you do that?”
    Horrified, she plopped onto her chair and laid her head on her arms. “I can’t believe I actually hit you. Oh, when will I learn to control my temper?”
    “Soon, I hope. You pack quite a wallop. You don’t happen to have any headache powder with you, do you?” Chuckling, he went into his office.
    He was laughing? She raised her head. Mortification flushed her cheeks. Snapping her gaze to his open office door, she could see him still smiling. He raised his glance and rubbed his head with a grin.
    “I-I’m going to the privy.” She dashed out, her face so heated she knew she was red as a ripe Delicious apple. Stone Kincaid had deliberately set out to infuriate her.
    When she arrived back at the boarding house that evening, Mrs. Shaw informed her she’d collected a letter for Patience when she called for her own post. The envelope carried her parents’ return address.
    Patience hurried to her room and sat on the bed to open the envelope. Inside, a second envelope fell out. Cousin Jessie had written her at her parents’ and there was also a letter from her mother.
    Dear Patience,
    I can’t tell you how much we miss you and Mercy already. I hope this finds you well and in good spirits. We are much as you left us. Jason won an award at school for his knowledge of history. We’re very proud of him. David is feeling a bit miffed because he didn’t receive anything so we’re trying to think of some way he can earn praise.
    Have you heard from Mercy? We had a letter this morning that she arrived safely. Mr. Fairchild sent for her to marry his grandnephew, who doesn’t want to wed. Of all things, she said she’s going on a cattle roundup. I can’t imagine that, can you?
    I’m eager to know how you’re doing. We’re so pleased that your prospective groom has the means to provide you with such a luxurious home and fine business. I’m sure he realizes what an asset you are to both. You know how badly your father and I wanted you girls to be