Shameful Celia (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 3) by Carré White Page A

me, the more you’ll realize I’m not so happy after all. I’m just very good at hiding despair.”
    Leaving his apartment, I remained in the hallway for a few minutes, while the odd conversation from moments earlier drifted through my mind.

Chapter 12
    L ater at the grocers , Mrs. Hershey came upon me, smiling, while holding a wrapped package. “Hello, dear.”
    “How are you, Mrs. Hershey?”
    “I’m well. I saw you cross the street earlier, and I wanted to hurry out to talk to you.”
    “You didn’t have to do that.”
    “Yes, but I wanted to.” We stood near the counter, as there were several people before me in line, each holding a basket of items. “We should have tea after you’ve purchased your things. You can have Mr. Miller hold them in the back for you. They’ll even deliver.”
    “That’s good to know. I’d love to have tea.”
    “Then we can discuss your meeting with Mr. Holter, among other things.”
    “Very well, but there really isn’t all that much to discuss. I’ll see you at the hotel in a few minutes.”
    “Excellent. Just come into the dining room. I’ll save us a table.” She strolled to the door, her skirts swooshing behind her.
    After I had paid for my things, I arranged to have them delivered to the apartment later. Not having eaten lunch yet, I was eager to grab a bite to at the restaurant. I wasted little time in hurrying over, although I had to be mindful of the carriages in the way. It being nearly lunchtime, the dining room bustled with people and talking, the occupants of Boot Creek having emerged from their shops and offices for the hour.
    Mrs. Hershey sat near a tall urn, which held sprigs of fake flowers. “It’s crowded,” I said, upon reaching her.
    “Yes it is.”
    Pulling out a chair, I sat across from her. “I haven’t much to say about Mr. Holter. I don’t think we’re suited in the least. He’s not someone I wish to marry.”
    “I’m sorry. I thought for certain you two might have something in common.”
    “Just that we’ve both lived on farms. That’s pretty much where the similarities end.”
    “Well, that’s neither here nor there, because I have an even better proposition for you.”
    “You do?”
    “Yes. Mr. Kelly, who is the richest man in the Territory of New Mexico, has a ranch manager by the name of Chuck Brittle, who might just be perfect for you.”
    “I suppose.”
    “He’s available for supper tonight.”
    “A girl should never say no to supper.”
    “Be here at eight, and you’ll have a marvelous time.”
    “If you say so.”
    “You seem a little out of sorts. Are you all right?”
    “I’m fine.”
    “How are you feeling?”
    My belly had been behaving strangely, feeling as if the muscles tightened and released, over and over, and my back ached, but it wasn’t anything too troublesome. “I’m as good as can be expected for being this pregnant.”
    “That’s heartening. I know you wanted to find a husband before the baby came, so time is of the essence.”
    “Yes, that’s true.” Out of the corner of my eye, I spied Pastor Kinsley, as he had just arrived with another gentlemen. Having seen me, he excused himself, striding over to us.
    “Good afternoon,” he said politely.
    I had been hesitant about returning to his room, because I had pried into his life enough already. He seemed rather upset earlier, and I thought it was best to keep my distance, although I longed to be near him.
    “Hello, Nicolas. Come sit down,” said Mrs. Hershey. “We’ve been discussing Celia’s love life.”
    “Which is nonexistent,” I added.
    His smile faltered. “You won’t let it rest.”
    “Certainly not. She’s in need of protection.”
    “Seems like she can take care of herself rather well.” He referred to the incident the night before.
    “No woman can take care of herself. She needs the guidance of a good husband and the comforts of a home. But I do believe I’ve finally hit on the perfect candidate. He was right