Alice: Bride of Rhode Island (American Mail-Order Bride 13) by Kristy McCaffrey

the elbow and led her to a staircase.
    Pride stiffened her spine. “Just tell me my room number. I can find my own way.”
    “It wouldn’t be proper for a married couple to stay in separate rooms.” His hand still gently grasped her arm.
    While a frisson of excitement stirred in her abdomen, she knew better than to read anything further into his statement. “You like playing this game, don’t you?”
    They stopped before Room 205. “What game would that be?”
    “This farce that you call our marriage.” So much for winning him over with sweet nothings and her womanly attributes, not that she had any illusions that such techniques would work with James.
    A muscle in his jaw twitched as he unlocked the door, and she sensed a brewing anger in him.
    “I’m sorry you’re not happy with our arrangement, Alice.” He opened the door and bade her enter before him. “But, unfortunately, we will be sharing this room.”
    Baffled as to why she’d picked a fight with him, Alice stepped across the threshold and once again she stopped to stare. Her temper softened as she took in the opulence of the room. A private parlor contained a settee and two chairs around a glossy table and a modest desk in the corner. Beyond, a spacious bedroom beckoned.
    “It’s beautiful, James.”
    “I’m glad you like it. The bellboy will have our things brought up shortly. Why don’t you rest and freshen up. I’ll return in an hour and escort you to supper.”
    She nodded, awkwardness overtaking her. Would she and James be sharing the only bed? So much for her willingness to conceive his child. She was too uncomfortable to even look him in the eye now.
    He placed his hat on his head, left several bills on the short table near the entrance for her to tip the bellboy, and departed.
    Her shoulders sagged, and she sat upon an upholstered chair. She was on her honeymoon in one of the most beautiful hotels in Newport. By all accounts, this should be a happy time for her. But marriage was turning out to be nothing like she’d imagined.
    * * * *
    James sat across from Alice at an intimate table in the hotel restaurant. Despite the faint shadows beneath her eyes, she was radiant in one of the new gowns Mrs. Irwin had helped her acquire. A modest neckline nevertheless enhanced her bosom, the emerald fabric highlighting the creamy hue of her skin. Her hair was pinned in a simple array, but James had never seen her more beautiful.
    “Are you happy to be back in Newport?” he asked.
    “Yes, of course. I have many fond memories of growing up here.”
    “If there’s anyone you’d like to visit while we’re here, I’d be happy to arrange it for you.”
    “Thank you.” She took a sip of the wine he’d ordered.
    The waiter soon brought a meal of stuffed duck with apples and apricots, golden potatoes, and crispy biscuits. James’ mouth watered, his appetite in full force after a long day of enduring his wife’s company.
    It was a double-edged sword—while he enjoyed, and at times craved, her attention, the practicality of putting distance between them pressed on him. He had no idea how he would tolerate sharing a hotel room with her; while it had seemed simple in execution, the reality was filled with more temptation than James cared for. But to have separate accommodations would’ve created too much talk. And too much risk. If Daniel Endicott did find them, James wanted Alice close.
    “How is your food?” he asked.
    “It’s delicious.” Her blue eyes briefly mesmerized him.
    A sharp longing to know her— really know her—shot through him. “Tell me about your childhood.”
    She dabbed the corner of her mouth with a napkin. “I was born in Newport. My mother was much younger than my father, but they only ever had one child. Papa was away a lot, since he could never be gone from the sea for long. We lived in a small cottage out of town until we were able to move. I grew up not far from here, over on Thames Street.”
    “Maybe you can