Ashley Merrick - India: Bride of Indiana (American Mail-Order Bride 19) by Ashley Merrick

sorts, with delicate curls framing her face. She was a taller than average woman, and very slender. She looked elegant and fashionable in her pale lavender dress. India felt a bit frumpy by comparison in her favorite blue dress, which was starting to look as though it would need mending again soon along the hem.
    Laura and Jason came rushing in moments before the service started and slid into the pew beside them.
    “I just couldn’t get out of my own way this morning. I didn’t think we were going to get here on time,” Laura said.
    “It was a little too close for comfort,” Jason agreed.
    The service started, and India enjoyed the sermon. Pastor Jonathan was a young pastor, and full of energy. This was his first Christmas season at the church. He spoke about the importance of giving all year round but especially at this time of year when those who had little seemed to have even less, especially if they had families to take care of. He spoke about silent giving, of the importance of giving without the expectation of receiving anything in return including recognition of the gift. It was a moving sermon and he seemed to have everyone’s attention.
    When the service ended, everyone met up outside and Richard’s brother Jim invited them all back to his house for Sunday dinner. Richard had explained that they took turns on Sundays after church hosting dinner for the rest of the family.
    They were walking to their buggies to head home when India heard an unfamiliar voice by her side. She looked up and saw the beautiful blonde woman with the sour expression, her mother a few steps behind her.
    “Richard, so lovely to see you and this must be the new bride—Indian, I believe?” the blonde woman said.
    “It’s India,” Richard corrected her and then added, “India, this is Olivia Thompson and her mother, Evelyn.”
    “Right, I knew it was an unusual name. Nice to meet you.” Olivia smiled, but it was a fake smile that didn’t come close to reaching her eyes.
    India disliked her immediately and that rarely happened, “You too,” she said politely.
    Laura was on India’s other side and there was a mischievous tone to her voice as she said, “I’ve invited India to join us on Wednesday for women’s club. Isn’t that great?”
    Olivia’s eyes grew dark and stormy. “Yes, that’s great,” she said through clenched teeth.
    “See you then,” Laura said cheerfully.
    As soon as Olivia was out of earshot, Laura leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Have I mentioned that I’m so glad that he didn’t marry her?”

    W hen they reached Jim’s house, the others were already inside and Jim’s wife Mary was putting a large ham into the oven to warm up. Soon after, India found herself sitting at the end of a long table in the dining room, with Laura to her right and Richard’s two single brothers, Ed and Mark, to her left. They filled their plates with sliced ham, scalloped potatoes, and green beans. Jim said grace, and then they all dug in. India found herself amused by the back-and-forth banter between Ed and Laura. Ed was as much of a talker as Laura. Mark sat quietly, taking it all in and looking as amused as India felt.
    His brothers were both very handsome and when Ed turned on the charm in her direction, he was quite the flatterer.
    “Those boys in Boston are crazy. You would’ve been engaged within a day if you lived here,” Ed said to her softly.
    “I don’t know about that,” India said with a smile.
    “I’m serious. You’re a beautiful girl. If you ever get sick of my brother, I’m available.”
    “I thought you were in no hurry to get married?” his brother teased him.
    “Who said anything about getting married?” Ed said with a chuckle. A moment later, he added, “Of course I’m just kidding. I’m sure I’ll get married someday. I just haven’t met the right one yet.”
    After they finished eating and all the plates had been cleared, India was in the kitchen adding some sugar to a