Michelle: Bride of Mississippi (American Mail-Order Bride 20) by Cindy Caldwell Page B

She smiled and backed through the doorway. “You sit down and relax by the fire. After all, it’s been a mighty big day for the two of you. I’ll be right back.”
    Michelle plopped down into the floral wing-backed chair and pulled it a bit closer to the fire, holding her hands out to warm them. The walk home had been lovely--leaves fluttering as they passed by--but the December air was chilly and now that dark had fallen, even more so. The coffee would be welcome.
    She sat back in the chair and sighed. Upstairs, a door closed and Michelle thought her husband would be down soon--her husband?
    The thought struck her as funny. Two months ago, as she and Josephine had run out of the Brown Textile Mill to the smell of smoke and the flash of flames, she would never have guessed that now she’d be sitting in a warm, beautiful parlor in Mississippi waiting for her husband, and for the housekeeper to bring coffee.
    She looked up as Anthony descended the stairs, taking a little hop on the last one and strode over to join her by the fire. The flicker of the fire outlined his strong jaw and nose, his dark hair and eyes seeming to glow in the light.
    Shaking her head, she watched as he held his hands out to the flames, his face hard as he frowned. Wasn’t he happy? Or at least content that his needs had been met with her arrival?
    She’d thought that the day had gone well, and she’d enjoyed meeting Mr. and Mrs. Banks--it had even been nice to meet the young ladies in the drug store. She didn’t even mind about her dress, and hoped the other young ladies didn’t, either. Now that she thought about it, Miss Davis had seemed awfully surprised at meeting Anthony’s new wife--surprised enough to drop her soda.
    “Anthony, it was a very nice day. Thank you.” She held her hands out once more as Anthony pulled the matching wing-backed chair closer to the fire and sat down.
    He looked at her and he leaned forward, his elbows on his knees as he held out his hands and sighed.
    “I--I do hope that you enjoyed the day, Michelle. I would have liked it to be much more grand, but on short notice...”
    She waved her hand, turning to him and smiling. “It was lovely. The church was beautiful, and I’ll keep the bouquet to press once the flowers dry. And meeting your friends was an extra treat.”
    Anthony leaned back in his chair, his head cocked to one side as she looked at him. She gave him the biggest smile she could muster. He seemed to have quite a bit on his mind, and even more so after he’d spoken with Mr. Banks. He’d been quiet at supper, and she hoped that he felt that the day had gone well. She certainly didn’t want to add to his burden--only lighten it.
    He steepled his fingers and crossed his legs, his heel on his knee. “You’re a very special young lady, Michelle. I appreciate your kindness, and acceptance of Corinth--and of us.”
    She sat back and turned toward the fire. She hadn’t told Anthony much in her letter and if they were going to be married--even just for the girls--she may as well tell him the truth. He deserved to know, and she wanted no secrets between them.
    Her hand to her stomach to calm her nerves, she tugged at an escaped ringlet that hung on her shoulder. She’d given up trying to keep them pinned up, at least for today.
    “I didn’t mention this in my correspondence, Anthony, and I’m sorry I didn’t. I grew up very differently than you and your sister.” She paused as she glanced around the room, taking in the heavy, velvet curtains and the lace doilies on the table.
    She smiled as Mable entered the room, carrying an ornate, silver tea set. She couldn’t help but take in a breath as her hand flew to her chest.
    “Oh, my. That’s lovely.” She sighed as soon as the words came out of her mouth. It was the most elaborate tea set she’d ever seen, shiny with beautiful, scrolled feet holding up the pitcher. She guessed she’d have to get used to such lovely things and her face flushed