Tabitha: Bride of Missouri (American Mail-Order Bride 24) by Amelia C. Adams Page A

say this? “It would seem that there’s been some speculation on the parts of some about things that aren’t necessarily true, but that some people might want to be true.” That hadn’t come out right at all.
    He lifted an eyebrow. “I’m afraid I don’t understand.”
    Tabitha took a deep breath. Since there wasn’t a way to lead up to the topic slowly and still make sense, she’d just jump right in, however it might sound. “Apparently, the fact that we’re going to the festival together has made some people think that we’re planning a courtship.”
    “Yes, I can see how it might leave that impression.” He paused. “How would you feel about that?”
    “About . . . about the impression?” Tabitha suddenly couldn’t think straight.
    “No, about a courtship. Would you be favorable?”
    She’d hoped that he would know what she was trying to say without her having to be so blunt, but it looked like she’d have to be blunt with him all day long if she ever wanted to be understood. “I’m honored that you would even consider me, but I’m not thinking about courtship right now. I’ve only just arrived in town, and we scarcely know each other . . .”
    “We’ll come to know each other. I believe today will be the first of many.”
    She pretended he hadn’t spoken. “And I’m not ready to be married. Thank you for your kind attentions, but I fear we can only be friends.”
    “Friends?” He acted as though he wasn’t quite sure what that word meant. “Are you saying that you’re not interested in getting to know me at all?”
    “I’d very much like to get to know you—as a friend,” Tabitha restated. “But on a romantic level, my feelings are elsewhere.” She could be honest enough with herself, and him, to admit this. Thomas certainly had been taking up a large portion of her thoughts, and while she didn’t imagine anything could ever come of it, that didn’t stop her from daydreaming.
    The pastor looked displeased, but when he spoke, his voice was cordial. “I’m quite sorry to hear that, but it shouldn’t keep us from enjoying the festival. May I still escort you—as a friend?”
    “You may indeed.”
    He asked her polite questions as they walked to the town square, and after a few uncomfortable moments, they seemed to break past most of the awkwardness. They reached the center of the festivities just as the mayor climbed up on the bandstand and waved his hands to get everyone’s attention.
    “Welcome, everyone, to Atwater’s first-ever fall festival. Our goal this year is to raise enough money to replace the roof on the school. And who knows—if we all have a good time, we might make this a yearly event. Not that the school will need a new roof every year, but to have fun, and . . . er . . . well, let’s get started, shall we?”
    The crowd cheered until he held up his hands again. “First of all, I’d like to hear the nominations for this year’s Miss Atwater. Not that we’ve ever had one in the past, this being the first year and all, and maybe the only year, but yes, we need some nominations. Who will it be?”
    “Darcy Hamilton!” a man called from the back.
    “I second that nomination!” called another.
    Tabitha wasn’t in the slightest bit surprised. Darcy was a very pretty girl, even if her personality was anything but pretty.
    A few other names were called out, and then Mrs. Smith pushed her way to the front. “I nominate Tabitha Phillips, and if she doesn’t win, the judges should all be horsewhipped!”
    This brought a chuckle from the audience, and Tabitha ducked her head to hide her flaming cheeks. She hoped no one would think she’d put Mrs. Smith up to it.
    “I second the nomination,” Pastor Reed said, his voice full of good humor.
    “I don’t know about this,” Tabitha whispered to him. “It seems so . . . silly.”
    “It’s just a fun little contest to promote town unity,” he replied. “If there were something wrong with it, I wouldn’t