Free The Christmas Bargain by Shanna Hatfield

they’ve been completely mistreated since I haven’t been out to feed them yet. Our property line ends where you see those trees way back there up against the base of the hill. The house sits on five acres, but I also own the adjoining 250 acres. Part of it is in pasture for my cattle and horses, and I rent out the rest of the ground for farming.”
    “I see,” Philamena said, turning from the window. “How many horses do you have?”
    “I have my saddle horse, Drake, you met him the other day,” Luke said, smiling at her. “Then I have two carriage horses, a set of Belgians for pulling a loaded wagon, and two mares. I also keep about a dozen horses in various stages of breaking. It’s something I like to do in my spare time. Do you ride?”
    “Yes,” Philamena said, glad Abby talked her into including a riding skirt in her new wardrobe.
    “We could go for a ride soon, before the weather turns too cold. Would you like that?” Luke asked as they descended the stairs back to the main floor.
    “I’d like it very much,” Philamena said, looking forward to both the ride and spending time outdoors with Luke.
    “We’ll plan on it then,” Luke said as he bundled up to feed his animals. He was so distracted with his new bride he’d completely forgotten about feeding the livestock.
    Chuckling he made his way out to the barn. It was the newness of the situation that was causing him to lose focus. That was certainly the reason for his distracted state this morning. It couldn’t have anything to do with his bride’s sparkling green eyes, warm smile, or rich gleaming hair.
     
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    The next morning, Philamena was wandering through the main floor of the house to familiarize herself with her new home when she heard the kitchen door open followed by a cherry “hello.”
    Hurrying into the kitchen, she watched a plump, grandmotherly-type woman hang up her coat and hat by the door. When she turned around, the woman’s face bore a pleased look.
    “I don’t know if you remember me, dearie, but we met at your wedding. I’m Mrs. Kellogg. I attend services at the Presbyterian Church, but Luke invited me to the wedding,” the woman said, offering Philamena a warm smile.
    “Yes, I do remember you,” Philamena said, recalling the pleasant face even if she didn’t connect it to the housekeeper’s name.
    “Wonderful,” the housekeeper said, putting on an apron she pulled out of a small basket and tying it around her ample middle. “I generally dust and wash windows on Mondays, laundry on Wednesdays, and then give the house a good cleaning on Thursdays. Luke stopped by this morning on his way to work to let me know you’ll take care of the cooking and dishes. Whatever you need assistance with, please let me know, Mrs. Granger.”
    “Oh, thank you, Mrs. Kellogg,” Philamena said, suddenly glad Luke insisted on keeping the services of his housekeeper, since there was much to learn about keeping up a large, elaborate home. “And please call me Philamena. I’m not certain I’ll remember to answer if you call me Mrs. Granger.”
    “Philamena it is,” the cheery woman said with a laugh, reaching to squeeze Philamena’s hand. Knowing from the wedding that the woman was beautiful, Eunice Kellogg decided Luke had chosen well. This girl would never put on airs or act snobbish. She was too timid and sweet for that. “Have you gotten well acquainted with the house?”
    “Not at all,” Philamena admitted, ducking her head, endearing herself to the older woman.
    “Let’s remedy that right now,” Mrs. Kellogg said, taking her hand and giving her a tour of the house from a woman’s perspective. By the time they finished, Philamena knew where everything concerning the proper running of the household was kept, how Luke liked his shirts pressed, and the fact that he had a remarkable sweet tooth.
    “You married a good man, Philamena,” Mrs. Kellogg said as they both worked at dusting the large dining room. “The