Free The Bride Wore Blue by Mona Hodgson Page A

hand.
    Vivian chided herself. The poor shop owner had lost her husband just months ago, and Miss Hattie had only been trying to help. She forced her shoulders up a notch. It was childish to think only of herself. “I’m glad you told me about Etta’s Fashions. I enjoyed meeting Mrs. Ondersma and seeing her store. As a matter of fact, she was wearing a cycling costume when I arrived.”
    Miss Hattie’s eyes rounded. “She wasn’t.”
    “Indeed she was. Bright yellow and green bloomers. Designed it for a school teacher. Said it made her feel quite sporting.”
    “Good for her. Does a woman good to try something new now and again.”
    Nodding, Vivian reached for her teacup. “I’ll just have to find other work until she has enough business to justify hiring me.”
    A warm smile widened Miss Hattie’s cheeks. “That’s the Sinclair spirit I know.”
    An optimistic spirit that didn’t come as naturally to her as it did to her sisters. For now, she’d just have to slap it on like a wig.
    Following her landlady’s prayer of thanksgiving, Vivian pulled a red and white checked napkin off the table and spread it across her lap.
    Miss Hattie stirred sugar into her tea and looked up at Vivian. “The way the Raines Ice Company has been growing, I’m sure Ida would be delighted to have your help.”
    Work for Ida? The thought hadn’t even crossed Vivian’s mind. And there was a good reason for that.
    “What are sisters for, if not to help one another?” Miss Hattie said.
    Vivian set her cup and saucer on the table while trying to form a suitable answer. No matter how noble her intentions, Ida’s letter early last winter didn’t help matters.
    “Iceboxes can be quite fashionable.” Grateful for the reprieve, Vivian followed Miss Hattie’s gaze to the brass-handled oak icebox on display at the end of her cupboard. “You could sell folks on the finer points while Ida manages the bookkeeping for all the sales you bring in.”
    Fine points of a box that stored food? That was a leap. Vivian couldn’t help grinning. “I’m afraid you’re giving me far too much credit as a saleswoman.”
    “Nonsense. A handsome young woman like you would have but to smile. One look at you, and the town’s businessmen would pour into the showroom to purchase an icebox.”
    “I think the millinery may be my second choice. At least a hat and clothing store relates to being a fashion designer.” Working there, shecould gain the recognition and contacts she’d need later to start her own business.
    “The hat shop is a fine idea too.” Miss Hattie leaned forward and pointed to the golden crust on the dish in the center of the table. “In the meantime, my beef and potato pie will give you the nourishment you need to go fishing another day.”

    Carter swung down from his horse in front of Jesse’s Livery. Stretching, he rolled his shoulders and reached for the moonless sky. His back ached, but its soreness was no rival for the ache in his heart.
    He looked up Bennett Avenue. Street lamps cast a shaky radiance on the citizens coming and going. The brick-and-stone-front opera houses, eateries, and drinking establishments that lined the street from the depot on one end past the police department on the other teemed with activity. A dozen saloons belched tinny piano music and raucous laughter from both sides of the street.
    The bank robbery in Victor had been close enough, and the recent train robbery had a full leg over his property line. But Mac … This was his home. Every morning the miner had enjoyed the same view Carter did of the mountains—a display of God’s design and glory. Now the family man was gone.
    Those same mountains could be harboring his killer.
    Slapping his hat on his pant leg, Carter watched dust particles float on the chilled air. His other hand curled into a fist. His dedication to justice wasn’t about setting out to prove something. Neither was it about avenging his father’s killer, although he