Free Beauty for Ashes by Dorothy Love Page B

ages.”
    Carrie hesitated. A morning in the park with her friend was much more appealing than sitting in the parlor watching Rosaleen deal her cards, each one falling onto the table with a little slapping sound. But her finances didn’t allow for bought baked goods.
    “My treat,” Ada said. “Come on.”
    They left the hotel and crossed the street to the bakery. Ada chose a couple of small strawberry tarts, and they set off. The bright spring sunshine and Ada’s company acted like a tonic on Carrie’s spirits. She laughed along with her friend as Ada described her son’s antics and Wyatt’s efforts at teaching Sophie to fish.
    Ada tethered the horse at the rail and led the way across the pale grass to the gazebo. Opening the bag, she handed Carrie a tart, then bit into her own. “Now, tell me,” she began, “what’s holding up your nuptials to Nate Chastain?”
    Carrie blinked. Had Ada always been so blunt? Maybe that was what life on a rough-and-tumble ranch did to a person. She brushed crumbs from her skirt. “I’m not sure I can put it into words. I have prayed to know whether Nate is the one God has in mind for me, but I honestly don’t know the answer.”
    “Does Nate love you?”
    “I think so, in his own fashion. But sometimes he seems so keen to be married that I think any woman will do.”
    “Do you love him?”
    “I thought I did—until Mr. Rutledge arrived. But now I am more confused than ever.”
    Ada’s lovely gray eyes widened. “Surely Mr. Rutledge hasn’t declared himself already?”
    “Good heavens, no. I’ve spoken to him only twice . . . well, three times counting the day he saved me from being trampled. But there’s something about him, Ada. I think about him more often than I should. I can’t explain it really.”
    “What does your brother think of all this?”
    “I haven’t spoken to him since the day I moved out.”
    “Oh, Carrie. I understand Mary Stanhope can be most difficult, but I hate to see anything come between you and Henry.” Ada placed a hand on Carrie’s arm. “Can’t you forgive Mary and make your peace with the situation? Our Lord requires—”
    Carrie nodded. “I know what I’m supposed to do, but it isn’t that easy.” She bit into her tart and watched a noisy blue jay darting in and out of the trees. “I don’t blame Henry. He’s entitled to a life of his own. And he’s caught in an impossible situation, trying to please both Mary and me. I’m not angry with him. But I can’t go home and allow Mary and her rude children to rule my life either.”
    “Of course not.” Ada polished off her tart and wiped her fingers on her handkerchief. “Perhaps after some time has passed, you can have a talk with them. Give Mary another chance.”
    Carrie shrugged.
    “Does Nate know about all of this?”
    “Yes. He hasn’t said much, but I feel he disapproves too.” Carrie got to her feet. “It’s all a big mess. I don’t know what’s right anymore.”
    “I know how you feel. When Wyatt first proposed I was terribly confused, even though I loved him more than anything.” Ada put an arm around Carrie’s shoulder. “I nearly lost him because of my own fears. Pray about this, my dear, and then have the faith to act.”
    “I have prayed about it. But I feel more uncertain than ever.” A gust of wind loosened the ribbons on her hat, and she reached up to retie them. “Maybe I’m asking God the wrong questions.”
    “Sometimes I feel that way too,” Ada said. “That’s when I pray the prayer that never fails: Thy will be done.”
    “Maybe.”
    “It would break my heart if you lost your chance at happiness.”
    Carrie swallowed the hard knot in her throat. What would bring her true happiness? Would she even recognize happiness if it came calling?
    Ada consulted the tiny gold watch she wore in a chain around her neck. “I should get back. I promised Wyatt I’d be packed and ready by four o’clock.”
    “You’re leaving today?”
    Ada