Free Judith: Bride of Wyoming (American Mail-Order Bride 44) by Hildie McQueen Page A

her eldest three and left them home, only bringing the youngest along.
    “He just said to tell you and Jack to have supper here. I figured he’d be here by now.” Sean frowned. “Not sure about eating or not. Go ahead and eat. I’ll wait.”
    When the knocks sounded, Eloise didn’t hesitate to rush across the room and open the door. Patrick ushered Angela into the room. The inebriated woman weaved more than walked in. Her shrewd eyes scanned the room, pinning each of them before looking to the table where she went and sat, not waiting for an invitation.
    Eloise sat across from her husband who’d remained silent and the priest claimed a chair and looked to Sean. “Won’t you sit down, Sean?”
    “I just got Bethany to sleep. Give me a second.” He went to the cradle and lowered his daughter, gently settling her into the soft blankets.
    Angela did not look to the crib. Instead, her focus was on the platters and bowls in the center of the table.
    Conversation was stilted. Eloise tried to speak to Angela, who only replied with a word or two.
    The priest cleared his throat “Since Angela insists on a decision being made tonight, I thought everyone should be present. As I told you,” he looked to Angela, “everyone here is Bethany’s family. They love her and will ensure that your daughter has a good life. As long as she remains in this town, the child will never want or need for anything.”
    “That’s the truth,” Eloise replied. “Bethany has our hearts. Sean is a wonderful father and we have all supported his efforts in caring for his daughter alone.”
    Bethany began to whimper. When Eloise started to stand, Sean stopped her. “Angela, see about the child.”
    Not a sound was heard except for Bethany’s crying, which became louder, more insistent.
    Angela looked to the crib, seeming more horrified than anxious. When after a few moments she didn’t move, Eloise got up. “For goodness sakes, we can’t let her continue to cry. What is the matter with you?” She glared at Angela and rushed to pick up the now red-faced baby.
    Sean could not take it anymore. “Do you still plan to take my daughter away from me? You won’t even look at her.”
    “I’ll take her if you don’t allow me to move in here. I mean it.” Angela didn’t seem as sure as when she’d first arrived. “It’s only right.”
    “If I let you take Bethany, where are you going? I want to be able to see her regularly and ensure you’re taking care of her.”
    Eloise glared at Angela who turned to the priest as if he’d offer assistance.
    “Don’t test me on this,” she hissed.

Chapter Ten

    “Good evening, Miss.” Two men walked into the mercantile and Judith looked up from the book she was reading. She’d not locked the door after the Browns left with mumbled excuses, hurrying out before she could ask if they wished her to close the store or not.
    From their dusty clothes and unshaved face, the men were traveling through. Both were tall in stature and attractive, with an assuredness in the way they carried themselves that made her pay attention.
    “How are you tonight, gentlemen?” Judith went to stand behind the counter, which gave her a sense of some protection. “What can I help you with?”
    “Lookin’ for a few things. Tobacco, a clean shirt.” The one with long hair picked up a ready-made shirt and turned it one way then the other. “This will do, I suppose.” He had a foreign accent she could not place.
    She watched as the other one grabbed soap, a couple washcloths and some dried beef. From the looks of it, he planned to wash up before continuing on his travels. When one of the men brought the items to the counter, he looked at her waiting for her to sum up his purchase.
    Something about his presence suddenly gave her pause. Tall, wide shouldered, he reminded her of Sean in a way, although this man’s hair was like a burnished brown and his eyes a strange shade of amber. She imagined well-shaved and clean, he