Free Newton (Prairie Grooms Book 9) by Kit Morgan

we came here,” Arya explained.
    “You talk so well for just learning our language,” Lucy pointed out.
    “I tried to learn Italian once,” Penelope said with a sigh. “All I can remember is arrivederci. ”
    Some of the women giggled, including Arya. “Maybe you not have to learn as fast as I have.”
    “Susara says you’re a natural,” Imogene said. “You could well be speaking four different languages in a few years. I think it’s positively fascinating. I’d love to learn some of yours. Is it difficult?”
    “Newton thinks so,” Arya said, which sent the women into giggles.
    “Enough!” Grandma barked. “We need to get started. Annie, if you think the church’ll work, then we’ll use it. Boy, we sure could use a meeting hall in this town.”
    “There’s also the dining room at the hotel,” Eloise said. “If we removed all the tables except for one or two for the food…”
    “Aye, and we could have some men bring the piano o’er from the saloon,” Mary added.
    “That’s a good idea,” Eloise agreed. “The church sanctuary and the dining room at the hotel are both about the same size. I’ll speak with Mr. Van Cleet about it – I’m sure he’ll say yes. We could place chairs against the wall for people to sit, and the lobby is big enough to accommodate the overflow.”
    “All in favor of having a dance in the hotel, raise their hand,” Grandma called. Everyone put their hand up except Arya, who really didn’t have a clue as to what was going on.
    “It’s unanimous!” Grandma announced. “This way we can use Mrs. Upton’s kitchen. And don’t you go to griping, Irene – you’ve been itching for an excuse to get into that kitchen for I don’t know how long.”
    Irene, ladle in hand, stepped behind the counter and glared at the lot of them. “I still like mine better.”
    Grandma rolled her eyes and waved a dismissive hand at her. “All right, now that’s decided, let’s move on. We can talk about decorations later. No sense in fussing about it until Duncan gets here.”
    “When is Duncan to arrive?” Imogene asked.
    “We’re not really sure,” Edith said. “Colin is hoping it’s about the same time Belle has her baby.”
    “Well, when is the bairn coming?” Mary asked.
    “Doc’s guess is right around Thanksgiving,” Grandma said. “And Doc Drake agrees.”
    “Speaking of Doc Drake, where’s Elsie?” Lucy asked.
    “Elsie’s with him,” Grandma explained, “digging up plants for some sort of healing concoction. Don’t really care what it is, so long as it works. Now back to the task at hand – let’s talk about a wedding dress for Arya here.”
    Arya heard her name and stepped away from the counter. The women chatted happily and paid her little mind. Not wanting to make a fuss, she stood and listened to them talk about two colors: white and something they called ivory . She wasn’t sure what that was, and she made a mental note to ask Susara later. Besides, other women would be asking about things too. Not all of the women were there.
    Eloise had informed her that not everyone showed up at the sewing circle for one reason or another. Some of the women had small children and if one of them was sick, they didn’t come to town. Also, most families had only one wagon, so if a woman’s husband happened to be using it that day, they were also out of luck.
    “Kind of funny, isn’t it?” Irene commented next to her.
    Arya jumped, not expecting the woman to talk to her. “Funny?”
    “Everybody’s planning how to make your wedding dress except you. Why don’t you speak up?”
    “I am … not very concerned about it.”
    “Not concerned?! Are you going to let them plan your wedding dress and not put your two cents in?”
    “What is two cents?”
    Irene rolled her eyes. “My opinion, only I charge more.” She slammed her ladle on the counter.
    Everyone jumped and looked at her. “What is it Irene?” Grandma asked.
    “Ya know this girl has two ears,