Free Johanna: Bride of Michigan (American Mail-Order Bride 26) by Clara Kincaid Page A

Worthington.”
    “Please, call me, Johanna. It still sounds so strange to be called Mrs. Worthington.”
    Natasha smiled. “I understand.”
    Johanna smiled widely when she walked back into the front of the store. She stared over at Paul and his eyes never left hers. “I hope you’ll be satisfied with the dresses Natasha makes for you.”
    “I’m sure I will. And thank you.”
    “I promise I’ll get started on your order right away,” Natasha said.
    “I knew I could count on you,” Paul responded. He held the door open for Johanna and they left.

Chapter Seven
    Instead of going back to the carriage, they crossed the street and entered a store that was filled with bolts of fabric and sewing supplies. “What are we doing here?”
    “I thought you could pick up a few things. You seem set on making a few dresses of your own.”
    “Thank you. I would.”
    Johanna nodded at a saleswoman who walked over. “Do you have any muslin fabric?”
    She was led across the room and Johanna chose a robin egg-blue cotton fabric and a plaid one. Johanna picked up matching thread, pattern, ribbon, and pearl buttons. She waited for Paul to pay for the items when she spotted a spool of lace and added it to the pile.
    Paul handed the lady the necessary funds to pay for it, and the items were piled into a cloth bag to carry out. Johanna was quite happy with her selections, and she planned to get started right away when the arrived home. It would give herself something to do while Paul was at the mill.
    On the buggy ride home, Paul said, “I actually thought you were kidding about making your own dresses.”
    “Kidding? I’ll tell you one thing, Paul. I’m very good at it—well, most of the time—but I’m not making a dress for myself. I’m making it for Sara.”
    “We have uniforms for the staff to wear.”
    “I know, but I was wondering if it might be time for an update. That shade of blue would look so much better than the black dresses they wear.”
    “It would, but I’d like to see what you come up with before I decide if it warrants a change or not.”
    “I’m not trying to change how you do things, Paul, but I am lady of the house and need to take charge of the household.”
    “I agree, and I hope my mother will go along with it.”
    “How long has she lived with you?”
    “Since my father died several years back. She came to stay with me and never went back home.”
    “She didn’t wish to live in her house any longer?”
    “It seems not, but with a little help, perhaps we can convince her that she’d be happier living alone. I don’t want you to be unhappy and I’m well aware how my mother can be at times, but don’t allow her to bully you.”
    “I’ll try, but as your mother, I’ll show her the respect she’s due.”
    “I’m happy to hear you say that.”
    The buggy stopped in front of the door back at the house, and Johanna was helped down. She waved as Paul left and her bag was carried inside by John, the same man who handled the carriage the day before.
    “Where would you like me to carry this to?”
    “I was told there was a sewing room, but don’t take it quite yet. Is your name John?” Johanna asked.
    “That’s correct.”
    “He’s the coachman,” Sara explained as she glided into the room.
    “Thank you. Why don’t you take the bag to the sewing room, Sara? I would like to speak to John privately.”
    Sara walked forward, commandeering the bag. “Right away.” She whirled away and Johanna suspected she hurt the girl’s feelings, but she needed to get to know all the staff. After the way her sister treated her help, Johanna was determined it would never happen here.
    “What exactly does a coachman do?”
    “I drive the buggy when Mr. Worthington goes out, when he isn’t heading to the mill. He rides his horse most of the time when he goes there.”
    “I see. Well, as Paul’s wife, I’ll be handling the household, but I’m curious about what everyone does. I’m not used to