Free The Right Wife by Beverly Barton Page B

though still too outspoken and curious, was putting forth an effort to conform to Aunt Tilly’s strict rules. Daisy never complained. Luckily she liked and worked well with Auntie Gem and was enjoying being paid court by Phineas, who had stopped by twice during the past week. Maggie suspected that Daisy was very attracted to the big man.
    Maggie had neither seen nor heard from Aaron Stone, and she had to admit that she had foolishly hoped to have some word from him. Thayer Coleman had sent a handwritten message by Phineas earlier in the week, thanking her for her kindness. She should be grateful that the man was ignoring her existence, especially after what had transpired between them at their last meeting. The thought of lying wantonly in his naked arms, while his hungry mouth devoured hers, had caused her several sleepless nights. She had been in the bed with him, had allowed him intimacies only a husband should have known, and then had been shoved from his embrace when the Widow Arnold appeared.
    She had learned more than she wanted to know about Eunice Waite Arnold, the elder daughter of Henry Waite, prosperous lawyer-landowner, whose ancestors had moved to Alabama from Virginia half a century ago. Eunice had money, breeding, and a place in local society. Her marriage to John Arnold, a wealthy young cousin to Thayer Coleman, and his untimely death had elevated her to the highest echelons of respectability in Colbert County.
    Wesley and his mother seemed to know the most intimate details of their neighbors’ lives, and were genuinely piqued that they had no information on Aaron Stone’s past. The air of mystery surrounding him seemed to fascinate the local citizenry. All they appeared to know was that he had a great deal of money. That he had purchased the old White Orchard plantation near Barton, and that he would probably marry Eunice Arnold before the end of the year.
    Maggie had told herself over and over again that she had no right to be jealous. A few stolen kisses did not mean commitment to a man like Aaron. He probably didn’t think of her as a lady who deserved his respect. After all, she hadn’t so much as protested when he’d pulled her into his arms and across his virile body. If she had been a lady, she would have screamed for help instead of responding so shamelessly. She knew Thayer Coleman was aware of what had been going on, and she was sure that Mrs. Arnold was suspicious. If Aunt Tilly were to ever learn the truth, it could mean the end of everything. No doubt, she would condemn Maggie as a harlot.
    She hoped she never saw Aaron Stone again as long as she lived. He could bring her nothing but heartache and trouble. If he would stay away from her, she knew that eventually she would forget him. Forget the sight of his handsome face and muscular body. Forget his earthy male smell. Forget the hot sweetness of his mouth when her tongue had explored it. Forget the caressing sound of his deep voice whispering, “I want to touch you.”
    “Cousin Margaret,” Wesley called, his stout body framed in the doorway of her room. “Judith and I have finished with her reading lesson for today, and I thought you might join me downstairs for some tea.”
    Standing quickly to greet him, Maggie smiled at her cousin-by-marriage. “That sounds quite nice, Cousin Wesley. There are a few things I wish to speak to you about.”
    After straightening the skirt of her gray muslin dress, she joined Wesley at the door, her fingers reaching out to touch the sleeve of his coat. “First, let me thank you again for taking the time to help Judith with her reading and Micah with his arithmetic.”
    “It’s been my pleasure,” he assured her as he placed a fleshy hand on top of hers. “I derive pleasure from seeing you happy, dear Margaret.”
    “Oh, Wesley,” Maggie’s voice lowered. She was touched by his concern. “You’re such a kind man. You’ve helped us all so much.”
    His plump hand squeezed hers gently.