Free One Pink Rose; One White Rose; One Red Rose by Julie Garwood Page B

finished, you can scrub my frying pan if you have a mind to. It’s been soaking in the basin long enough.”
    Emily was happy to have something to do. She quickly ate, then rolled up her sleeves and attacked the pan with a vengeance, smiling to herself as she tried to picture her mother’s reaction if she were watching her daughter now. She would probably have heart palpitations, Emily supposed, for none of her daughters were ever allowed to do common housework—there were maids for that—but after she’d gotten over her initial shock, Emily didn’t think she’d be disappointed in her.
    â€œMillie, do you have anyone to help you with your chores?” she asked.
    â€œNo, but I’m getting used to the notion of hiring someone. My John’s been nagging me to slow down, and lately our house has been packed with guests more often than not. After washing and cleaning and cooking and fetching all day long, by nightfall I’m so weary I can hardly get myself ready for bed.”
    â€œHave you ever thought about moving to a town?”
    â€œNo, I’d never want to do that. Folks have to come through here to get north or west unless the season’s dry and they can cut through the gullies, and even though we have lots of company, we’re still isolated enough to feel free. I don’t think I could abide having neighbors living right on top of me, knowing my business. John wouldn’t like it either.”
    Emily had lifted the heavy pan out of the soapy water and begun to dry it with the towel Millie handed her when she suddenly noticed the pounding had stopped. She also noticed Millie’s hands were shaking.
    â€œDo you think Murphy’s men have left?”
    â€œWe aren’t going to be that lucky. Their kind never gives up.”
    â€œExactly what is ‘their kind’?”
    â€œIgnorant drunks who steal anything that will bring a dollar for more liquor and break everything else. Can’t reason with a drunk, Emily, but don’t fret about it. Your man won’t let any harm come to you.”
    â€œHe won’t let anyone hurt you either. He isn’t my man though,” she said.
    â€œYou’re wanting him to be, aren’t you?”
    Her bluntness made Emily smile. “Why would you think that? I’m on my way to marry another man,” she reminded her.
    â€œDon’t seem right to me,” Millie muttered. She shut the oven door and turned so Emily could see her frown. “You seem smart enough, girl. You’d best rid yourself of your pride and tell him what’s inside your heart before it’s too late.”
    â€œBut, Millie . . .”
    â€œWon’t do you any good to argue with me. There were sparks flying between you two, and anyone with half a brain would know what’s going on. Ask him to court you.”
    Emily shook her head. “Even if I did want Travis to court me, it wouldn’t matter. He told me he isn’t the marrying kind.”
    Millie scoffed at the notion. “No man’s the marrying kind until the ceremony’s over. Don’t you go believing that nonsense, girl. I saw how close he sat next to you at the table. Why, he had you squeezed up nice and tight against his side. I saw him take hold of your hand too, but I didn’t see you pull away. You didn’t mind one little bit, did you?”
    Emily’s shoulders sagged when she said, “No, I didn’t mind. I don’t know what’s come over me. Mr. O’Toole’s letters were very nice, and when he suggested—”
    â€œHogwash,” Millie muttered. “Are you going to ruin your life because of some letters?”
    â€œIt wasn’t supposed to get complicated,” Emily said. “I made up my mind to take charge of my destiny, and now I think that maybe Travis was right. He told me it was my pride being wounded that made me act so rashly. Millie, I don’t know