Free Constance: Bride of Florida (American Mail-Order Bride 27) by Patricia Pacjac Carroll Page A

near?”
    “Yes, as a matter of fact, the widow McCreedy has one. It’s not far and she’d love to rent to a fine young woman such as yourself.”
    “Thank you and is there a dress shop nearby.”
    “Just down the street. Not a lot of selection, but you can always go to Ferris and Sons and order one if you don’t find what you like.”
    Startled at the name of Ferris, Constance hoped she hadn’t given away anything, but Jenny had left to get another order.
    Drawing in a deep breath, she decided to seek out the room first. Then she could explore the town. So, Ferris and Sons owned a building and a large store. Well, he must have some money.
    Why wasn’t he married? Jenny was a delightful young woman. Why didn’t he like her? What was wrong with him? He had money so why did he have to resort to a mail-order bride? She got up to leave, but the heavens opened and poured sheets of rain.
    ###
    Drake stared out the office window at the pouring rain. A gloomy day that for once didn’t match his mood. Last night, the dinner with Kimberly had changed him. She liked him, he could tell that, and he was certainly smitten by her charm and looks.
    He drummed a pencil against the mahogany desk, stared out the window, and thought of Kimberly. His gaze tripped over the calendar and his good feelings crashed to the days. By his note, he had less than a week before Constance arrived.
    Sadness gripped him. What was he to do? Worse, what had he done? Just when he finally met someone who could make his heart sing, he would have to deal with his huge mistake. Not knowing what to do, he rose and paced the office. What would Father do? He traversed the office floor with the disconcerting knowledge that Father would have never sent off for a woman to be his wife.
    Drake had seen how close his parents were. How their love for one another never varied. He huffed out a breath. He needed to get out of the office. Take a walk. Anything to get away from the calendar and the doom it proclaimed.
    He grabbed his coat and umbrella and left the office. He told his secretary, Jane, that he’d be back later. At least, he’d learned her name. Took him a week, but he was learning who the store’s employees were.
    After flaring the umbrella, he stepped outside. The rain poured. He regretted skipping breakfast. Seeing Kimberly. But what would he say to her? I like you, Kimberly, and perhaps could even grow to love you, but I have this small problem. I’ve ordered a wife, and she’ll be here in a week.
    Miss Penny was probably an ugly, mean woman. What would he say to her? Drake continued to walk not even caring where he went. But as if his feet knew his heart, he saw that he was at the docks.
    He didn’t even want to look at the ships. They were out of his reach now. Mother, the store, Kimberly and Constance Penny all had their hooks in him. For a brief moment, Drake considered leaving Apalachicola. To just disappear, barter with the owner of The Sea Wind and sail her to places unknown.
    The air cooled. With a shrug, Drake turned and walked to the café. A coffee would be good. He strode inside and sat at the counter.
    Jenny came over to him. “Cold isn’t it? Can I get you a coffee, Drake?”
    He nodded and surveyed those in the small café. Most he knew but there was one he didn’t. A young woman with pale red hair sat at the table by the window. She was staring outside. Drake followed her gaze and saw the tall mast of a sailing vessel.
    Probably The Sea Wind .
    Jenny set the cup down. “ Journeys end docked early this morning. Three passengers got off. Always makes me wonder what they want in this town.”
    His heart thumped. She was here. His gaze slipped to the young woman alone at the table. She must be Constance Penny. Had to be her.
    “Something wrong with the coffee?” Jenny wiped the counter.
    “What? Oh, no.” He thought about asking Jenny if she knew who the woman was. But then thought better of it. He wasn’t ready to meet her. Not