Homespun Bride

Chapter ElevenHenrietta barreled through the parlor, the teacuprattling in its saucer with her every step. China knickknacksand crystal pendants on the lamps clinked andchimed at her approach. “Where you young people getyour notions, I shall never know.”Noelle squeezed the damp from her braid with thetowel, trying to decide what on earth to say. She optedfor silence as she heard the teacup clatter onto the sidetable and caught a whiff of Henrietta’s rose fragrancebefore the matron marched away and came to a suddenhalt. The thwack-thwacking sound had her imaginingher aunt venting her humor on the innocent sofapillows.“If you catch a chill and your death, then I shallknow who to blame.” Henrietta paused. “A man whohas made himself useful around here ought to haverealized that much! I hope he is not about to make thesame mistake as the last stable hand.”“I can assure you that is not a possibility.” Noellegave her hair a final squeeze and folded the towel.