Homespun Bride

Jillian Hart 173“I’ll not rise to that bait, missy,” Henrietta scolded,although she was struggling not to laugh. “How youtest me. Don’t think I’ve forgotten about the incidentat school. After dinner, you’re to go straight to yourroom.”“I detest being banished. There’s nothing to doupstairs but to read my Bible—”“Exactly the guidance you need, young lady. Whyrumors swirl about you, I’ll never know. I’m of half amind to take you out of that school entirely. How manytimes must I explain to that teacher that none of mydaughters would ever shove over the outhouse?”“Many a time, Mama.” Angelina padded acrossthe parlor as another round of thunder rumbled likecannon fire.The girls began a discussion, speaking over the topof one another, debating the truth or rumor of Angelina’smisdeeds at school, and Noelle took her leave. Keepingcareful track of her steps, she made it to the kitchen asquickly as she could.The moment she pushed open the kitchen door, sheheard the maid’s quick steps. “Sadie, is there a chanceyou could set an extra place for Thad?”“Mr. Worthington has already requested it.”“He did?”“When you and Mr. McKaslin took off for thestable, miss.” Sadie sounded in a hurry as Cookslammed a pot lid down like a crash of cymbals.“Dinner is a bit late tonight. McKaslin is on the backsteps, if you got to wondering where he may be.”“Thank you, Sadie.” Noelle ran her finger againstthe far wall, to keep out of Cook’s way. The scents ofroast beef and simmering gravy hung in the air. Uncle