Homespun Bride

204 Homespun BrideThere were rustles of movement as if everyone weretaking a look. Robert’s low chuckle was sheer amusement.“It looks like a caller coming for one of the girls.”“A suitor!” Angelina sounded intrigued. “But Mamawon’t let us have a beau until we’re eighteen.”“Perhaps it’s for Matilda,” Minnie offered.“Oh, there would be no one coming for me.”Matilda’s tone was light.Noelle wasn’t fooled. She didn’t know if she was theonly one who could hear the quiet despair—or, maybe itwas just empathy. Matilda might be without prospects,but she wasn’t the only one. She regretted her words toTilly.Dear, Lord, she prayed with all her heart. Please letit be someone for Matilda.“I know who that is!” Minnie’s voice hit a few highnotes of delight. “It’s Mr. McKaslin.”Thad? Her teacup hit its saucer with a clatter.All around her chairs were scraping back, shoesbeat away from the table, and Robert chuckled warmly.“I wondered how long it would take that fellow to getup his gumption.”“The gumption for what?” Noelle asked him.“You’d best get your coat. Looks like he’s comingup to the door.”Sure enough, the door was rasping open and Henrietta’svoice rose above Angelina’s and Minnie’s footsteps.“Mr. McKaslin! What a pleasure to see you onthis fine afternoon. What can I do for you?”“Is Noelle at home?”So he’d come for her, just as he’d promised. Noelletried to ignore the buzzing expectation in the air andeveryone’s advice. From Matilda’s quietly spoken,