Homespun Bride

76 Homespun Bride“It’s personal, sir.” Out of the corner of his eye hecaught sight of his older brother ambling along theboardwalk, probably heading to the land office, wherethey’d agreed to meet.Best to hurry this along. He’d spent over an hourwith Worthington, and the man had yet to take hisadvice. “Robert, buy this mare. I’d offer low first, saytwenty, but she’s worth more. If you pay seventy-fivefor her, it’s not too much.”“Well, I appreciate that.” Robert tipped his hat asThad did the same.He left the man bargaining with the horse traderand waded through the fresh snow to the boardwalk.Aiden was leaning over the rail, one eyebrow archedin question.“I heard that.” He didn’t blink, and his dark eyes keptcareful watch as Thad hit the icy steps.The ice gave him something to put his mind oninstead of Noelle. “What did you hear?”“Worthington trying to offer you a job.” Aidenpivoted and crossed his arms over his chest. “Whywould you turn down a good wage? Even if you findland to buy around here—”“Land that I can afford,” Thad pointed out. That wasthe catch. He’d worked long and hard to put aside everydime he could of his wages, and it didn’t add up tonearly what he needed it to be. “I’m not going to workanywhere near Noelle Kramer.”“Ah, so you’ve seen her. I wondered what wouldhappen when you did.”“You could have told me.”“About her blindness?You could have asked.You lefttown before because of her.” Aiden nodded in the direc­