Read Adela's Prairie Suitor (The Annex Mail-Order Brides Book 1) for Free Online Page B

going.”
    “The pie smells delicious.”
    “It’s middling, I guess. Apples not tart enough for my liking.”
    “Apple pie is one of my favorites. Which does By…Mr. Calhoun like?”
    “He likes all of them, I’d say.” Mrs. Calhoun dumped the vegetables in a stew pot and hustled about making coffee. She didn’t look like she had everything going, but was obviously one of those women who didn’t like another in her kitchen. That didn’t bode well for Adela learning how to cook Byron’s favorite dishes. She stood by the kitchen table with her hands clasped in front of her, feeling in the way.
    Mrs. Calhoun put the coffee pot on and took her pie out. “Why don’t you go on back in the parlor and rest until supper. Hilda Jane Lynstrum will be here soon. She’s about your age, so I expect you gals will find a lot to talk about.”
    Adela’s rival. “Miss Lynstrum is dining with us?”
    “That’s right. I thought it’d be a good idea for you two to get to know each other.”
    Adela didn’t know what to say to that. If Mrs. Calhoun knew her son had been interested in this Hilda Jane Lynstrum yet had advertised for a bride, then she must know he’d lost interest in Hilda Jane. Or at least Adela hoped so.
    Before she could think of some retort, a knock sounded on the back door. Adela hoped that was Byron, though he’d not likely need to knock.
    Mrs. Calhoun opened the door, and a young blonde woman ambled in, carrying a pail filled with milk. “I decided to stop by the barn and get my milk. Don’t let me forget it when I leave.”
    “Come in, dearie. I’ll put it in the icebox for you.” After Mrs. Calhoun had put the milk away, she gave Hilda Jane a hug. “Let me introduce you to Miss Mason. She’ll be staying with us for a spell.”
    A touch of malice showed in Hilda Jane’s striking amber eyes, but her smile seemed genuine. She nodded her golden head. “Delighted to meet you, Miss Mason. Bertha told me you’re from Massachusetts. What could possibly bring you out here to little ole Crabapple, Kansas?”
    Adela flushed. She was pretty certain Mrs. Calhoun had told Hilda Jane why she was here. If Hilda Jane had broken a courtship with Byron, was she having second thoughts? Adela had known girls to reject suitors, then try to wrest them from another girl just for spite. Since she didn’t know what the situation was, she decided to be noncommittal. “I wanted to see the prairie. I’ve read so much about it and its lovely farming communities. I grew up on a farm, you see.” Half-way grown up, anyway.
    “Well, I hope you have time to visit with Pa and me before you leave.” The way she said it, she had no doubt Adela would be leaving.
    “Hilda Jane, would you stir the stew while I get the bread going?” Mrs. Calhoun asked. Apparently now that Hilda Jane was here, Mrs. Calhoun decided she could use help.
    Like someone who knew her way around the kitchen, Hilda Jane went to a cupboard drawer and pulled out a wooden spoon. “I got my new dress almost finished. You are coming over to help me pin it, aren’t you?”
    “Of course, honey. Anytime.” Mrs. Calhoun started ladling out cornmeal from a canister. “Would you bring me that pot of bacon grease? I thought I’d make cornbread tonight.”
    “I’ve always loved cornbread with stew.” Adela tried to enter the conversation.
    Both women ignored her. Hilda Jane put the bacon grease on the table and held a spoon in midair. “Don’t be surprised if Pa pops in while we’re working on the dress. I told you he’s sweet on you.”
    Mrs. Calhoun laughed. “Go on with you. You know me and Clint are both too set in our ways.”
    Now Adela was interested in the interchange. Would she be losing a new mother before she even gained one? Is that why Byron needed a wife? Just to keep house when his mother left.
    Hilda Jane turned her attention back to the stew. “I know my pa and I know you pretty well. You’ll be married before Christmas.”
    “Stop