Read Alice: Bride of Rhode Island (American Mail-Order Bride 13) for Free Online Page B

to marry him. Then, he adopted me, and to my surprise, my mother agreed. Neither of us was very happy, though. I misbehaved and was soon shipped off to boarding school.”
    “I had no idea you harbor such a rebellious spirit.”
    “There’s much you don’t know about me.”
    James flashed a grin at her, and her heart skipped a beat.
    “I was eleven years old when my father was lost at sea,” she continued. “It’s rather ironic, actually, because the sea was his life. Gavin Harrington was most at home on a ship.”
    “Gavin Harrington was your father?”
    She nodded.
    “His exploits during the Civil War were well known,” he said, his voice filled with reverence.
    “What are you talking about?”
    “Do you not know?”
    She shook her head.
    “He was one of the most successful privateers who serviced the Union in blockading the South. My papa knew him and spoke of him with admiration. In fact, they were to go into business together before your father died.”
    “Truly? What happened?”
    James narrowed his gaze. “Daniel Endicott didn’t honor the deal.” The flash of steely resolve unsettled Alice.
    “I’m not surprised,” she answered quietly. She had little love for her stepfather.
    “I take it you don’t have much knowledge of what your father left behind at his death.”
    “No. I was young. Mama handled everything. And now...” She stared out the window.
    “Is your mother still living?”
    She brought her attention back to James. “No. Five years ago she died from consumption. I was away at school at the time and never had the opportunity to say goodbye.”
    James went silent for a time, then finally said, “Did you run away from Daniel Endicott? Is that why you were working in that factory? Is that why you agreed to become a mail-order bride?”
    Alice hesitated. “I don’t want Daniel Endicott to run my life. I want to be the master of my own journey.”
    “Agreeing to become a stranger’s wife is hardly a way to forge your independence.”
    “Maybe not.” A sudden flare of composure overtook her. “Are you a good man, James? Will you mistreat me?”
    “No, Alice, I won’t mistreat you. Daniel Endicott can’t touch you while you’re my wife.”
    His emphatic answer calmed her, but something about it also troubled her. ‘... while you’re my wife. ’ She didn’t like the implication.
    Early-morning light filtered into the room, ending the intimacy of their conversation.
    She stood. “Let me make you breakfast. Would you like a poached egg and a piece of toast?”
    “That would be nice.”
    “Frank brought home a bag of oranges. I’ll squeeze fresh juice for you.”
    “You’re going to spoil me.”
    If I do, will you want me as a true wife?
    The longing for something real and lasting pierced her. She fled to the hall before James could see the look of despair on her face.

 
    Chapter Nine
     
     
    “ N o.” James set his jaw.
    “Why?” Frank argued.
    “Alice left Daniel Endicott on purpose. I won’t force her back into his life.”
    Frank leaned forward in the chair that Alice normally occupied. “How will you get your hands on her inheritance if Endicott doesn’t know you’re her husband?”
    “We’re not entirely certain there is an inheritance.” James still lay in bed. It had been three days and he was restless. “I’ve been making discreet inquiries, but so far nothing.”
    “All the more reason to stir the pot. It’s just a social gathering. At his house, no less. It’s perfect. I’ve already secured an invitation for you. You simply bring your wife along. You don’t even have to tell her.”
    “Do you really think Endicott would let a Martel through his front door?”
    Frank smiled, a wicked gleam in his eye. “You’ll be going as Mr. and Mrs. Marsh from Boston.”
    “And what do you expect will happen?” James countered, irritated. He really needed to get up and move about. While being cooped up with Alice had its benefits, it had also