Read An Unexpected Annulment (The Colorado Brides Series Book 3) for Free Online Page B

and bleed?”
    “You might, but that’s how you learn to be more careful.”
    “I like how you made her eyes.”
    “Thank you.” I had outlined them with black thread, creating eyelashes that went all the way around. Then I had sewn on blue thread for the irises. “I must say; this turned out well.”
    “You’re very good with children,” commented Paulina. “You really need to reverse your decision not to marry. You’d make a wonderful mother.”
    “Bosh. I’m plenty happy helping others with theirs. When I start teaching, I’ll be far too busy for such things.”
    “Pastor Bailey isn’t married,” said Paulina. “He’s a handsome fellow.”
    “No, not Pastor Bailey,” said Hannah. “I’ve got my eye on Vernon Marshall for her. He’s Adaline’s brother. He’s a banker. I have it on good authority that he’s rich.”
    “Don’t bother. I’m not interested in the least.” My sisters exchanged a glance, and I couldn’t help feeling that they were planning something. “Whatever you have up your sleeve, stop it now.”
    Hannah placed Letty over her shoulder, patting her back. She smiled innocently. “I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about.”
    “Me either.” Paulina got to her feet, which was a bit of effort considering how pregnant she was. “Oh, no, honey.” She snatched Laura off the floor before she could touch the stove. “That’s very hot. Very hot. It’ll hurt you.”
    Maria turned towards us, holding a spatula. “Lunch is ready now.”
    “Oh, I’m starved,” said Annie, looking wide-eyed at the food. “I can’t wait.” She sat expectantly, while we laughed, finding her utterly charming.
    Now that the house was filled with children, there was always something happening. Hugh let the pigs out again. As a consequence, he had to stand in the corner with his nose pressed against the wall for ten minutes. Jerry taught the boys how to ride horses, which they adored, spending hours in the saddle. Then there were smudgy fingerprints left on the furniture and walls, which I wiped clean several times a day. Dinnertime was always a noisy affair, with talking, laughing, and the occasional disagreement. The boys remained difficult to manage, as they were used to running wild. Annie had settled in nicely, carrying her doll with her wherever she went, although her brothers had stolen it from her the other day, ripping the arms off, while she had cried inconsolably. I was able to reattach them, and the boys had been punished, having to sweep out the stalls for the afternoon.
    Nathan and I arranged a time in the morning where I would sit with the children, going over reading and writing, along with arithmetic. I was astounded to discover that the boys knew how to read. Oscar had said, “We’ve had schoolin’, when Ma was alive. Annie’s never been. That’s why she’s so stupid.”
    “Your sister isn’t stupid, Oscar. She can learn to read just fine. I’ll teach her.”
    “Nah, she’s pretty dumb, Ms. Louisa,” said Hugh, his expression earnest.
    “I’ll not tolerate name calling. Do you want to stand in the corner again? You’ve been there for two days in a row now. It’s not polite to call someone stupid.”
    He crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t want to stand in the corner.”
    “Will you try to be nicer to your sister?”
    “I can’t make any promises, Ms. Louisa.”
    I closed my eyes, praying for patience. “Fine. I’ll teach her how to read, and then you’ll have no reason whatsoever to call her names.”
    “Good luck with that,” murmured Oscar.
    “I’m going to make you both read and answer some questions. I want neat penmanship, you hear? No chicken scribbles. I have to be able to read it.” Their faces fell. “You can write, can’t you?”
    “I’m not so good at writing,” said Hugh.
    “Then that’s something we’ll work on.”
    While Annie and I practiced the alphabet on large flashcards, the boys struggled with writing. Their