Read Josie: Bride of New Mexico (American Mail-Order Bride 47) for Free Online Page A

subject.
    “I…” she cleared her throat, wanting nothing more than to turn to him once more. Let him kiss her senseless again. She’d had no idea kisses could make her feel that way. “I attended perhaps two years of school, total. That’s why I don’t write very well. Our father died when we were young, and our mother passed away by the time we were about ten. Lessie fought hard to keep us together, but we were in the factories, working, by age eleven. She sometimes sent me to school and she worked, then I would share with her everything I learned.”
    Adam focused on her with flattering intensity. His very interest thrilled her, made her feel special.
    So why was she sharing her lack of education with him as if it was the most naturally thing in the world? Was she trying to push her new husband away? Humiliate herself?
    His attentiveness made her feel all prickly inside. Her head was still spinning from his kisses. Maybe she should excuse herself and go to bed before she said anything else.
    “Would you like me to write your correspondence for you? You could dictate, if you wish, and I’ll merely act as scribe?”
    And then he had to go and say that, his kindness overwhelming her… melting her, as did her reaction to him. She must’ve given away some of her uncertainty for he hurried to speak. “But if you’d rather, my dear, I’m happy to allow you all the time you need to write your letters yourself. I’ll assist you in any way I can, including allowing you peace and quiet to do it on your own.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Taylor.”
    “Adam.”
    She nodded. Swallowed. “Adam.” Her voice lowered to a husky pitch.
    He shivered, drew in a shaky breath and stared at her mouth. “I’ll give you lessons if you wish. Penmanship. Spelling. I’ll give you anything you wish. Anything.”
    Her eyelashes fluttered. “I think I’d better go to bed now.”
     

     
    Her kisses, her touch, everything about her was amazing. He was anxious to take her in his arms and kiss her some more, but… this was a special woman, his wife. The woman he planned to court every day, every moment possible, for the rest of his life. There was no need to rush. He didn’t want to frighten her away.
    He couldn’t help a smile. In his opinion, he’d made very good strides toward warming her up to him. He’d known the courtship would have to come after the wedding in their unconventional relationship, and he’d looked forward to it, but now that he knew more about her, understood the deprivations of her childhood, had enjoyed her kisses, he anticipated the courtship even more.
    He could hardly wait to introduce her to the dressmaker who’d joined them for this segment of the journey. But first, he really ought to show her around the car, given it would be their home for the coming week or so. The train swayed gently as it headed south toward Salt Lake City. She’d likely be steady enough on her feet.
    He stood and offered her his hand. “May I show you about our temporary residence, Josie?”
    She stood, a bit unsteady, and gripped his hand.
    “In the front of the car, two small chambers allow for the staff’s privacy. Each contains two berths.”
    “Berths?”
    “Beds. Small but adequate and comfortable.”
    He took her by the arm to steady her and opened a door into the front lavatory. “Facilities for the staff.”
    Her eyes rounded at the taps on the sink, and the half-size tub. Cramped, but more than adequate to allow an adult to bathe. At least the size of the tin tub she’d bathed in occasionally at home.
    Windows ran the length of this section of the car, with heavy draperies pulled back and secured to allow in daylight and display the scenery. “The draperies can easily be shut if the sunlight is too strong or for privacy when in cities, whenever you wish. All you need do is ask and I’ll gladly shut them, or open. Your choice.”
    Several upholstered soft chairs made up a conversation area opposite the dining table.