Read The Romancing of Evangeline Ipswich for Free Online Page A

defend themselves. And she thought of the daydreams she had entertained for most of her life until he’d left Boston—daydreams of moments like she was living that very day—daydreams of having Hutch’s attention all to herself for a time.
    “And here we are,” Hutch said as the team turned onto the main thoroughfare of Red Peak. “Jennie and Calvin’s house is the one down a ways, the one with the yellow shutters.”
    He pointed toward a pretty little white house with yellow shutters at the windows. There was a large maple tree in the front yard, whose crimson leaves were already blanketing the ground.
    “Oh, it’s so warm and inviting!” Evangeline exclaimed aloud.
    “Well, Jennie lives there,” Hutch said. “What else would you expect?”
    Evangeline glanced to him, nodding in agreement. Jennie herself was always warm and inviting. People had always been drawn to Jennie, just like bees to pollen.
    Hutch pulled the team to a stop before the welcoming, quaint little house. He leapt down from the wagon seat, followed by Jones, and walked around to assist Evangeline.
    “Here,” he said, holding out his strong-looking hands to her. “Come on down, and we’ll go in. Then I’ll come back for your trunk, all right? Jennie’s probably ready to fly around the room with impatience.”
    Placing her hands on Hutch’s broad shoulders, Evangeline quivered with delight as his hands went round her waist and he lifted her down from the wagon seat.
    “There you are, little Miss Ipswich,” he said, smiling at her. “Safely delivered to Red Peak and my sister. No doubt you two will be cackling like hens over old memories in no time.”
    He offered her his arm, and she accepted it, causing goose bumps to race over her arms and legs. She was being escorted by Hutchner LaMontagne! There had been a time in Boston when every eligible young woman dreamt of just this very pleasure.
    Hutch opened the front door to Jennie’s house, stepped in, and called, “Oh, baby sister, I have something for you.”
    “Ahhhh!” came a squeal of delight from a room to one side of the entryway. “Come in here, Evie—this instant! I can’t wait one more moment to set eyes on you!”
    Evangeline looked up to Hutch, saying, “Thank you so much for coming to get me, Hutch.”
    Hutch smiled at her, touched the brim of his hat, and said, “My pleasure.” He chuckled when Jennie squealed her impatience again and said, “I’ll fetch your trunk and put it in the back room where you’ll be staying. Tell Jennie I’ll be back to help Calvin with supper when I’m finished up at the livery.”
    “Oh, you don’t need to fix supper,” Evangeline assured him. “That’s what I’m here for.” She smiled and, hoping beyond hope that he would agree, said, “Why don’t you just come over for supper? About six, all right? I’m sure Calvin would enjoy the company of another man when there are two silly, cackling girls in the bedroom.”
    Hutch nodded, grinned, and said, “Thank you. I’ll be here.” Again Jennie squealed. Hutch shook his head with amusement and said, “You better get in there before she gets out of bed and comes racing in here to get you.”
    Evangeline smiled, nodded, and again said, “Thank you, Hutch.” She let go of his arm then, feeling disappointed in knowing he was leaving.
    But when next she heard Jennie call, “Evie! Get your fanny in here! I’ve been waiting all day to see you,” she smiled at Hutch and hurried toward the bedroom he nodded toward.
    “You girls have fun now,” Hutch said as he left by way of the front door.
    Evangeline stepped into the bedroom to see her dear friend sitting upright in bed, arms outstretched toward her.
    “Evie! Oh, Evie, I am so happy you’re here!” Jennie exclaimed.
    Evangeline giggled, hurrying to the bed and throwing her arms around Jennie’s neck. “I’m so glad I’m here too!” Evangeline exclaimed as they embraced for a long time. She could hear Jennie