The Husband Hunt (Smoky Mountain Matches) (13 page)

Stomach tightening, she backed up a step. “I’m ready to return to the house now.”

Tipping his head, he offered her his arm. “As you wish, my lady.”

She would not be sitting with Landon Greene tonight. Time to move on to the next available contender.

* * *

Nathan paced the wide porch wrapping around the house, debating whether or not to go after her. Most of the guests were already seated in the parlor, awaiting the recital set to start in fifteen minutes.

He scanned the trees and shrubs and flower beds. Surely Landon wouldn’t try anything at such a public event.

Remember the last time you attempted to rescue her? She was fine. Perfectly capable of handling herself.

Still, his lungs deflated with relief when he caught sight of her and her escort emerging from the verdant vista. He studied her expressive face. No fear there. Irritation, maybe.

Goodness, but she was a sight. He couldn’t help this stunned reaction every time he saw her looking more like a wealthy socialite than his childhood playmate. Her fitted jacket of aquamarine was trimmed in chocolate brown and caramel, the same hue as her voluminous skirts, and atop her coiled locks perched a petite, round, flower-bedecked straw hat. Stylish and breezily beautiful, she put the radiant blooms spread out around her to shame.

Landon spotted him first. The corners of his eyes tightened, his mouth turned down in dislike. Nathan challenged him with a glare and a silent threat—
hurt Sophie, deal with me.

She didn’t notice his presence until they had reached the top of the stairs. Lashes flaring, color bloomed in her apple cheeks. She surreptitiously edged closer to him and away from Landon. What exactly did that mean?

“I enjoyed our time together.” Landon half bowed to her. Ignoring Nathan, he went inside.

“Your aunt sent me to find you,” he told her, offering his arm. “I’m to take you to her as soon as possible.” Cordelia had phrased it exactly that way, too.

“I’m pretty sure I can find my own way.”

“You would cause me to suffer her wrath?” he lightly challenged.

“Oh, all right.” Blowing out a breath, she adjusted her jacket hem and fussed with her skirts, smoothed her hair and fumbled with her earbobs. If he didn’t know any better, he’d think she was avoiding physical contact with him. That wasn’t Sophie’s way. It didn’t used to be, anyway. Things were changing with breakneck speed. Who knew what was normal anymore?

When she at last tucked her gloved hand in the crook of his elbow, the pressure against his arm was faint, barely detectable, and yet her touch made him feel strong and capable and willing to protect her at all cost.

Was this how Josh felt about Kate? Eager to go to battle for her?

The notion was most unsettling.

Sophie didn’t need him to do battle for her. What she couldn’t handle on her own, her future husband would take care of.

Holding the door for her, he asked, “How was your outing with Frank?”

“Wonderful.” She kept her gaze straight ahead.

“Truly?”

Lifting luminous eyes to him, she adopted an earnest air. “He may be shy, but Frank’s a good-hearted man. Decent. Too hardworking, perhaps. He deserves a little fun in his life.”

And what of her? What did she deserve?

“I’m certain you can give him that.”

She looked surprised, which in turn surprised him. Wasn’t she aware of all she had to offer?

He knew then what Sophie deserved. Love. She’d given so much of herself to everyone around her. She’d sacrificed her childhood to care for Will. She’d bestowed her heart and compassion upon Tobias, had poured time, attention and hard labor into the family farm. She deserved to be taken care of, to be pampered, even.

As her friend, it was his duty to make certain the man she chose would treat her accordingly.

Chapter Fifteen

M
uch to Sophie’s dismay, Nathan not only delivered her to her aunt’s side, he joined them. Sandwiched between the two of them, she couldn’t concentrate on the beautiful music or the words being sung. Could only focus on the keen awareness of his person so close to hers—his strong, tanned hands holding the program listing the evening’s performers, neatly clipped fingernails, light blue veins beneath tanned skin, a stray nick on his knuckles. Occasionally, his black-clad knee bumped hers and she didn’t mind it at all. That she would be so affected by her lifelong friend and neighbor was beyond fathoming.

Why did she have to feel this way for him? The one man who would never return those feelings?

The program dragged on interminably in her mind, stuck in a mad place between pleasure and pain. Afterward, her attempts at escape were thwarted. Cordelia commanded them to wait on her on the rear porch, giving no reason for her wishes.

“What was your favorite song?” he asked now, his back supported by a white column, his hip nestled against the railing that wrapped around the back of the house. Moonlight washed the gardens in pastel glory, the faint tinkling of the water fountain blending with cicadas’ familiar hum. Distant laughter rippled through the night.

The air caressed her skin, teased the hair brushing her nape. “‘Rose of Killarney’ because of its haunting melody. What about you?”

“My favorite, ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus.’”

His smile burned itself into her consciousness. He didn’t smile enough, she thought suddenly. Who would bring fun to Nathan’s life? In her opinion, he needed a little shake-up.

“I like that one, too. Mr. Hostettler has a nice voice.”

“If you’re satisfied with this performance,” a commanding voice intruded, “you should hear my church choir. Now there’s real talent.”

Nathan straightened and Sophie pushed away from the railing as Cordelia strolled into the pale light spilling through the windows, gray-threaded hair piled high and topped with yet another feathered concoction passing as a hat. Adorned in head-to-toe black, she wore her usual expression—mouth pinched in perpetual criticism, astute gaze missing nothing.

“I thought the singers were remarkable.” Sophie met her aunt’s stare with one of her own. The more time she spent in the older woman’s company, the less intimidated she became.

“Hmm.” She regarded them with narrowed eyes. “I will concede the cook—Mrs. Calhoun, I believe her name was—did a passable job with the hors d’oeuvres.”

“It’s Madge Calhoun. She and her husband, Fred, manage the property for Charles Newman’s grandson, Lucian. Surely you remember them, Aunt? They’ve lived here many years.”

Hands clasped behind her back, Cordelia glared imperiously down her nose. “When I left, I did my utmost to forget everything about this town, including the residents.”

Sophie glanced at Nathan, whose classic features were arranged in thoughtful consideration. Was he wondering—as she was—what life must have been like for her aunt? Based on her own experience, Sophie could only guess how the townspeople had treated the sister of Lester Tanner.

She touched her aunt’s arm. “They must’ve been very cruel for you to want to do that.”

Shock softened Cordelia’s features. Then she snapped her mouth shut and reassumed control, sniffing as if such a sentiment was far-fetched. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Sophia Tanner.”

“It couldn’t have been easy,” she continued quietly. “Pa wasn’t exactly well-liked, was he? I saw how horribly he treated my mother. And—” her heart squeezed with regret “—I also saw how he controlled and manipulated Granddad. If Granddad didn’t stand up for Ma, I’m guessing he didn’t do that for you, either.” She loved Tobias with all her heart, but that didn’t mean she was blind to his faults. “Lester must have made your life miserable.”

Cordelia blinked fast. In the dim light, Sophie could see tears glistening. Her heart softened. She didn’t really know her aunt at all, did she?

Cordelia addressed Nathan. “Would you mind giving us a moment alone?”

“I’ll be inside.” He shot Sophie a meaningful glance. He’d be nearby in case she needed him. Typical.

When they were alone, her aunt joined her at the railing, all business once again. The faint scent of verbena wafted over, the delicate perfume an unexpected choice for the tough-as-nails lady. “How is your hunt for a husband going?”

A sigh escaped. “Slow.”

“You mustn’t dillydally, Sophia. You need to use the momentum created by your transformation to snag one before the men’s interest wanes.”

“This decision will affect the rest of our lives. I won’t rush it.” Sophie sucked in a calming breath. “Surely you want what’s best for us?”

“You don’t have to marry at all.” Cordelia watched her closely. “You can come and live with me. Will would receive a good education, and you can get involved with the many social organizations available to young women. When you’re ready to marry, you can have your pick of suitable men.”

Sophie stilled at the note of entreaty in her voice. What had happened to her simply doing her duty? Could it be possible Cordelia
wanted
them there with her? If that were so, why would she be pushing Sophie to marry?

“We’re happy here. We don’t want to leave.”

“In the city, you won’t have to toil from dawn to dusk each and every day. We have indoor plumbing. The shops offer all sorts of merchandise. Why, we can get you a whole new wardrobe. My cook was once employed by a ritzy French couple, and she turns out the most delectable dishes you’ve ever tasted. How can you turn that down?”

“It does sound wonderful,” Sophie admitted with a slight smile, “especially the indoor plumbing. But those things aren’t important to me. You’re right, life here can be difficult and demanding. But this is our home. Our heritage. While we appreciate your offer, this is where we want to be.”

Compressing her lips, Cordelia turned her attention to the gardens, illuminated with flickering gas lamps. Hand in hand, a couple slowly wound their way along the stone path, heads close together as they swapped secrets. Her aunt’s solitary station in life was impressed upon her then. Cordelia lived alone. Ate the majority of her meals alone. Sophie could picture her in an enormous dining room, seated at the head of a ridiculously long dining table, the chairs all empty. How depressing.

“Do you have a lot of friends, Aunt?” she blurted.

“Of course I do,” she retorted sharply, glowering. “Why would you ask such a question?”

“No reason.” Prickly, wasn’t she?

“Speaking of friends, I’m certain they’re becoming concerned over my prolonged absence. In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve put my entire life on hold for you. The clock is ticking, Sophia. You have three weeks remaining. I won’t wait a minute longer.”

* * *

Engaged in a predictable conversation about farming, Nathan excused himself when he spotted Cordelia in the entryway preparing to leave. He beat her hand to the doorknob, earning an imperious look when he held the door for her. And when he followed her outside, she turned before descending the steps.

“You wished to speak with me?” she demanded.

“I’d like to talk to you about Sophie.”
Lord, help me keep a cool head.
“What you’re doing to her is wrong and unnecessary. It’s unfair to them both.”

“I’m not surprised you feel that way. You didn’t have to utter a word for me to ascertain your opinion on the subject.” She cocked her head, her forceful gaze reminding him of a certain intimidating schoolteacher he’d had as a boy. He held his ground. “Why unnecessary? Surely you admit a farm is too much for a young girl to handle on her own.”

“It is.” At her satisfied expression, he held up a hand. “But Sophie doesn’t have to do it on her own. She’s part of the family, and we take care of our own.”

“You’re very passionate about my niece’s well-being. Why don’t you marry her if you’re so concerned?”

“Sophie and I would make each other miserable, believe me,” he scoffed. “We’re friends. That’s all we’ll ever be.”

She looked thoughtful. “Are you so sure about that? Sometimes the best marriages start out as friendships.”

“It’s not going to happen.”

“Well, then, I suppose you have two choices. Help her choose wisely or convince her to leave Gatlinburg.”

Tipping her head, she bid him good-night. Left him there to stew over her parting advice, neither choice an appealing one. Either way, he would lose his friend.

* * *

“I enjoyed our ride, Sophie.”

Strolling beside her in the shaded lane, Landon flashed a satisfied smile. He’d removed his hat and hooked it on the saddle horn, unaware the rumpled look lent him a boyish appeal, his short blond hair slightly damp at the temples and sticking up in spots.

Their horses plodding behind them, she said with some surprise, “I did, too.”

After those few, awkward moments with him last evening, she’d been slightly apprehensive about spending the afternoon with him. As if to make up for his slipups, he’d turned on the charm, soothing the agitation aroused by her uncomfortable lunch at the Dennisons’ home.

Philip was getting scratched off her list. He was nice and all, but she wasn’t about to subject herself or Will to his parents’ barely concealed dislike.

“Come out to the farm one day this week. Let me show you around for a bit and then you can have supper with us.”

Another awkward family meal? Landon’s parents were nice people. Perhaps it wouldn’t be too bad. Besides, if she was seriously considering him, she’d have to spend time with them. Test the waters.

“Hey.” He snagged her hand a little too forcefully, compelling her and her horse to come up short. She opened her mouth to protest, stalling when he lifted a finger and smoothed the line between her brows. “It’s not a marriage proposal.” He chuckled. “Just a simple dinner invitation. No need to fret over it.”

She tugged her hand free and backed up a step. “I accept.”

“Good.”

“Soph? You all right?”

Spinning on her heel, she realized they were at the turnoff to her cabin. Nathan, a string of fish dangling from the pole balanced on his shoulder, stood watching them with narrowed eyes and a scowl shouting his displeasure.

“Of course she is.” Landon stiffened, his good humor slipping away. “Are you insinuating I’m not a gentleman, O’Malley?”

Nathan’s gaze never wavered from hers. “Soph?”

What was with these two? “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”

* * *

Nathan thought the top of his head was going to blow off.

Her perturbed tone warned him to back off. Fat chance. The instant Landon touched her, fury had licked through his veins like flames in a pile of dry leaves, threatening to burn up every last shred of self-control. If the brute so much as left a finger imprint on her skin—

“Nathan.”

Her cool fingers wrapped around his wrist, applying slight pressure. Glancing down, he attempted to blink away the red haze.

“He’s leaving,” she said, dark gaze shooting daggers.

Retreating horses’ hooves finally registered. Sophie was safe for the time being, but men like Landon Greene didn’t reveal their true natures in the beginning. No, they bided their time, lowering your guard until you were caught in their web of deception. Nathan knew from experience. He and Landon had been friends once, a long time ago.

Releasing him, she lifted a hand to flip her braid behind her shoulder only to realize there was no braid. She huffed in frustration. “Why are you here?”

“I’m spending time with your brother.” He shifted the pole higher on his shoulder. “Do you have a problem with that?”

“You know I don’t.”

“Then why the attitude? Oh, wait, I know.” He snapped his fingers. “You’re irritated because I caught you in a lie.”

She gasped. “What lie? I never said I would cancel my ride with him!”

“You let me assume. Same thing.”

“That’s not true.” But her gaze slid sideways and she bit her lip, sure signs she wasn’t being entirely forthcoming. He stamped out the urge to shake some sense into her.

“I thought you agreed to trust me on this. Behind the slick smiles, Landon Greene is a brute and a bully. His ultimate goal is to gain control over you.”

“Why are you saying this? Are you jealous of him or something?”

A snort of derisive laughter escaped. “You’re joking, right?”

“There have to be reasons for your allegations.” She jutted her chin. “I’d like to know what they are.”

He didn’t blame her. What did he expect from the headstrong miss, anyway? To simply take him at his word? That wasn’t her nature. His either, truth be told. Still, he couldn’t bring himself to talk about the past. Too humiliating.

“I know what he’s really like, Sophie. You only see what he wants you to see. He’s doing his best to impress you. To gain your trust.” When she continued to look at him with disbelief, he gritted his teeth. “If you set everything I’ve said aside and focus on his behavior toward women, would you agree he’s a flirt?”

“I will give you that, yes.”

“What do you think he and April were doing in Lucian’s garden? Naming constellations?”

Her cheeks pinked. “I said I agreed, didn’t I?”

“And you don’t have a problem with that?”

Brushing past him, she shot him a look over her shoulder. “He’s not married, nor is he in a committed relationship. Being a flirt doesn’t make him an adulterer.”

Fingers digging into the rough-hewn pole, he strode after her. “I would think after what your pa did that you’d want a man you could trust wholeheartedly. No reservations.”

Sophie stopped so suddenly he nearly plowed into her.

“What—”

“Don’t do that.” She spoke quietly. “I know you don’t like Landon, but don’t bring Lester into this.”

He’d spoken without thinking. Knew how sensitive she was about the subject. “Soph—” He gently squeezed her upper arm. She flinched. Retreated again.

“Wait.” Hurrying ahead, he cut her off, disregarding her withering glare. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up painful memories. What do you say we call a truce for one night?” He summoned a smile. “I’ve got these fish that need frying and a little friend who’s probably wondering where I am.”