Steadfast Heart by Tracie Peterson Page B

have warned them, for even then it was red.”
    â€œAnd a lovely shade it is. Like burnt copper or perhaps cinnamon.”
    â€œBe that as it may, it’s not exactly a color that most women desire.”
    â€œI can’t imagine why not,” Mr. Welby said in his appealing manner. “It suits you well. The freckles, too.”
    Abrianna wasn’t sure why, but her hand went automatically to the bridge of her nose. She’d never liked her freckles. Other young ladies had beautiful milky skin. Even Lenore’s olive coloring was free from such blemishes, and she often brought Abrianna jars of cream that were designed to bleach out just such marring features.
    Mr. Welby reached out and took hold of her hand and loweredher arm. “You needn’t be ashamed of them. They only serve to enhance your beauty.”
    Abrianna wasn’t used to such flattery. She felt her cheeks flush hot and turned away. “If you aren’t hungry, we have cider and tea to drink. Aunt Miriam tried to get in her regular shipment of lemons, but something happened to delay them.”
    Welby stepped closer, still holding her hand. “Miss Cunningham, I find you to be an absolute delight. Nay, I would venture to say I find you to be the most appealing woman I’ve yet to meet. You speak freely and are of obvious intelligence and great imagination. No doubt you are well-read and educated.”
    â€œNo doubt,” she agreed, pulling her hand from his grasp. “My aunts schooled me at home, and it was like having three taskmasters. Even so, I had a great love of learning and took to books and issues of faith quite easily. I’m afraid it’s other things like cooking and sewing that I’m not so good at.”
    â€œWell, that is easily remedied.”
    Abrianna fought to regain her composure. She tried to appear disinterested, but it was possible he had a secret to success that she knew nothing about. “And how is that?”
    â€œBy marrying well and having servants, of course.” He grinned and gave her a wink.
    Goodness , but he is a most forward man. If Aunt Miriam saw his performance, she’d force his exit sooner rather than later. Desiring nothing more than to escape, Abrianna pointed to her approaching aunts.
    â€œIt would appear the egg search is over.” Abrianna stepped forward. “Mr. Welby decided to join us,” she told the three women. “I believe he wishes to speak with you.” She took that moment to hurry off in the direction of Wade’s wagon. At least there she might be able to escape notice.

    Priam Welby watched the animated redhead make her departure. She had a fine figure, and the seed of an idea planted itself in his brain. He had originally hoped to catch her off guard at the party and trick her into giving him answers related to the old ladies. But now, a different plan formed.
    â€œMr. Welby, I’m surprised to see you here today,” Mrs. Madison commented. “You haven’t come to speak to me about selling my building again, have you?”
    â€œNot at all.” He smiled. “I am here on more amorous endeavors.”
    Mrs. Gibson perked up at this. “Oh, you’ve come to meet the young ladies.”
    â€œNot exactly,” Priam said, looking back in the direction Abrianna had gone. “I’ve come to discuss the possibility of courting one particular young lady.”
    Miriam Madison met his gaze without blinking. “And who might that be?”
    â€œWhy, your ward, Miss Cunningham. I find her delightful. In fact, I have been able to think of little else since making her acquaintance. If she is not otherwise promised to someone, I should very much like to woo her.”
    â€œI see.” Mrs. Madison considered his proposal, but Priam could tell she wasn’t enthusiastic to agree. She continued to study him for several moments. “You are a man of how many years?”
    â€œEight and