Amanda blushed but smiled. “Do you still mean it?”
“Of course.” Teddy looked toward the young woman. “Are you fixin’ to tell me you aren’t interested?”
“No!” Amanda squeezed his arm, feeling him relax. “I’ve been considering it, that’s all. Miss Olive is trying to find me someone more suitable, but I don’t think anyone would be more suitable.”
Teddy’s eyes grew wide with disbelief, was Miss Amanda saying what he thought. “You mean you’ll consider me?”
“Yes,” Amanda smiled, the shade of her parasol, making her eyes glow a deeper blue. “I feel safe with you, and you aren’t hard to look at. I’m afraid I’m not skilled in the art of homemaking, but I’m sure in time I’ll learn.”
Teddy lifted a fist in the air with hearty “whoop!” making the horse lunge into a canter and tossing Amanda almost into his lap. Ignoring the galloping horse, he pulled Amanda close and planted a firm kiss on her lips.
“Mr. Lewis!” Amanda gasped as he released her, her whole body filling with heat.
Teddy grasped the reins firmly in his hands, his face flaming red as he eased the horse back to a more sedate pace. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m afraid I lost my head.”
Amanda cast a sideways glance at the man next to her but grinned. “You’re that pleased?” She had never been kissed and the man’s enthusiasm seemed contagious.
“I am.”
A sense of accomplishment and well being filled Amanda’s heart. She would have her protector, one of her choosing.
***
“What do you mean you’re getting married?” Olive gaped at Amanda, who stood quietly in the busy kitchen.
“I’ve decided that Mr. Lewis is the best choice for me,” Amanda said. “We’ll be married this afternoon. Mr. Lewis is speaking to the preacher now.”
“But I thought you wanted someone more genteel.” Olive stared at the girl. “Teddy’s a good boy, but he’s not able to give you pretty dresses, or a big house.”
“I think Mr. Lewis and I will be well suited,” Amanda blushed. “He’s very attentive.”
Olive squinted at the girl. “Did something happen on that buggy ride?”
“No, Ma’am.” Amanda gaped. “I’m a proper lady.” Again her cheeks heated. “He did kiss me, though.”
“Good for you,” Ellen walked into the room, an empty serving tray in her hands. “If you like Teddy, there’s no reason you shouldn’t marry him.”
“Ellen,” Olive huffed.
“Mother Hampton, you know she’s a grown woman and able to make her own choices. Teddy’s a good soul, and he likes her. Isn’t that better than living with a man who sees you as a pretty object to be strutted about town?”
“Well, yes. I suppose so.” Olive still wasn’t convinced. “But why not wait and have a proper wedding. Sunday’s only one day away.”
“I don’t think it would be right to take further advantage of your hospitality,” Amanda’s words were soft. “I’m of no use to you here and besides, all those men staring at me every day is quite disconcerting.”
“You can’t argue with that,” Shililaih walked into the room, moving to the stove to retrieve a fresh pot of coffee. “The girl’s completely out of place here. She might as well get hitched and start out in her new life.”
“Shi!” Olive gasped.
“No, she’s right.” Amanda turned to look at the lovely Irish woman, with a name as sassy as her attitude. “I may not know how to do much for myself, but I will learn. I believe that Mr. Lewis will be patient with me and that he cares for me enough to see to my well being. It’s time I grew up and learned to look after myself.”
“When will the ceremony take place?” Olive asked in defeat.
“I’m sure Mr. Lewis will send word soon.”
“I wish you had given us a bit of time,” Olive grumbled. “A fine wedding would be quite the treat for the town, and it would show the other men that Peri and I do know what we’re doing.”
Ellen laughed, “Mother Hampton, why don’t we let Amanda get ready. I’m sure she’s brought a special dress for the occasion.”
“Yes, I have,” Amanda agreed, her blue eyes shining with excitement. “Could you help me dress, or are you too busy?” Amanda turned, looking at Ellen, hopefully.
“I’d be delighted.” Ellen grasped Amanda’s arm and turned toward the back stairs. “We’ll get you ready for your big day.”
“Ellen,” Amanda asked a few minutes later as her friend and companion helped her out of her day dress. “Do you think I’m making a mistake?”
“That depends,” Ellen smiled, running her hand over the delicate lace covering the pristine white satin of an exquisite gown, with a high collar and mutton sleeves.
“You think I’m rushing?”
“No, but if you don’t think you can grow to care about Teddy, you shouldn’t marry him.”
Amanda chewed her bottom lip for a moment. “I think I could care for him. At least he is closer in age to my own, and that gives us something in common.”
“You don’t have to rush.” Ellen looked up knowingly.
“I think it’s best if I just get on with it,” Amanda said, showing some nerve. “There’s no point putting off the inevitable, and I don’t see any of the other men Olive has contracted with being more appealing than Mr. Lewis.” The young woman shivered slightly with revulsion.
“Then I guess you’ve made the right choice.”
Amanda smiled, feeling some of the tension melt away. “May I ask you another question?” the younger woman blushed, meeting Ellen’s twinkling gaze.
“Don’t tell me, your mama never explained about the wedding night.”
Amanda’s face went crimson as she shook her head, but she didn’t turn away.
Ellen took Amanda’s hand and set her down on the bed for the talk. Ellen took a moment ordering her thoughts for a conversation she believed she had years before she had to share. Her daughter had only turned eight a few weeks ago and had years before Ellen needed to explain love, but she still began.
Chapter 7
“You look like a dream!” Shililiah sighed as Amanda walked down the stairs,
