The Unexpected Bride. Debra Ullrick

down the hurt his words inflicted. Although she knew he did not want her, it still brought an ache to her soul. One she could not cast off like she could a piece of unwanted clothing.

      She glanced behind her, desperately wanting to dart back up the stairs, but she did not want to risk being heard.

      What should she do?

      Haydon’s words just now, and knowing he was not the one who had sent for her made her extremely uncomfortable, and she did not wish to be around him any longer.

      With great care, she turned and made it up three steps before she heard, “Good morning, Rainee.”

      Rainee closed her eyes and drew in a long breath. Forcing a smile onto her face, she turned and made her way to them. “Good morning, Katherine.”

      She tried to look natural, not guilty of eavesdropping, wondering if they knew she had. If so, neither said a word.

      Out of courtesy, she turned to greet Haydon, but the greeting never left her lips. His appearance was that of a person who had not slept for weeks. Her heart broke for him.

      “Can I get you some breakfast?”

      Rainee diverted her attention to Katherine. “Yes, that would be lovely, thank you.”

      Rainee did not know if she would offend her host by offering to help. In the society she came from it would be a huge social gaffe to do so because the wealthy had servants to do that. But Rainee preferred helping—it made her feel useful, instead of like some ornament waiting to be handpicked by an acceptable suitor. Another rigid rule she loathed.

      Just because her family had money, she did not believe that she or they were above anyone else. If her father knew she felt that way and had ever caught her helping, he would have been appalled. Back home, even though she had failed miserably, she had always tried to behave in a way befitting their social status. But here, she did not know the proper thing to do.

      Should she offer to help, or should she sit down and allow her host to wait on her?

      And did she really want to sit at the table with Haydon after overhearing the conversation with his mother?

      His eyes that spoke of his confusion and discomfort locked onto hers. Rainee could not blame him for being uncomfortable. After all, this most perplexing situation was no fault of his. But then again, it was no fault of hers either. She thought the man who had sent for her wanted her—otherwise she would have never come.

      He broke eye contact, rose and came to where she stood. He pulled the chair out and held it as she sat.

      Haydon went back, sat in his chair and became engrossed in his untouched food.

      Katherine grabbed a covered plate from the oven. She lifted the towel, revealing a mountain of thick bacon slices, scrambled eggs and biscuits and set them on the table, along with an empty cup. She filled Rainee’s cup with steaming coffee and sat in the chair next to her. “Go ahead and eat before it gets cold.”

      “Yes, ma’am.” Rainee nodded, then bowed her head and said a silent prayer. When she opened her eyes, Haydon was staring at her as was Katherine.

      “You’re a Christian?” Katherine’s blue eyes beamed, and wrinkles gathered around her eyes and mouth when she smiled.

      “Yes, ma’am. I am.”

      “Perfect.” Katherine clasped her hands.

      Perfect for what? Instead of inquiring, she picked up a piece of bacon with her fingers and bit off a piece.