Desperate Lola (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 2) by Carré White Page B

suddenly worn off my wedding day, like silver left out too long. Jack knew it too, glancing at me to assess my reaction. Before we were to take a slice of cake, he drew his arm around my person and led me to the door. We would not be having a reception after all.

Chapter 10
    I n the carriage , Jack stared at the floor, sitting across from me. Afraid to speak, I twirled the ring around my finger, marveling at its beauty. I had a habit of distracting myself in such a manner. The air felt heavy with the weight of unspoken words, while dozens of questions flitted around in my mind.
    “How much of the conversation did you hear this morning?”
    “Enough to know she’s … she’s a courtesan or something of that nature.”
    “She did that on purpose.”
    “What?”
    “Her arrival at our reception. She did it to cause trouble.” He sat back in the seat, his expression aggrieved. “I didn’t want her to ruin your day. It’s already been a struggle enough for us as it is.”
    “I understand you’ve had a life before you knew me. You were married. You’re substantially older. Maybe Mrs. Hershey will save us a slice of cake. I do love vanilla cake with sugar frosting.” I smiled wistfully.
    “You’re not angry?”
    “What am I supposed to be angry about? I don’t know these people. I don’t know Vanessa Lowell, and I certainly don’t plan on ever knowing her. She’s of no consequence to me, but she seems to matter to you.”
    He closed his eyes. “I’ve been an unmarried man for quite some time. It’s my right to come and go as I please. Most men do so, even after marriage.”
    I was aware of that, knowing that my stepfather visited brothels as well, because I had heard my mother complain of it. “Yes, they do.”
    “I could throttle her for ruining our reception and embarrassing you in public. Everyone who is anyone in Boot Creek was there. You didn’t get to meet many people.”
    “I’m sure the next time you see her, you can tell her this.” It bothered me immensely that he had a mistress, but there would be little I could do about it.
    “Let’s not speak of it.”
    “Certainly not. You’ll have your secrets, and I’ll have mine. We needn’t speak of anything other than what social engagements we are to attend and the weather.” I twirled the ring, over and over.
    He moved to where I was, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. “You’re upset. I knew you would be, and so did Vanessa. I told her I was going to be married. I never said when, but she managed to figure it out. Boot Creek isn’t very big. No more than five-hundred people live here, and news travels fast.”
    “I suppose.” I leaned away from him, not wanting to get too close.
    “Lola?”
    “What?”
    “Come here.” He pulled me to him. “You were so warm earlier, so receptive. I’d hate to think that’s all ruined now. Tell me what you’re thinking.”
    “If I do, I’ll say exactly what I feel, and then we’ll argue again.”
    He sighed. “I want to know what’s on your mind.”
    I scooted away to escape the arm around me. “What is she to you? Are you in love with her?”
    “No. I don’t particularly believe in love.”
    Now that had my attention. “How can you say such a thing? Weren’t you in love with your wife?”
    “I felt a certain degree of affection towards her and obligation.”
    I frowned. “Did you tell her that?”
    “In so many words.”
    What sort of a relationship had they had? “How awful.”
    “Marriage among my peers is for the continuation of the bloodline and for social standing. It’s not about romantic attachments. That’s what affairs and things are for, but I probably shouldn’t tell you that.”
    “I agree.”
    “My wife was a happy woman, Lola. She never wanted for anything. She loved her life and her clubs, and plenty of engagements kept her busy. The loss of our son devastated us, and then we were not able to have more children, although we tried. She wasn’t all that fond of