The Demure Bride by Joannie Kay Page A

that Amanda was doing her best to change her behavior and he told her so. "It takes a big person to admit they need to change, Mandy. I am proud of you for finally hearing what your father had to say and for deciding to give yourself permission to like it here."
    Amanda felt special when Rob smiled at her and she quickly turned the conversation to other things she hoped he would find interesting. She was enjoying the day and didn't want anything at all to spoil it.
    Their food was piping hot when it was served, and it was as delicious as Amanda claimed it would be. Rob was amused with her banter throughout the meal and relieved that she truly was not upset with him for spanking her so soundly the last time they were together. Amanda was truly growing up and he found her delightful. When the waitress returned to ask them what kind of pie they wanted, he asked if they had any of Mrs. Whittier's chocolate cake. The busy waitress nodded and ran off to do their bidding. She quickly brought the dessert and refilled their coffee cups one more time.
    Neither Rob nor Amanda was anxious to see the meal end, but Rob paid their bill and left a generous tip for the waitress. As they left the hotel Amanda spotted Helene by the buggy, and she was obviously waiting for her.
    "Amanda, I hope I'm not being a bother?" the brunette asked timidly.
    "Of course not! Rob, may I present Miss Helene Patterson? Helene, this is Mr. Robert Thorne."
    "I am pleased to make your acquaintance Miss Patterson."
    "I'm sorry to intrude, but here is the letter, Amanda," she held out an envelope. "Thank you so much."
    "You are welcome, Helene. I'll ask Papa to help." Helene waved goodbye to her as they drove out of town.
    The drive home didn't take long enough to suit either of them, but Amanda had to admit that she had a splendid time and she welcomed the goodbye kiss Rob gave her.
    At supper that night she gave her Papa the letter that Helene wrote to Ted and explained the matter to her parent. Matt frowned and said he would pass the letter on this one time but told Amanda he didn't want her playing matchmaker. Once she nodded, he wanted to discuss whether or not she had a good time with Rob and seemed pleased to hear she'd had a wonderful day. Matt was also pleased to learn she'd purchased fabric to make some riding skirts.
    When Rob visited a couple days later and asked if she would like to go riding, Amanda was relieved she'd finished one of her new riding skirts already. She hastily changed her clothing and by the time she went outside he had Glimmer saddled for her.
    Rob was quick to notice that she was dressed a lot more respectfully this time and he was pleased to realize she could be reasonable. They simply enjoyed riding and being together, and when Rob asked if she would like to give the horses a rest, Amanda quickly agreed. They found shade under a tree, and sat on the ground to relax. "You look lovely today, Mandy," Rob told her, his voice husky.
    "You like my new riding skirt?" she shyly asked.
    "I do," he answered sincerely. "You look like the lady you are, Mandy."
    "I had no idea that... well, that the pants were..."
    "That is because you are a sweet and modest young woman. You meant no harm, my dear. The fault is with the men who look at you and form their own conclusions. In Boston you wore proper riding habits that are out of place out here. You tried to please your father by giving up the habits you wore back East, and just did not realize that the pants were too revealing. This new riding skirt is lovely on you, and it looks much more comfortable than the habit you wore in Boston." He smiled. "You are an accomplished seamstress as well."
    "I learned to sew when I was much younger. It was something that Mama and I enjoyed doing together."
    "You miss her very much, do you not?"
    "I do, Rob. I realize that she had her faults, but she was very good to me. Loving and kind, and yet firm. My behavior when I arrived here would have shocked her,"