Gabrielle: Bride of Vermont (American Mail-Order Bride 14) Read Online Free Page A

she knew she’d follow through with the ridiculous path she’d started on. Taking a deep breath, she knocked firmly, keenly aware that her knuckles seemed to have a mind of their own. She felt strangely detached from her body. Her thoughts flew in several directions and her body felt numb, but she was driven to complete this mission.
    A nicely dressed gentleman greeted her warmly when he opened the door. “Good afternoon. May I help you?”
    Gabrielle bit her bottom lip and stared, wide-eyed. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words were forthcoming. Her heart raced, but and she wanted to respond, so she tried clearing her throat.
    Still, no words.
    He smiled patiently and asked, “Are you here to see Elizabeth Miller?”
    Gabrielle nodded once, her blue eyes wide and nervous. Apparently that was all the information he needed since he opened the door widely and gestured for her to enter. “Miss Petersen?”
    She found her voice as she stepped into the well-appointed home. “Yes. Thank you. I’m Gabrielle Petersen.”
    He led her to an office with a small sofa and gestured for her to sit. “Miss Miller will be with you directly.”
    Gabrielle sat and breathed in and out deeply. She exhaled slowly once more as a nicely dressed woman with a warm smile stepped in and introduced herself.
    One glance at Gabrielle and she knew just what was needed. “It’s rather chilly outside, Miss Petersen. I’m going to have a cup of hot tea. Will you join me?"
    Gabrielle nodded and watched as the woman stepped into the hall and asked someone to bring tea and cookies. Elizabeth stepped over to her desk and picked up an envelope. “I’ll be right back. In the meantime, here’s a letter that just arrived for you.” She smiled at Gabrielle before leaving the room.
    When Gabrielle saw the return address, tears stung her eyes and she quickly opened the envelope from one of her previous roommates in Lawrence.
     
    My Dearest Gabby,
     
    I can’t tell how grief-stricken I became when I received the sad news of your mother’s passing. I know how much you loved her. It brought home the fact that if I were to stay on with my parents any longer, my mother might quickly suffer the same fate, if by more violent means. That very night, I answered an advertisement from the Groom’s Gazette Roberta gave me when you all left Lawrence. There was nothing else I could do…or rather, *would* do. You will never guess where I will be going with my new groom, Matthew Turner: ALASKA!
     
    You must remember how much I’ve longed to see the great glaciers described by John Muir. On top of that, my “husband” has even less interest in being married than do I. This is my dream come true! I arrived in Seattle yesterday, and we were married scarcely minutes after that.
     
    I hope for your sake that Miss Miller found you a gentleman just like Matthew. Although very handsome, in a snooty sort of way, he has no apparent interest in me whatsoever. What a relief. Our steamship to Sitka leaves in the morning. I will write again once I’m settled, but in the meantime, please continue to send correspondence to my mother.
     
    I miss all of my roommates so very much, but I’m also terribly excited about this amazing adventure!
     
    With Love, Poppy
     
    Gabrielle was thrilled to hear from one of her roommates. She missed them all, though she and Poppy were most alike. Neither wanted to marry. And here was Poppy preparing to move to Alaska. Gabrielle couldn’t believe it. She read it again before a maid appeared and placed a tray down on a small table.
    “May I call you Gabrielle?” said Miss Miller as she came into the room.
    “Yes, and thank you for the tea, Miss Miller. And for the letter. It’s so good to hear from Poppy.” Gabrielle took the proffered cup gratefully.
    “You’re quite welcome. I’m happy it came in time for you to receive it. Now then. Please, call me Elizabeth. You needn’t be as nervous as I can clearly see that you are.