The Christmas Bargain Read Online Free

dress. Although the dress had long ago fallen to rags, Philamena remembered the rich color and dreamed of once again owning something pretty.  
    Dragging the hated dirt-colored dress over her head, she buttoned the bodice and adjusted the skirt. Combing her hair back into the severe bun her father insisted she wear, Philamena felt a little rebellious in leaving off the handkerchief. Fastening her worn-out shoes, she opened the door and walked to the kitchen where she could smell coffee brewing.
    Quietly stepping into the room, she took in Abby at the stove frying ham while Chauncy sat with his Bible open on the table, sipping a cup of coffee. Looking up, he smiled and motioned her to come into the room. “Good morning, Miss Booth. Did you sleep well?”
    “Yes, thank you,” Philamena said quietly, not making eye contact with the pastor and wondering what she could do to help with breakfast.
    Abby turned from the stove and waved a fork in Philamena’s direction. “Just help yourself to a cup of coffee and have a seat. Breakfast will be ready in a minute and then we’ve got a busy day ahead of us.”
    Philamena poured a cup of coffee, inhaling the rich aroma. “I apologize for sleeping late. It won’t happen again.”
    Abby looked at Chauncy who gave a slight nod of his head her direction. Abby smiled warmly at their guest. “That’s perfectly fine, Philamena. You had a rather surprising day yesterday and needed your sleep. In fact, we don’t mind if you sleep the day away. So don’t you worry, okay?”
    Philamena couldn’t speak through her tears, so she nodded her head. These people were so good and charitable. They had no idea what kind of person she was, yet they opened their home to her and were doing their best to make her feel welcome. She felt more secure and safe here than she had since her mother passed away.
    Clearing his throat, Chauncy took another sip of coffee while Abby set platters of ham, eggs and biscuits on the table. She made enough food to feed twice as many as were seated around the table. Just when Philamena wondered what they would do with all the extra food, the back door opened and Luke stepped inside.
    “Morning,” he said, removing his hat and hanging it on a peg by the door before kissing Abby on the cheek and washing his hands.
    “Well, Luke, what a surprise to have you join us,” Abby teased, pouring coffee into a cup at the table. Luke found his way to the parsonage table several times a week. He made up for it by often sending boxes of supplies from the general store. He also provided them with beef and pork.
    Somehow missing the fact the table was set for four instead of just three, Philamena felt a nervous fluttering erupt in her stomach at the sight of her betrothed.
     After the women were seated, Luke settled into his chair like having breakfast at the parsonage was a regular event. From the looks of how the Dodds and Luke interacted, Philamena assumed it must be.
    “Miss Booth,” Luke said, looking at her intently. Philamena wondered if this was what a horse on the auction block must feel like as Luke studied her from the tip of her head right down to where her dress disappeared behind the table. “I trust you had a pleasant night.”
    “Yes. Thank you,” Philamena whispered, keeping her eyes fastened on her plate.
    Luke looked at Chauncy who shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.
    “Shall we give thanks for this new day?” Chauncy asked, extending a hand to both Philamena and Luke, who sat on either side of him. Philamena forced herself to take the pastor’s hand then extended her other hand to Abby, who grasped Luke’s free hand.
    Chauncy gave thanks and asked for a special blessing on Philamena, making tears pool in her eyes again. Unable to fathom why these people seemed to care about her, she knew she was nothing to them except an inconvenience.
    As Abby passed her a plate of hot biscuits, Philamena took one and broke it open. Steam puffed up in the