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    The Rejected Groom
    The Rejected Groom
    The Rejected Groom
    Ebook213 pages3 hours

    The Rejected Groom

    By Ruth Ann Nordin

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    About this ebook

    Anthony (Tony) Larson and his twin brother, Mark, have been asked to marry one of the two unfortunate women who are in need of a husband. One woman is Velma Murdoch and the other is Natalie Harper.

    Tony falls in love with Velma as soon as he meets her, and he’s excited when Mark tells him she’s chosen him to marry. What he doesn’t realize until he marries Velma is that she thought she was marrying Mark. But Mark tricked both of them into marrying each other so he could be with Natalie. While he’s upset with Mark for deceiving him, he’s even more upset to find out Velma had wanted to marry Mark instead of him.

    Velma is just as upset with Mark as Tony is. A marriage to Tony isn’t going to work out well at all. He’s a farmer who lives in a sod house, and she doesn’t know the first thing about housework or cooking. She was much more suited for Mark who owned a business. Just how are two people who are a bad match going to find common ground? She can’t cook anything right, she's scared of bugs and snakes, and there’s no way she can make clothes. She was brought up to help her future husband entertain guests at dinner parties, not help out on a farm.

    Can a man who feels rejected and a woman who doesn’t feel competent on a farm find something as wonderful as love?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRuth Ann Nordin
    Release dateFeb 17, 2018
    ISBN9781370622641
    The Rejected Groom
    Author

    Ruth Ann Nordin

    Ruth Ann Nordin has written almost 100 romances, ranging from Regencies to historical westerns to contemporaries. She plays with other genres from time to time, but her first love is romance. She has been happily married for twenty-two years to a sweet and funny guy, and they have four sons, who are all taller than Ruth now that they're 16, 17, 19, and 20. The good thing is she doesn't need a ladder. She considers herself very lucky to have led such a charmed life. Being able to play with characters and create stories is just icing on the cake. Hopefully, she'll get to keep doing this many years to come.

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      Book preview

      The Rejected Groom - Ruth Ann Nordin

      Misled Mail Order Bride Series: Book 2

      The Rejected

      Groom

      Ruth Ann Nordin

      The Rejected Groom

      Published by Ruth Ann Nordin

      Copyright © 2018 by Ruth Ann Nordin

      All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

      This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

      Cover Photo images Dreamstime. www.dreamstime.com. All rights reserved – used with permission.

      Cover Photo images Period Images. http://www.periodimages.com. All rights reserved – used with permission.

      Table of Contents

      Chapter One

      Chapter Two

      Chapter Three

      Chapter Four

      Chapter Five

      Chapter Six

      Chapter Seven

      Chapter Eight

      Chapter Nine

      Chapter Ten

      Chapter Eleven

      Chapter Twelve

      Chapter Thirteen

      Chapter Fourteen

      Chapter Fifteen

      Chapter Sixteen

      Chapter Seventeen

      Chapter Eighteen

      Epilogue

      Author’s Note

      Misled Mail Order Brides Series

      Books Featuring the Larsons

      All Books by Ruth Ann Nordin

      Where to Find Ruth

      Chapter One

      August 1887

      Omaha, Nebraska

      Velma Murdoch brushed her long dark locks from her face and pinned her hair up. At the moment, she was the only one in the small bedroom she was sharing with Natalie Harper. They were both guests at Owen and Jenny Russell’s three-bedroom cabin. Hopefully, she wouldn’t be a guest here much longer.

      She went to the mirror and inspected her reflection. If she knew whether Mark Larson preferred a woman’s hair up or down, she would be able to pick the appropriate style. As it was, she had to guess, and guessing left so much to chance. She needed every advantage she could get.

      Since Mark was having so much difficulty choosing her over Natalie, she needed every advantage that she could get. It didn’t help that Natalie fancied him. Natalie would be a much better fit for Mark’s twin brother, Tony, because she grew up on a farm and Tony owned a farm.

      Natalie didn’t know the first thing about running a business. Mark was part owner in the company his father had established years ago when he first came to Omaha. Now his father ran an impressive business. His latest achievement had been managing the construction of a ten-story building, and Mark had helped him every step of the way. Because of this, more and more clients were coming to them for their projects. Important clients. Clients with a lot of money. And that meant Mark would need a wife who was familiar with entertaining people who had money.

      Velma frowned. If only Natalie would give up this nonsense about being attracted to Mark. Then this would be an easy decision. Mark wouldn’t be trapped between them. He would choose Velma, and Tony would be free to marry Natalie.

      Why did finding a husband have to be so difficult? First, she had answered a mail order bride ad, thinking that she was about to marry a man who owned a clothing store that catered to the elite. Except, he had lied. He had misled her and two other women into coming out to Omaha with the intention of auctioning them off for money. And now, she was stuck in a tug-of-war with Natalie over marrying a man who was best suited for her. Natalie spent way too much time thinking with her heart and not enough time thinking with her head. Things like marriage–the really big decisions in a person’s life–were best left to rational thought.

      Once more, she would spend another evening having dinner with Mark, Tony, and Natalie. It was pointless, but they’d been doing this silly routine for the past month. She doubted Natalie would be willing to marry Tony later on tonight.

      Though, Velma couldn’t understand why Natalie said she was more attracted to Mark than she was to Tony. Mark and Tony were twins. They looked exactly alike. No one could tell them apart, except by the clothes they wore and the fact that Tony often had stubble on his face.

      Mark owned finer clothes than Tony. Mark wore suits, and all of them were made from fine material. Tony, on the other hand, wore cotton shirts and denim pants. The fact that Velma had more expensive clothing in her trunk than Natalie did was another reason why Natalie was better matched for Tony. Why couldn’t Natalie be practical about all of this? Why did she have to go on and on about feelings and butterflies in the stomach? Who cared about such things?

      Well, she could only hope common sense prevailed in the end. Turning from the mirror, she picked out the lavender dress from her trunk that she would wear for the evening.

      ***

      Anthony Larson, who preferred to go by the name of Tony, was in the parlor with Mark and their parents. He wondered how everyone was going to fit in the small kitchen. Not only had he and Mark come to Uncle Owen’s home in order to have dinner with Velma and Natalie, but his parents had decided to come along as well.

      His parents were curious as to why it was taking everyone so long to decide who would marry whom. This was something he would like to know as well, though he didn’t think anyone would get the answer tonight, especially not when so many people were in one place.

      In addition to him, Mark, their parents, Velma, and Natalie, there was also Uncle Owen, Aunt Jenny, and their three children: Jeremy, Carl, and Emma. That was a total of eleven people. Eleven people in a three-bedroom house. There just wasn’t enough room for everyone.

      This is going to be a disaster, Tony whispered to Mark.

      Mark turned from the window in the parlor where he had been checking his reflection. What makes you say that?

      We can hardly fit in the parlor. How are we all going to fit in the kitchen? Tony asked.

      I heard Aunt Jenny tell Jeremy, Carl, and Emma to get a blanket and take their food outside.

      When did you hear this?

      Right before you showed up. Then he turned his attention back to the window and brushed his hair with his fingers.

      Tony shook his head. He didn’t understand why Mark was so concerned about the way he looked. It seemed that no matter what the situation was, he had to make sure every strand of hair was in place. Mark said it was because he needed to look his best in case he came across a client, but sometimes Tony thought his brother had a tendency to be vain.

      The ironic thing was that since they were both twins, all Mark had to do was look over at him. Their hair was the same length, though Tony often went for a week before shaving. Mark was meticulous about it. There was never a single whisker on his cheek.

      Well, Tony supposed if he was a part of the family business, he might have to shave every day, too. But crops and animals didn’t care whether a man shaved or not. And because of that, he really didn’t pay much attention to how often he shaved. Though, maybe he should. Did women prefer men who shaved every day? Could that be one of the reasons it was taking Velma and Natalie so long to make up their minds about which brother they wanted?

      Tony rubbed his jaw, noting the stubble. He had made sure his hair was neatly combed, and he had put on one of his best cotton shirts and pants. He was even wearing his best boots. Mark, on the other hand, was wearing one of his nice suits. Maybe the overall way Mark presented himself was better. But it was vanity. There was more to a man than how he looked.

      Why do I have to go outside? Jeremy asked his mother as they went to the front door. I’m fifteen. I’m not a little kid.

      Aunt Jenny put a picnic basket in his arms and pointed to the door. I know you’re not a little kid, but there are too many people here. You have to go outside with your little brother and sister.

      Jeremy groaned. It’s not fair.

      Your ma and I will be going out there, too, Uncle Owen said as he approached him. So you see, it’s not just little kids who will be out there. Your aunt and uncle will be enjoying dinner in here with Mark, Tony, Natalie, and Velma.

      It’ll be fun, Jenny added. We’ll even get to play fetch with the dog afterwards.

      Though Jeremy still didn’t seem all that excited, he followed his parents out of the house with ten-year-old Carl and seven-year-old Emma in tow.

      After they left, Tony’s father told Tony’s mother, It’s a good thing we let Annabelle stay home. This place is smaller than I remembered.

      Natalie came out from the kitchen. She swept a blonde strand of hair from the nape of her neck and it settled against the rest of her hair, which went just past her shoulders. Everything is ready. It’ll be a little tight around the table, but we can fit everybody.

      As the four followed Natalie out of the room, Tony’s mother said, I really wish you had let me help you and Jenny with the meal tonight.

      Natalie chuckled. It wasn’t just me and Jenny. Velma helped, too. Besides, you’re a guest. You should relax and enjoy yourself.

      Before his mother could protest, Mark said, I don’t think more than three people can cook anything in that kitchen at any one time.

      I suppose you’re right, his mother replied.

      As soon as they entered the kitchen, the smell of fried chicken made Tony’s mouth water. Of all the meals he’d ever eaten, fried chicken was his favorite. He wondered if Aunt Jenny had chosen this particular meal for him. The other day when he and Mark had come out here, there was a steak waiting for them, and steak was Mark’s favorite dinner.

      Velma was setting out the plates and utensils, and Tony couldn’t help but think she was a very lovely sight. Her hair was dark. At first, he thought she had black hair, but upon closer inspection, he realized it was a deep shade of brown. He like it best when it was down, but he realized with it being summer and the kitchen being so hot, it was better for her that she have it pinned up into an attractive style.

      Though, truthfully, she was beautiful regardless of how she fixed her hair. The same could be said for anything she put on. Her dresses were a bit fancier than they needed to be, but he supposed she was trying to make a good impression. Even he was wearing his best cotton shirts and pair of denim jeans for these dinners. Natalie and Mark had been wearing good quality clothing as well. It seemed as if everyone was trying to make a good impression.

      Everything looks wonderful, Tony’s mother said as she hurried to help Velma finish setting the table. I hope everyone didn’t go through a lot of trouble.

      It was no trouble at all, Natalie replied. Jenny said that Owen got some chickens from a farmer who wanted to thank him for helping him out when his cows got loose.

      That was nice of the farmer, Tony’s father said. I know Owen didn’t do that because he expected something in return. Owen’s not the type.

      No, he’s not, Tony’s mother added.

      Now that everything was set, it was time to sit down. Tony’s mother and father sat next to each other, which was to be expected. But here came the difficult part. How was Tony going to secure a spot next to Velma? Up to now, he’d only been able to get a seat across from her. He was determined this dinner would be different. As soon as Tony knew which seat Velma wanted, he darted over to the chair that was next to hers.

      She glanced over at him, as if she hadn’t expected him to choose that seat.

      He offered her a smile. I thought I should sit next to the prettiest woman at the table.

      Tony kept his voice low so the others wouldn’t hear, just in case Natalie took offense to what he’d just said. It wasn’t his intention to hurt another woman’s feelings. He just wanted Velma to know that he preferred her. Perhaps some of the hesitation Velma experienced in picking either him or Mark was not knowing which of them would rather be with her. It might be to his benefit if he was bolder in his words and actions. At the very least, it couldn’t hurt.

      As he hoped, Velma looked pleased by the compliment. Thank you, Tony, she replied. That’s very nice of you to say.

      He settled back in his chair, glad he’d finally made a move. Perhaps now they could stop stalling on this matter and finally get married. It wasn’t that he begrudged a woman a courting period. It was just that he had a lot of responsibilities to attend to at the farm.

      Mark sat on Velma’s other side, and Tony felt a surge of panic rise up in him. But then, Mark smiled at Natalie. He didn’t glance in Velma’s direction. Good. Tony relaxed.

      I hope everyone likes fried chicken, Natalie spoke up as she passed a large platter with the chicken on it to Tony’s father.

      All Larsons love fried chicken, Tony’s father said. When we first got into Omaha, it was a regular meal every Sunday at my parents’ house. He placed a fried chicken breast on his plate and glanced at Tony and Mark. You two remember all those Sundays. We used to go out there every Sunday as long as the weather was good.

      Tony’s mother chuckled. Your mother is a good cook, she told her husband. Going out there was a real treat.

      Speak for yourself, Mark said as he helped himself to the mashed potatoes and gravy. The ride out to the farm took forever, and I ate so much fried chicken that I thought I was going to start clucking around the house.

      Natalie giggled at his joke. You could never eat so much fried chicken that you would start clucking around the house. It’s impossible.

      It wouldn’t have been impossible with the amount of chicken I had to eat, Mark replied, giving her a sly grin. One time, I started to sprout a couple of feathers. I pulled them out before anyone noticed. Thankfully, they never came back. He wiped his forehead and sighed with relief. I think it was because I started skipping fried chicken at the meals.

      This made everyone laugh.

      Tony shook his head in amusement. I remember that. You might want to check your back when you’re alone. You didn’t get all of those feathers out.

      Mark glanced over at him, and Tony winked.

      Velma’s gaze went between the brothers. It’s nice that you two get along so well.

      That’s to be expected since they’re brothers, Natalie said.

      You would think so, Velma began as she put mashed potatoes and gravy onto her own plate, but not all brothers get along.

      That’s sad if they don’t, Natalie replied.

      Yes, it is, which is why it’s so nice to see how well Tony and Mark get along. That’s why I pointed it out. She smiled at the brothers. You two have something special.

      Tony and I have always been close, Mark said. When we were children, people used to confuse us all the time because we look exactly alike.

      Is that why you don’t shave every day? Natalie asked Tony, a twinkle in her eye.

      I don’t shave every day because I don’t often get around to it, Tony replied. I spend most of the day working, especially from Spring through Fall.

      Mark rolled his eyes. She was only teasing you. Mark looked back at Natalie and added, Sometimes I don’t think Tony knows what a joke is. He tends to take everything much too seriously.

      How quickly Mark forgot that joke he’d just made about the chicken feathers on his back. Tony gave him a pointed look. "I can take a joke as well as the next person. I was only saying that I work long and hard hours.

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