Johanna: Bride of Michigan (American Mail-Order Bride 26) by Clara Kincaid

then?”
    “Nothing. I just don’t want Sara to take on more duties than she already has.”
    Sara’s eyes widened as she entered the room, having obviously overheard what Johanna said. “I’m sorry. I thought you might be finished with the soup.” She sighed. “I don’t mind serving the meals, honest.”
    Johanna immediately felt like a fool for carrying on so. How could she explain how her sister treated her staff, and even her, when she was staying with Janna? Johanna braced her hands on the table. “Thank you, Sara. I appreciate all the extra help you do around here.”
    She finally tried the soup, but it was too cool. Pushing it aside, she waited for the next course.
    “You don’t like your soup?” Paul asked with concern.
    “No, it’s not like that. It’s cold now, thanks to my blubbering.”
    “I’m sure Sara would get you another bowl, if you like.” Paul picked up a small bell and jingled it slightly. When Sara appeared, Paul asked her to please bring his wife a warm soup.
    Within a moment, Sara returned with a fresh bowl and soup. That time, Johanna ate it quickly, enjoying it immensely. Their plates were brought out next and Johanna stared at her duck as though it was poison. She poked it with her fork like she was trying to bring it back to life.
    “Is there a problem with your duck?”
    “No. I’ve just never had duck before.”
    “Give it a try. I’m sure you’ll love it, even though it’s a little on the greasy side.”
    Johanna forked off a piece and had to stop herself from picking it up and shoving it into her mouth. It wasn’t like she didn’t do that in the comforts of her own room back in Lawrence, but she was considered the lady of the house and was expected to act like it. She murmured in satisfaction as the rich flavor burst onto her taste buds. “This is wonderful,” she finally exclaimed.
    “Ingrid is an exceptional cook. I’m lucky to have her.”
    “Yes, indeed.”
    They finished the remainder of their meal in relative silence, declining the chocolate cake since they were both quite full. Paul pulled out her chair and they adjourned into one of the rooms Johanna hadn’t seen as of yet, the library. She loved the smell of leather binders, and two of the four walls were bookshelves filled with books. There was also a desk in the room, where Paul sat down. She joined him by sitting in a nearby chair that was a little too hard for her liking.
    “How did it go at the mill today?”
    He sighed. “I had to fire William, my bookkeeper.”
    “Oh, my. Whatever for?”
    “He’s been pilfering money. I knew something wasn’t right when I looked through the books. William must have thought me a fool. He should have known I’m a hands-on mill owner. I don’t simply sit back and collect my monies.” He lifted a wooden box and pulled out a cigar, smelling it for a moment. “I promise I’ll take you for a tour of the mill tomorrow, like I promised.”
    “Thank you. I’m so looking forward to that, but I am sorry about the bookkeeper.”
    Paul twisted the end of his cigar off. “So, what was really going on tonight at dinner? Did something happen while I was gone?”
    “It’s not that, but I suppose I had better tell you. It might help you understand why I was so upset, although I hadn’t meant to sound like I had. Everything I’ve seen today proves how good you treat your staff.”
    “In many ways, they’re members of my family.”
    “My sister Janna wasn’t nice to her staff. She even treated me like I was one of them.”
    “How so?”
    “After the factory burned down, Janna offered me a room at her house until I left as a mail-order bride. She’s a widow, but her husband left her quite the sum of money, so she lived quite comfortably. She had little staff, though, as most quit after she treated them poorly, everyone but the cook Edna. She even expected me to dress like I was the maid and serve her guests, and live in the servants’ quarters.”
    Paul’s