Dacey: Bride of North Carolina (Amercan Mail-Order Bride 12) by Shanna Hatfield

way up the stairs.
    “I’ll see you at breakfast,” she called over her shoulder before disappearing down the hall.
    Braxton rolled his eyes heavenward, wondering how long he could keep his desire to kiss Dacey, to own her completely, under control.
     
    ~~*~~
     
    “Oh, Ernie. How wonderful to see you.” Beatrice greeted Ernie Howell as he made a delivery to the kitchen. She’d been watching for his arrival, excited to implement the next phase of her plan to open Braxton’s eyes to the treasure he had in Dacey, if he’d just accept her.
    “It is providential I happened to catch you this afternoon,” Beatrice gushed, guiding a befuddled Ernie down the hall toward the blue parlor where Dacey worked with her tutor.
    “It is, ma’am?” Ernie asked, clearly confused.
    “It most certainly is, young man. Miss Butler is in need of a dance partner and here you are.”
    “Miss Butler?” Ernie warmed to the idea of dancing with the lovely Dacey. Although she’d been polite to him, she hadn’t appeared won over by his good looks or charm. Most women had a hard time resisting him, but Dacey seemed to be an exception.
    With a little effort on his part, he was sure he could convince her to share at least a few kisses.
    “I’d be happy to help Miss Butler,” he said, smiling at Mrs. Douglas. She led the way into a large room where a harried little man attempted to instruct Dacey in the fine art of dancing the polka.
    Ernie immediately took Dacey’s hand in his and pulled her into the lively dance as the surprised tutor watched.
    Beatrice worked to keep from rubbing her hands together in glee as her plans fell into place.
    While the couple danced, Beatrice sent Caroline to round up a few of the house staff so they could practice a Virginia reel.
    No doubt, Dacey had never even seen one and it would require more than two people to illustrate the dance.
    Caroline soon returned with Cornelia and a housemaid, along with the butler, one of the kitchen helpers, and two of the gardeners.
    When the polka ended, they all took their places as the tutor explained the Virginia reel to Dacey.
    Partnered with George, Beatrice watched as the others stepped into line. As they went through the steps, she kept one eye on Dacey and the other on the door, waiting for Braxton to appear.
    At the end of the dance, Beatrice insisted they practice again. As she spun around, she caught sight of her son’s frown as he stood just inside the room, watching Ernie’s every move as he guided Dacey through the steps.
    “Thank you all for your wonderful assistance,” Beatrice said as the staff dispersed to return to their work. She looked to the tutor. “Doesn’t she need to practice the waltz?”
    “Yes, ma’am, most certainly. It is nearly impossible to tutor her and dance at the same time. If Mr. Howell would like to assist, it would…”
    “Not be necessary for him to stay.” Braxton strode across the room until he stood next to Dacey.
    Ernie had yet to relinquish his hold on her hand. At Braxton’s arrival, he’d tightened his grip and dared to place a possessive hand at Dacey’s waist.
    Braxton’s fist unknowingly clenched at his side. He wanted to pop Ernie in the nose, but somehow refrained from surrendering to the primitive urge.
    “I have a few moments of free time. I’ll help Miss Butler with her dancing lessons. I’m sure Mr. Howell has other deliveries to make. We’ve detained him long enough.” Braxton took Dacey’s free hand in his and gave it a gentle tug.
    Rather than admit defeat and leave, Ernie yanked on her hand, pulling her closer to him. Braxton shot Ernie a warning glare and again tugged on Dacey’s hand.
    Fed up with the childish behavior of both men, Dacey jerked her hands free and stepped away from them.
    “I believe I’ve danced all I care to today,” she said, giving Beatrice a pleading look.
    “Very well, darling.” Beatrice settled an arm around her shoulders and gave her an indulgent smile.