Heaven Scent Read Free Page B

Boston
where he could get good medical care.”
    Hmmm, it grew clear to her
now.
    “Rafe Sutherland will be there
tonight?”
    Henry cleared his throat. “Yes, yes he
will. It will be his first social event since his
return.”
    So her father was trying his
matchmaking with the former Texas Ranger. Tarin had to admit it
would be interesting to spend an evening in the company of a
national hero, a man that had spent the last ten years of his life
amongst war, Indians, and General Zachary Taylor. Perhaps, he would
even discuss the injuries that had brought him home under special
federal escort and remained a mystery to everyone outside of the
Sutherland household.
    Yes, she would attend. Even if it meant
enduring her father’s embarrassing matchmaking attempts. She
wouldn’t miss this for all of the tea buried in the bottom of the
harbor.
    “I will be there, Father,” she said,
smothering a laugh at his triumphant smile. “However, since you are
not trying to match me with Rafe Sutherland, I may just wear my day
dress in an effort to save time.”
    Henry moved to the edge of his seat.
“Oh no, you are not doing that to me again, daughter. Winthrop
still taunts me about whether I have the money to outfit you
properly. I cannot believe you attended that Lowell event in your
day dress.” He gave her a hard stare. “You will wear your gold
dress and that is final.”
    Blast
it . Did the man never give up? Had his
numerous attempts in the past not taught him that she would choose who she
would marry? If she married at all, it would happen only once she
had her medical degree. Not before. Tarin crossed her arms and gave
him a knowing smile.
    “Fine, fine,” he said with a sigh. He
leaned back in his chair. “I just thought that since you are not
interested in any of the men in Boston, maybe someone different
might appeal to you. He certainly comes from good
stock.”
    Tarin sighed as she planted her hands
on her hips. “I am not a cow to be bred, Father.”
    “Tarin!”
    “I do not care what kind
of stock he comes
from, his beliefs will be the same as all men – the purpose of a
woman is to stay at home, have babies, and tend to her husband’s
needs.”
    “What is wrong with that?” Henry cried.
“If God had intended women to live differently, it would have been
done from the beginning of time.”
    Here we go again. “Nothing is wrong
with it,” she replied smoothly, “if the woman chooses that life.
But I want more for myself. I only have one chance on this earth
and I will not be told how to live it by anyone else.”
    Henry shook his head. “I do not know
where you get that stubborn spirit of yours. Your mother certainly
wasn’t like that.”
    Tarin came up to his desk and gave him
a hug. “If you are looking for the source of my stubbornness,
perhaps you should take a look in the mirror.”
    Henry smiled reluctantly as he patted
her back. “Get out of here. I do not want to be blamed for your
tardiness.”
    Tarin smiled as she headed for the
door. She turned around and walked backwards. “If you promise not
to do any matchmaking, I’ll wear the gold brocade.”
    “Mark my words, young lady,” he said.
“One day you will want my help.”
    “And when that day comes, I will simply
ask.” She turned the knob behind her. “Father, please, your
word…”
    “Fine,” he said, waving her away. “I
have the most beautiful daughter in Boston and she is going to end
up a spinster.”
    Impishness welled up inside Tarin. She
couldn't resist teasing him. “Look on the positive side. If I were
to marry, what would you do with your time?”
    “ Out!”
     

Chapter 2

     
    “You have eyes the color of the
Caribbean.”
    Rafe smiled down at the blushing
seamstress as she pinned the lapel of his jacket. She was a pretty
thing, with dark, chocolate-colored hair and a figure a man could
enjoy. Her dress was clean and dust-free, her perfume flowery and
light. The vision was so different from the women he’d