Regina Scott - Frontier Engagement

School Bells and Wedding Bells

James Wallin’s family is depending on him to find a schoolteacher for their frontier town. Alexandrina Fosgrave seems to be exactly what he needs to help fulfill his father’s dream of building a new community. If only James could convince her to accept the position.

Alexandrina has traveled west to seek a fresh start, not to find a groom. But after she’s stranded in the wilderness with James, he offers her his hand in marriage to protect her reputation. Both are afraid to fall in love, but maybe an engagement of convenience could make them reconsider…

Frontier Bachelors: Bold, rugged—and bound to be grooms.

“You don’t have to be lonely, Rina,” James said. “If you need someone to listen, a shoulder to cry on, you can always come to me.”

She frowned, glancing back at him. “How can you make that promise to someone you barely know?”

She seemed sincerely confused, her honey-colored brows drawn down, her pert nose pulled up. He supposed it was a sweeping statement. But he’d made it, and he meant it, and he wasn’t sure why she was so determined to doubt him.

“That’s how friends behave,” he said.

“And you consider us friends?” she asked, frown deepening.

With her looking all soft and serious, friendship seemed the least of what he wanted. “I certainly hope we’re not enemies, ma’am.”

Still she watched him, as if waiting for something more. He felt himself slipping into those clear eyes. Then he was leaning closer, and she was leaning toward him. It was only natural for their lips to meet, brush.

He pulled her close, anchoring himself in her touch, wanting never to let go.

She pulled back and stared at him, eyes wide and lips parted.

Not only had he found a way to convince the schoolmarm to stay in the wilderness, but he’d managed to let her wedge her way into his heart.

REGINA SCOTT has always wanted to be a writer. Since her first book was published in 1998, her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages. Fascinated by history, she learned to fence and sail a tall ship. She and her husband reside in Washington state with their overactive Irish terrier. You can find her online blogging at nineteenteen.com. Learn more about her at reginascott.comor connect with her on Facebook at facebook.com/authorreginascott.

Frontier Engagement

Regina Scott

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

—Proverbs 31:30–31

To my nieces Sarah and Linda—

no Dr. Who and no dogs and cats,

but all my love just the same; and to the Lord,

who loves me no matter who I am today.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text School Bells and Wedding Bells James Wallin’s family is depending on him to find a schoolteacher for their frontier town. Alexandrina Fosgrave seems to be exactly what he needs to help fulfill his father’s dream of building a new community. If only James could convince her to accept the position. Alexandrina has traveled west to seek a fresh start, not to find a groom. But after she’s stranded in the wilderness with James, he offers her his hand in marriage to protect her reputation. Both are afraid to fall in love, but maybe an engagement of convenience could make them reconsider… Frontier Bachelors: Bold, rugged—and bound to be grooms.

Introduction “You don’t have to be lonely, Rina,” James said. “If you need someone to listen, a shoulder to cry on, you can always come to me.” She frowned, glancing back at him. “How can you make that promise to someone you barely know?” She seemed sincerely confused, her honey-colored brows drawn down, her pert nose pulled up. He supposed it was a sweeping statement. But he’d made it, and he meant it, and he wasn’t sure why she was so determined to doubt him. “That’s how friends behave,” he said. “And you consider us friends?” she asked, frown deepening. With her looking all soft and serious, friendship seemed the least of what he wanted. “I certainly hope we’re not enemies, ma’am.” Still she watched him, as if waiting for something more. He felt himself slipping into those clear eyes. Then he was leaning closer, and she was leaning toward him. It was only natural for their lips to meet, brush. He pulled her close, anchoring himself in her touch, wanting never to let go. She pulled back and stared at him, eyes wide and lips parted. Not only had he found a way to convince the schoolmarm to stay in the wilderness, but he’d managed to let her wedge her way into his heart.

About the Author REGINA SCOTT has always wanted to be a writer. Since her first book was published in 1998, her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages. Fascinated by history, she learned to fence and sail a tall ship. She and her husband reside in Washington state with their overactive Irish terrier. You can find her online blogging at nineteenteen.com . Learn more about her at reginascott.com or connect with her on Facebook at facebook.com/authorreginascott .

Title Page Frontier Engagement Regina Scott www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. —Proverbs 31:30–31

Dedication To my nieces Sarah and Linda— no Dr. Who and no dogs and cats, but all my love just the same; and to the Lord, who loves me no matter who I am today.

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

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Seattle, Washington Territory June 1866

Alexandrina Eugenia Fosgrave clasped her hands tightly together, one up, one down, as she walked along the carpeted corridor of the boardinghouse for the formal parlor. Though her white organza gown floated about her slippers like a cloud, her heart was hammering against her ribs and her legs felt rubbery. None of that now! She was not going to let her nerves affect the outcome of this interview.

A gentleman wished to hire a schoolteacher, the girl who had come for her had said. He’d already spoken to two others and rejected them out of hand, even though he had few choices. Alexandrina was one of the last teachers among the Mercer expedition who had yet to be whisked away to the wilderness since their arrival in Seattle nearly two months ago.