Christina Miller - Counterfeit Courtship

Second Chance Reunion

Returning home, Confederate hero Colonel Graham Talbot faces his toughest battle yet—avoiding the marriage-minded young ladies in town vying for his attentions. With a stepmother and orphaned niece to support, the penniless soldier has no intention of marrying. Neither does the woman he once loved, his next-door neighbor Ellie Anderson. But Ellie has a proposal of her own: a pretend courtship to keep their unwanted admirers at bay.

Ellie’s unpredictable childhood left her determined to safeguard her independence—and her plantation. Blaming herself for driving Graham away to war, she devises a plan to help them both. But when it goes awry, Ellie will face a choice: save her beloved property...or trust in a relationship that’s becoming undeniably real.

“Ellie, you need a husband.”

“You’re a fine one to think so.”

Graham’s downcast gaze cut into Ellie like a cotton hoe. “I’ve always thought so,” he said, his voice quiet.

“I meant you have no room to speak, since you refuse to marry, too.”

“With good reason.”

“My reason is good, too.”

“Then let’s hear it.”

She knew she shouldn’t have told him how good her reason was, knew he’d take it as a challenge. And one thing she’d never seen Graham Talbot do was back down from a challenge. “I don’t want to, that’s all.”

She couldn’t explain to him the horror of being orphaned, of being taken in by strangers. Relying on her father to provide for her—and being disappointed—had been one thing. Depending on neighbors for daily food was another.

Never again would she depend on anyone else to provide for her. Her uncle had taken the past thirteen years to teach her to be a planter. Not a planter’s wife.

And a planter she would be.

CHRISTINA MILLER has always lived in the past. Her passion for history began with her grandmother’s stories of 1920s rural southern Indiana. When Christina began to write fiction, she believed God was calling her to write what she knew: history. A Bethany College of Missions graduate, pastor’s wife and worship leader, Christina lives on the family’s farm with her husband of twenty-seven years and Sugar, their talking dog.

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

—Philippians 4:13

To Jesus, the giver of dreams and gifts...

To my husband, Jan, my real-life hero and man of God who has always believed in me...

To my mother, who taught me to read as soon as I was big enough to hold a book...

To my father, who taught me that I could do anything I set my mind to.

With gratitude to...

Miss Mimi Miller, Executive Director of The Historic Natchez Foundation, for helping me with countless historical accuracies and details and becoming my lively new friend.

Mr. Terry Trovato, Dunleith Historic Inn docent and storyteller, for brightening this book with his tales and historic tidbits. What a delight it was to write portions of this book in the parlor, dining room and galleries of Dunleith, the house after which I patterned Graham’s home.

Dina Davis, my amazing editor, whose expert skills made my book sing. I can’t imagine this journey without her!

Mary Sue Seymour, the sweetest and wisest agent in the business.

Aunt Sister Sylvia Gehlhausen, who gave me a quiet place to write in her ancient, enormous home.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Second Chance Reunion Returning home, Confederate hero Colonel Graham Talbot faces his toughest battle yet—avoiding the marriage-minded young ladies in town vying for his attentions. With a stepmother and orphaned niece to support, the penniless soldier has no intention of marrying. Neither does the woman he once loved, his next-door neighbor Ellie Anderson. But Ellie has a proposal of her own: a pretend courtship to keep their unwanted admirers at bay. Ellie’s unpredictable childhood left her determined to safeguard her independence—and her plantation. Blaming herself for driving Graham away to war, she devises a plan to help them both. But when it goes awry, Ellie will face a choice: save her beloved property...or trust in a relationship that’s becoming undeniably real.

Introduction “Ellie, you need a husband.” “You’re a fine one to think so.” Graham’s downcast gaze cut into Ellie like a cotton hoe. “I’ve always thought so,” he said, his voice quiet. “I meant you have no room to speak, since you refuse to marry, too.” “With good reason.” “My reason is good, too.” “Then let’s hear it.” She knew she shouldn’t have told him how good her reason was, knew he’d take it as a challenge. And one thing she’d never seen Graham Talbot do was back down from a challenge. “I don’t want to, that’s all.” She couldn’t explain to him the horror of being orphaned, of being taken in by strangers. Relying on her father to provide for her—and being disappointed—had been one thing. Depending on neighbors for daily food was another. Never again would she depend on anyone else to provide for her. Her uncle had taken the past thirteen years to teach her to be a planter. Not a planter’s wife. And a planter she would be.

About the Author CHRISTINA MILLER has always lived in the past. Her passion for history began with her grandmother’s stories of 1920s rural southern Indiana. When Christina began to write fiction, she believed God was calling her to write what she knew: history. A Bethany College of Missions graduate, pastor’s wife and worship leader, Christina lives on the family’s farm with her husband of twenty-seven years and Sugar, their talking dog.

Title Page Counterfeit Courtship Christina Miller www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. —Philippians 4:13

Dedication To Jesus, the giver of dreams and gifts... To my husband, Jan, my real-life hero and man of God who has always believed in me... To my mother, who taught me to read as soon as I was big enough to hold a book... To my father, who taught me that I could do anything I set my mind to. With gratitude to... Miss Mimi Miller, Executive Director of The Historic Natchez Foundation, for helping me with countless historical accuracies and details and becoming my lively new friend. Mr. Terry Trovato, Dunleith Historic Inn docent and storyteller, for brightening this book with his tales and historic tidbits. What a delight it was to write portions of this book in the parlor, dining room and galleries of Dunleith, the house after which I patterned Graham’s home. Dina Davis, my amazing editor, whose expert skills made my book sing. I can’t imagine this journey without her! Mary Sue Seymour, the sweetest and wisest agent in the business. Aunt Sister Sylvia Gehlhausen, who gave me a quiet place to write in her ancient, enormous home.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven