“Excuse me. What are you talking about two husbands?” one of the women said.
The doctor suddenly appeared concerned.
“In Treasure Falls, there are two husbands for each woman. We have lived this way for many years due to the shortage of women. This way if one husband is killed, the second man is there to make certain the family is taken care of.”
Pearl glanced at the two of them and then she smiled and licked her lips.
Damn. She was a saucy one.
Later tonight, he intended to kiss those full rosy lips, to taste her to see if this heat between them was mutual. Was she feeling that way as well?
The mine owner, Jesse, his cousin, walked up beside his uncle. “This has been our way for many different reasons since Treasure Falls began. It’s not a bad way to live. You have a legal husband and also a second man who will love and take care of you.”
The women gazed at one another, looks of surprise evident. Obviously, the marriage broker had forgotten to mention this very important detail. But Pearl didn’t seem to mind. The other ladies were busy tittering, but Pearl stared at the two of them.
The situation didn’t seem to upset her, and in fact, she appeared unafraid. And instantly his cock grew even harder. There was something about a strong woman who knew her mind and what she wanted that attracted him.
How many of these women would be on the next stage back to Charleston?
Aunt Grace moved to stand beside the doctor. “Ladies, I’ve lived this way all my life and my husbands have kept me very happy. Sadly, Silas died last year. So now it’s just me and the doctor.”
The room grew quiet as the women discussed the situation amongst themselves.
“Did the matchmaker not mention this?” Jesse asked.
“No,” the women cried.
“I’d like to know more about this way of life. I’d like to talk to Aunt Grace in private sometime. We have two weeks before we have to make a decision. I’m willing to consider having two husbands,” one of the brides said.
Her words seemed to calm the women. The others nodded in agreement.
Wesley stared at the auburn-haired beauty standing across from him and Anthony.
Some of the men were asking the women what they thought, but he and Anthony remained silent. She knew what she was getting. There was no need for asking questions. She would either accept them both or she would return to Charleston. And so far, it appeared she was not leaving.
She moved toward them. “Good evening, gentlemen.”
“Good evening,” Anthony said.
Wesley took her by the arm. “May we escort you out to the patio area?”
“Yes,” she said breathlessly, looking at them both. “Now I understand why the men seemed to be in pairs this afternoon. I don’t have to choose between the two of you.”
Wesley felt his cock harden. So she liked them. She liked them both.
“No,” Anthony said, taking her other arm. “You’ll fit nicely between us.”
A blush spread across her face. “Are you certain I’m the woman for you?”
“Absolutely,” Anthony said. “I knew it the moment you stepped off that coach.”
She smiled. “Me too.”
“Good,” Wesley said. “Now that we have that settled. Let’s find a table and get to know one another.”
Damn, this woman was making him hot enough to cancel all his plans of traveling. Gazing down into her upturned face, it was all he could do not to pull her lips to his. To show her that he would be the man who would make her scream with pleasure.
They walked past two women standing in the corner and he could see they were upset about the news of two husbands. “Who is that?”