The Husband Dilemma


 
 
 
 “I don’t need your help.”
 “But you do, for you will not be looking into the ordinary things with these men. Rather you shall ascertain their individual personalities to determine their compatibility with mine.”
 Gideon laughed, though she could not tell whether it was with amusement or disbelief.
 “I have been thinking, and we must figure out a way,” Ingrid continued firmly, “for you to accompany me or be nearby when I speak with these men. Note their flaws, their incompatibilities. My parents want me to marry for love.”
 His head tilted. “But you do not wish to do so?”
 A tiny clench tugged beneath her breastbone, but she ignored it. “I’m inclined toward monogamy, and the piano stole my heart long ago.”
 “Stolen hearts, unsuitable beaux. I find myself in agreement with you. Love is far too overrated. All right, my lady.” He pushed to his feet. “Send a missive with the time and day that I am to rescue you from your parents’ nefarious plans.”
 He winked before strolling off, and once again, Ingrid’s breath shallowed and her heart raced.
 
 
 Jessica Nelson believes romance happens every day and thinks the greatest, most intense romance comes from a God who woos people to Himself with passionate tenderness. When Jessica is not cleaning up after her teenagers, she can be found staring into space as she plots her next story. Or she might be daydreaming about a raspberry mocha from Starbucks. Or thinking about what kind of chocolate she should have for dinner that night. She could be thinking of any number of things, really. One thing is for certain—she is blessed with a wonderful family and a lovely life.
 Books by Jessica Nelson
 Love Inspired Historical
 Love on the Range
 Family on the Range
 The Matchmaker’s Match
 A Hasty Betrothal
 The Unconventional Governess
 An Unlikely Duchess
 The Husband Dilemma
 Visit the Author Profile page at LoveInspired.com.
 
 
 The Husband Dilemma
 Jessica Nelson
 
 
 
 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
 —Ephesians 3:20–21
 
 
 To my wild teenagers, who eat all the food and complain about my cooking skills, but still let me hug you... My heart would be empty and incomplete without you. And to my amazing Jesus, Who has been my ever-present help and joy, both in shadowed valleys and on sun-kissed mountaintops.
 
 
 Contents
 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
 Chapter Twenty-Two
 Chapter Twenty-Three
 Chapter Twenty-Four
 Chapter Twenty-Five
 Chapter Twenty-Six
 Dear Reader
 Excerpt from Wyoming Mail-Order Bride by Janet Tronstad
 
 
 Chapter One
 London
 Gideon West had seen many strange things in his life as a detective with Bow Street.
 He did not count a woman hiding behind a curtain in an office during a ball as one of those strange things. In truth, the emerald green slippers peeking from beneath the curtain’s satin hem were most certainly a new experience for him. Curiosity piqued, he quietly placed his completed investigative report on Lord Bunsworth’s massive, teak desk and then backed out of the private office.
 He had merely stopped by to close the investigation, but he’d found a fancy ball in progress. Thankfully the butler knew him and let him into Lord Bunsworth’s quarters in order to drop off his findings.
 He had not expected to notice someone hiding behind curtains, and he doubted the servants knew of the deception.
 The woman obviously did not want to be found. That did not mean he would give her what she wanted.
 It was not outside the realm of possibility that she might be a thief. He’d seen his share of those, and they came in all shapes and sizes.
 He stood in the long hall, debating if he should leave without notifying the servants of her presence.
 Balls often offered the perfect opportunity for a thief to sneak in and filch jewels. The height of the Season, springtime, provoked a spike in criminality.
 At the far end of the hall, a door opened and an older woman sporting a turquoise gown emerged from the ballroom. As she neared, her violet-eyed gaze flicked over him, briefly lingering. Not with feminine interest, but something he couldn’t put a finger on. Almost...recognition? Then she glanced away, bored disinterest pasted on her face. Doubtless she considered him a servant, unworthy of her attention.
 She dipped her head into the office he’d just left. “Ingrid?”
 No response.
 Gideon bit back his grin. The woman made a wide berth as she passed him. He heard her calling into other rooms, but no one by the name of Ingrid answered. When she came back, she paused as if to ask him a question, but then thought better of speaking to someone who was clearly a commoner. Irritation tightened her expression, and her stride to the ballroom looked stiff.
 Amusement curled his lips. If she’d bothered to speak with him, he might have helped her. As it was, the snobbery of the ton never failed to irritate him and he remained mute.
 He glanced at his stopwatch. Perhaps a minute, and he’d postulate the girl ventured out on her own. Perhaps she was a young lady who had snuck down to watch the ball, dreaming of her own Come Out one day, followed by her subsequent search for a wealthy, titled husband. Silly rich people.
 He stayed away from them.
 As expected, a moment passed and then a head of raven hair peeked out from the office.
 “Ingrid, I presume,” he said in a casual tone. His grin widened as she turned