A Christmas Wedding Wager
November 1846, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England'It is no good getting your hopes up, Miss Emma, the first survey was clear, like. The Gaffer, your father, would agree with me if he were here,' Mudge the foreman pronounced with a solemn face, his words echoing off the walls of the small office.
Emma Harrison forced air into her lungs and struggled to hang on to her temper despite the overwhelming desire to scream. The last thing she needed was a lecture from Mudge about why the line of the bridge had to remain where it was. She could read a survey as well as any man. Better than most.
'My father agrees with me. I told you this. How many times must I repeat it?' She focused her attention on the plan of the site that hung on the wall.
'Your father ain't been himself lately. Begging your pardon, Miss. Everyone on site knows it.'
Emma forced a smile, ignored the growing pain behind her eyes. Today had started badly, and showed every sign of declining further. Her mind kept circling back to one question—how was she going to ensure that the bridge would be built on time?
A few of the navvies and workmen moved through the site overlooking the Tyne ... read full excerpt from A Christmas Wedding Wager ebook
