His mother had simply said his bride must be “acceptable for our family’s position.” For her concession on that point, Finn was grateful. He had taken some time to look for the right wife, and he was now satisfied he had found her. Finn had been convinced he could find common ground with Naomi. He had not expected to find her so charming, intelligent, or entertaining but was quite pleased with his luck. He could not be sure his wife felt the same way though she seemed open to him. She was a bit jumpy at first, but she had grown more comfortable as the weeks passed, and he flattered himself that she did like him. Perhaps she had never heard the stories circulating about him after all, and he would have a chance to prove he could be the husband she desired. Finn glanced up at his wife who was engrossed in a book she had purchased at Portsmouth. Her brow was puckered and her lips were pressed together in a line.
