Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

Peyton was mid-swing with a willow switch when a voice called out from not too far away.

"Good heavens, Mrs. Moll! What are you doing? You better stop before you hurt the child! I've got some great news - someone's interested in your Emma!"

Peyton's hand froze, disbelief etched on her face as she looked up to see the village matchmaker approaching.

The woman was decked out in a bright red cardigan, her face lit up with joy, as she hurriedly pulled Emma up from her knees.

"It's true. The Odeberg family's widower just lost his wife during childbirth, poor soul. She left behind a newborn with no one to care for it. Emma's a nurse, right? She's been taking care of you all these years, so she must know a thing or two about newborns. The Odebergs said if Emma agrees, they'll bring over a $30,000 dowry and take her tonight. Mrs. Moll, this is a golden opportunity!"

Emma, still bleeding and feeling sick to her stomach, was furious upon hearing this.

Was this a marriage proposal or a job offer? Clearly, the Odebergs were looking for a live-in nurse, wanting to buy her lifetime services, including her medical skills, for $30,000.

The matchmaker, still smiling, nodded approvingly at Emma. Though her skin was a bit darker, as long as she could bear sons, that was all that mattered.

"Mrs. Moll, don't hesitate. The Odebergs have even brought the dowry money. That's $30,000! You make that much in a year selling herbal remedies. Plus, despite the man being a bit of a limper, he's got family in town and owns several houses. Many in the village have eyed that spot, but he was taken. Now, with his wife gone and Emma's medical background, this door has opened."

Peyton knew the Odebergs were well-off, and their physical limitations didn't deter admirers.

In a village where venturing beyond was rare, and daughters were seen as less valuable, expected to leave for their husband's household, becoming 'water spilled out of the family,' Peyton would've opted for another child if not for her health issues.

The Odebergs were desperate for a son, having divorced a previous wife for not bearing one. Now, with a son born but the mother lost, they urgently needed a skilled nurse.

Peyton softened her tone, looking at Emma.

"Emma, what do you think of this?"

Emma was about to refuse when the matchmaker continued her persuasion.

"Mrs. Moll, think about it. The Odebergs plan to move to town. Emma, working as a nurse, won't

have to forage for herbs on the mountains. It's a chance for a better life for both of you. You've toiled all your life without a son to

you in old age. Isn't Emme for

all you're counting on?"

Peyton, initially seeking Emma's opinion, seemed swayed.

"You make a good point. Go back for now. I'll talk it over with Emma, and you can come back later."

The matchmaker's eyes lit up,

knowing the Odebergs urgently

nov

needed someone capable to care for their newborn son. They'd promised her a $5,000 bonus if she succeeded in bringing Emma over. Emma's medical expertise was unquestionable; despite her complexion, her years of caring for her mother proved her capability.

After the matchmaker left with a cheerful goodbye, only Peyton and Emma remained.

"I'll ask the Odebergs for a couple more days before you go. Drink the concoction I've made to terminate the pregnancy, rest for a day, then you can head over."

"Mom, even if I were to terminate the pregnancy, we'd have to go to town. Our current conditions could lead to complications."

Peyton sighed in relief, seeing Emma's compliance.

"Emma, remember the money that man left? Take it and get the procedure done in town tonight. It's better than suffering from an incomplete abortion." Emma's eyes welled up, choking on her words.

Peyton, holding her hand, sighed softly.

"Don't think I'm heartless. You know what happened to that unmarried girl who got pregnant before. She was beaten to an inch of her life by her family. We've had our share of hard times; I don't want you to be the subject of gossip. Please, let's do this. Once you're with the Odebergs, we can move to town, and if you want children, you can have them with your husband."