*Alexander*
The smell of roasted chicken and fresh bread hits me before I even sit down. Father’s already carving the bird, and Mother fusses with the serving dishes. My younger brother Phineas acts like he’s starving, already starting on his second slice of bread and butter.
“Alexander,” Father says, his voice low but firm. “Have you thought more about the Booth maiden? She’s well-mannered and God-fearing. She’s exactly the sort of girl to make a good wife.”
I shrug. “I’m not thinking about marriage yet, Father. My hands are full with the farm and keeping the animals fed. Courtship can wait.”
Mother huffs. “Courtship can wait, aye, but life won’t. A man can’t let his work take every hour of the day. Securing a wife, someone to care for you, to help manage the household, is part of a m
