Page 21 of A Whiskey River Princess

Gabriella arched an eyebrow. “What kind of books do you like?”

He smiled as a faraway look came into his eyes. “I love the works by William Shakespeare, but I think my favorite author is Alexandre Dumas.”

Gabriella smiled, surprised that he had readMonsieurDumas’s works. “You do know that he was a Frenchman.”

“Yes, of course.” His voice turned serious. “Does that surprise you?”

She shrugged. “A little. He wrote in France, and I’m just surprised that his books are here in America, as well.”

Dirk rose from his seat and washed out his coffee cup. “Just because we’re in a small town doesn’t mean we aren’t aware of what’s happening in the world.”

Gabriella realized immediately that she had offended him. “I’m so sorry. That’s not what I meant.”

He turned around to face her, his muscles bulging as he held on to the counter behind him, causing her heart to flutter. “What did you mean, then?”

“I only meant that France is a long way away.” She took another bite of her sandwich and swallowed. “I was just surprised that his books have made it here to America.”

Dirk nodded, understanding. “Yes, he’s quite popular here. I’ve read many of his books.”

“Which are your favorites?” she asked, surprised to be having a conversation about literature in a small town.

A faraway look came into his eyes as he smiled, obviously remembering. “I likedThe Three Musketeers, but I would have to say my favorite isThe Man in the Iron Mask.I mean, Dumas’s style is so adventurous.”

“How so?” Gabriella asked, intrigued, the sandwich forgotten.

“I mean, it’s history.The Three Musketeerswas based on men who really lived, and then became legend,” Dirk began, fiddling with the dishtowel. “I don’t know. I guess I just like the stories that Alexandre Dumas’s books offer. I love that time period—swashbucklers, adventures, damsels in distress….”

“Have you read his bookLe Comte de Monte-Cristo?”Gabriella asked, enjoying the conversation. In Monaco, no one she knew had shared her love of books.

One corner of his lips curled into a smile. “In English, please?”

She chuckled. “The Count of Monte Cristo.”

He shook his head. “No, I haven’t read it. Have you?”

Gabriella nodded as she finished the rest of her sandwich.

“What’s it about?” Dirk asked as he pulled out a chair and sat down, settling in for the conversation.

“It’s about a man who is accused of treason on his wedding day. He comes back later to avenge his accusers,” Gabriella replied. “He’s the first mate of a ship and has lots of adventures.”

“Sounds interesting. I’d love to read it,” Dirk approved. “As soon as the storm lets up, I’ll ask Mr. Carson if he can order it for me.”

“Mr. Carson?”

Dirk nodded. “He and his wife own the general store here in Whiskey River.” He shrugged. “He can order most books, but if he can’t get that one, I’ll go to Laramie and will order it there. Who knows? They might even have it in the library. They just opened one up and I go there every week to see what new titles they have.”

Gabriella let out a deep breath. “I’d love to open a library one day, but it would take a lot of books.”

“You could start off with just a few shelves,” Dirk reasoned, intrigued. “Then you could build your collection with donations and books you buy. Also, estate sales are a good place to acquire them.”

She shrugged. “Yes. I guess it just depends upon where you open it. How many people here do you think would be interested in a library?”

“You’d be surprised.” A smile lit Dirk’s lips. “Quite a few, I’d guess. You could probably talk to Madison, Wyatt Nash’s wife, about it. She’s the new schoolteacher in town.”

Gabriella nodded.

He rose from his seat and placed his dishes in the sink. “I have lots of books in the living room. You can read what you like while you’re here.” He walked into the other room.

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