Page 41 of A Whiskey River Princess

Gabriella smiled. “I don’t sew, but I embroider.”

Mrs. Carson had been about to ring up their purchases but perked up at the mention. “What do you needlepoint?”

Gabriella smiled. “Just about everything. Pillows, mainly, but I also embroider pillowcases, and the cuffs and hems of dresses.”

“Interesting.” Mrs. Carson’s eyes lit up as she made her way to the embroidery floss and embroidery frames. “We happen to have an extensive collection. Do you crochet, too?”

Gabriella nodded as a smile lit her lips. “Yes, I do, but I don’t knit, although I wish I did.”

“Well, if you’re interested, the Widow Jenkins could teach you,” Mrs. Carson supplied.

Gabriella’s smile faded. “Thank you, but I’m not sure how long I’ll be here.”

Mrs. Carson’s eyebrows shot up almost into her hairline, causing her stark brown bun to lift even higher. “Oh, do consider staying! We could use some culture here in Whiskey River.”

Dirk’s heart sank when he saw Gabriella’s smile fade. He decided to intervene before Mrs. Carson scared her off. “I think we’ll take these,” he said, pointing to the vegetables that were set out on the counter. “Gabriella, get whatever you’d like.”

“I can pay for it—”

“Nonsense!” Dirk replied. “The cabin could use a woman’s touch.”

Mrs. Carson lifted one of her eyebrows. “So, you’re staying with Mr. Price?”

“Really, Mrs. Carson!” Gabriella said without missing a beat, raising her chin with a regal air, and walked over to the wool and embroidery floss. “I’m a virtuous woman!”

Dirk bit his lower lip to keep from smiling, noticing that she hadn’t answered the question. But her reply was perfect, for the older woman took a step back and placed a hand on her chest.

“Oh… yes… pardon me,” Mrs. Carson stammered. “I meant no harm—”

“Yes, yes,” Gabriella said, waving her hand dismissively. “Thank you, but we will let you know if we require your assistance.”

A crease formed between Mrs. Carson’s eyes, taking a step back. “Well, I never!” Then she turned on her heel and walked behind the counter in a huff.

Dirk stepped close behind Gabriella and smelled her floral scent. “That was brilliant.”

Gabriella smiled and whispered, “I didn’t know how else to keep her at bay.”

Dirk chuckled as he walked over to the counter where the spices were kept. If they were going to cook a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings, then they would need a few more spices. “Pardon me, Mrs. Carson.”

She lifted her eyebrows. “Yes?”

“I’d like some sage, nutmeg, ginger, salt, pepper….” Dirk continued as he ticked off the names of spices, keeping Mrs. Carson busy and away from Gabriella. He didn’t want anyone to scare her. Hard telling what she had been through at the hands of those men. Dirk’s blood boiled at the thought. He also bought some sugar, flour, and cornmeal. “There. I think that should do it.” He glanced over at Gabriella, who was looking at some wool. “Gabriella, did you want anything?”

She smiled as she gathered some skeins of yarn into her arms. “Yes, but I’ll pay for this.”

“Oh, no—”

“Dirk, I won’t take no for an answer,” she cut him off, already digging into her reticule. Mrs. Carson’s eyes bulged as Gabriella handed her a large bill, surprising Dirk, as well. “I’ll also take an embroidery hoop and some floss, as well.”

“Well… yes… of course! Just pick out the colors you’d like, and I’ll ring them up.” Mrs. Carson rushed to Gabriella’s sideand reached for the wool. “Here. Let me take that for you, my dear. You take all the time you need.”

Dirk smiled, unable to resist. “Don’t take too long or we really will have to stay the night here in town.”

Mrs. Carson gasped.

Gabriella suppressed a smile as her eyes danced, obviously knowing that he was teasing the woman. “Don’t worry. I won’t be long.” She quickly selected several small skeins of embroidery floss while Mrs. Carson picked out an embroidery hoop for her.

“Are you sure you won’t require anything else?” Mrs. Carson inquired as she happily added up her purchases.

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