Page 24 of A Late-Blooming Rose
Rose resisted his resolve, and then relented.
Delia led the women down the steps.
Andre followed with their bags, grateful with their backs turned he could quietly gasp for breath.
Cora glanced at the street and stopped. “I’m relieved to see a paved road. I thought everything would be dirt like we’ve seen in other small towns on the way here. In our part of New York, we’re used to having the streets swept or shoveled regularly.”
“Only until just past the hotel and in front of my house.” Andre pointed ahead. “Mostly we do have dirt streets—well, mud today. The quartzite bricks stop right before the mercantile. Although some of our citizens eventually plan to add the bricks to the street in front of their homes or businesses.”
“Patchwork streets.” Cora laughed.
Delia raised one eyebrow. “I guarantee you won’t find the roads so funny when you’re up to your ankles in mud and other muck.” She shuddered.
“Ugh!” Cora wrinkled her nose.
“I know,” Delia agreed. “We’re lucky to avoid the worst by taking a carriage out when the streets are bad. But most people aren’t so fortunate. Of course, you’ll have the use of ours.”
“We wouldn’t presume to use your carriage,” Rose said in a repressive tone. Her lips tightened.
Delia touched Rose’s shoulder. “No presumption at all. Why, Papa built the stables almost as big as the house. My husband has his own surrey for his visits around town and beyond. We have a two-seater surrey as well as this coach for when we need to transport more people. Then Micah has a darling little carriage, which is pulled by two miniature horses called Falabellas and seats two, provided they’re not heavy. Oh, and the sleighs, including Micah’s.” She smiled and rested a hand on Andre’s arm. “Papa spoils him.”
“Birthday and Christmas gifts. Besides, I like those little horses, too.” Andre slanted a glance at Rose. “They’re irresistible.”
For the first time, her expression lightened when she looked at him. “I look forward to seeing them.”
“I’ll take you for a drive.”
“I’m sure that’s not necessary,” Rose said hastily. “But I know Cora would love such an excursion.”
Andre hid a wince at her rejection.Probably for the best. He remembered a romantic sleigh ride through the streets of New York and what soon came after.
Cora leaned to nudge Rose with her shoulder. “Don’t listen to her, Mr. Bellaire. Aunt Rose wouldloveto go with you.”
Delia’s lips pressed together—perhaps, from the light in her eyes, to hide a grin. She tilted her head in the direction of the coach and led them to Sam, who dismounted from the driver’s seat to meet them. “This is Sam Herbert,” she said, placing a hand on his arm. “Our coachman and stable man.” She smiled up at him. “And friend, of course.”
Sam bowed and flashed the newcomers his charming grin. “Mr. Bellaire didn’t warn me to expect two such lovely ladies,” he drawled. “Welcome to Sweetwater Springs.”
Rose and Cora murmured greetings.
“This town is a good place to live, even with the tough winters.” Sam gave a dramatic shiver and helped Cora inside the coach. “You’ll need to keep warm.” He reached to take Cora’s satchel from Andre, and then accepted Rose’s.
With both hands full, the coachman nodded at Andre and stepped around the women. Once out of Rose’s line of sight, Sam sent him a knowing smirk and went to stow the luggage.
With a hand to her elbow, Andre helped Delia inside and then turned to Rose, holding out a hand.
Rose hesitated before placing her gloved hand in his. Instead of stepping inside, she looked up at him, a hint of warmth in her eyes. “I’m eager to see the library. Can we go there first?”
Andre’s stomach tightened, dreading telling her the truth. He’d thought he’d have more time before he had to confess.Who knows how she’ll react?
They were too close to the train station and the hotel. He feared Rose would balk at coming with them, instead staying the night here, and then heading back to New York on the next train out.
With a whistle and a release of brakes, the train began to chug away, easing his immediate worry. Andre smiled down at Rose hoping his expression looked natural. “Cook is waiting with dinner. She’s been preparing for your arrival all day, sure you two will be starving after your journey.”
Delia, on the verge of climbing into the back seat, paused, and sent him a sharp glance.
With a little feeling of panic lest his daughter prematurely reveal his secret about the barely-begun library, Andre gave her a slight shake of his head.
Delia rolled her eyes at him, and, before Rose could turn and notice, she smoothed out her expression, gathered up her skirts to climb into the coach, and moved to take a seat.
