Page 46 of A Late-Blooming Rose
“Iamconcerned about Mr. Bly,” Mrs. Cobb said stiffly. “We must find someone else—someone moremature—to take care of him.”
“Who?” Delia asked bluntly. “Mrs. Murphy might normally be willing. But her boarding house is full of guests. You know what a busy time of year this is. Everyone who lives nearby and could possibly help out already has responsibilities and is also working hard to stock their larders for the winter.”
Mrs. Cobb looked taken aback. “Well!”
“That’s settled, then,” Delia said briskly, brushing her palms together. “Cora will nurse Brian. Now to strategize what’s needed.”
Elsie held up a tentative hand, as if asking for permission. “Perhaps it’s best if I go find Hank. He’ll know more about his friend’s situation than I do.”
Mrs. Swensen shifted her plate from one hand to another. “Torin sent money for us to buy supplies for Brian. My husband has the list.”
Delia’s brow wrinkled. “You mentioned Torin Truesdale before. But I don’t believe I know him.”
“He lives between Hank Canfield and Brian Bly at Three-Bend Lake.” Mrs. Swensen exchanged a hasty glance with Elsie. “No one else has a home near the lake. He has the nicest house and can afford to buy the extra supplies for Brian.”
Tilda stopped by to offer a tray of rainbow-coloredpetit fours.
Mrs. Swensen looked longingly at the tiny desserts, but when the other women declined, so did she.
Rose plucked twopetit foursfrom the tray and placed the tiny cookies on Mrs. Swensen’s plate and one on her own to cover the kindness.
“That’s very generous of Mr. Truesdale.” Delia held up a finger. “However, I doubt he took a nurse into account when ordering supplies. Perhaps, when he comes here, Hank can bring the list, so we know what else to buy.”
Elsie made a sudden movement. “I’ll go get him right now. I’ll be back in two shakes of a lamb’s tail.”
“Elsie, dear.” Delia touched the girl’s arm. “I’ll send our coachman for Hank. Even with the time spent hitching up the surrey, Sam driving to the mercantile will be faster than you can walk there and back. I’ll have Sam tell Mr. Canfield my father has need of him. I’d best get Papa as well.” She cast the ladies a conspiratorial smile and headed out of the parlor, presumably to the kitchen to send Sam after Hank.
If Andre’s involved, how much more elaborate and expensive will our scheme become?
Not my concern,she reminded herself.What’s important is Cora’s comfort will be assured.
I wish I could say the same for her safety and reputation.
About ten minutes later, Delia returned to the parlor with her father, whom she’d apparently filled in about the plans.
He went around and greeted everyone.
Women’s gazes followed him.
Andre stopped before each lady, taking her hand with a slight bow, addressing her by name, and saying a few other words. He obviously captivated them all, before settling with a cup of tea and a plate of food in one of the wingchairs.
Rose didn’t know whether to envy Andre for his easy assurance or the recipients of his attentions.
While they waited, the ladies helped themselves to more tea and dainties, shifting chairs or sitting on the sofas in a loose circle around Andre. They passed the time with asking Sheriff Granger details about her posse’s capture of the outlaws.
Rose listened as avidly as everyone else. The sheriff mentioned Anthony Gordon, the newspaper owner, had already interviewed her and some of the posse members. She thought of her earlier conversation about the diaries and hoped the lawwoman and the men also wrote down firsthand accounts. She decided to suggest the idea to the sheriff the first time they had a private moment.
Rose knew her niece kept a diary and religiously entered her life story every night.I’ll encourage Cora to also write down Brian Bly’s account of hunting down the outlaws.
Finally, Rufus entered, bowing and mentioning Mr. Hank Canfield’s arrival, and letting Sheriff Granger off the conversational hook. Hank was a handsome, lanky man, dressed like a cowboy, in a brown vest that matched his eyes and a new-looking white shirt.
Rose glanced at Elsie and saw pink suffusing the young woman’s cheeks, and her lips turned up with apparent pleasure.
Hank sent an uneasy look around at the women watching him. His gaze paused briefly on pretty, blushing Elsie and then, with an expression of relief, fastened on Andre. “Mr. Bellaire, what’s this about?”
Andre waved toward the other wingchair, left empty for their latest guest. “Come join us.”
“I’m fine, thank you.” Hank remained standing.
