Page 48 of A Late-Blooming Rose
Andre looked from Rose to Hank. “Remember, though, this is really for Brian Bly, who selflessly sacrificed himself to help bring the murdering culprits to justice. He’s a hero, and he deserves all the comforts and succor we can provide.”
“I don’t think Bly will see things in the same light,” Hank muttered. “He won’t let Miss Cora go home with him.”
Cora’s smile at poor Hank was sharp enough to cut. “Then when everyone leaves tomorrow to drive back to town, I’ll stay. Since I’m already there, he can hardly kick me out of his house.”
“He’ll probably try,” Hank mumbled, shaking his head.
She stuck her nose in the air. “Well, he won’t succeed.”
By now, Rose was thoroughly cross with Cora and her stubborn, impetuous choice to ruin her reputation.Those two will deserve each other.
Andre gave them all a benevolent smile and settled back in his chair. “Shall we figure out exactly what’s needed for our jaunt to Three-Bend Lake tomorrow?”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Andre and Cora walked with some of the ladies outside, leaving Rose and Delia to help Tilda and Milliana clean up. The two servants stacked most of the cups and plates on trays and left the parlor.
Delia and Rose went around the room, gathering stray teacups and saucers, napkins, some of the small plates, empty now of cookies and sandwiches, and setting them on another tray. Then they began moving the balloon-backed chairs into their original positions.
After the chatter of voices, the parlor was blessedly silent, and Rose welcomed the peace, relieved to no longer have to act social. She paused for a moment and took a deep breath, inhaling the many hints of perfume left behind, grateful she’d survived the tea party with her dignity intact and no embarrassment to Andre.Hopefully, Delia doesn’t have any more social events planned, at least for a while.
She didn’t look forward to tomorrow—another long day packed with strangers. If not for her duty to Cora, she’d prefer to remain here.But I cannot.
She had to see Mr. Bly’s home for herself, to make sure Cora would be comfortable and the proprieties satisfied—at least as much as was possible under the circumstances.Even if my conscience allowed, it would look odd if I didn’t go along.
The thought of her headstrong niece brought up more worry.I must make her promise to leave if the man seems minutely unsafe. She can take refuge with the Swensens. I’m sure Mr. Canfield would escort her there or bring her back here.
Stopping to look out the front window, Rose saw Andre still in conversation with the beautiful Sophia Maxwell. The Songbird’s back was to the window, so Rose had a full view of Andre’s face, his smile broad, his hands gesturing as he spoke. He touched Sophia’s arm. She must have said something amusing, for he threw back his head and laughed.
With a jealous clench of her stomach, Rose turned away from the window and stalked over to a balloon-backed chair, her movements sharp as she shoved it into position. She paused, her hands on the top of the chair, and snuck another glance out the window, only to see Andre still absorbed in his conversation with Sophia.
With a swish of skirts and whiff of perfume, Delia came close and also looked out the window, before moving around the chair to touch Rose’s shoulder and slide her palm down her arm to take her hand. “About Papa….”
What about him?
She squeezed Rose’s hand, apparently needing to summon her full attention. “I’m concerned about him going on thisjaunttomorrow. You might have noticed that he’s not…strong.”
Rose turned to face her, thinking over the times she’d spent with Andre. Except for the reaction two days ago to Joshua’s news, he’d seemed fine. She withdrew her hand from Delia’s clasp and tilted her head toward the window. “Your father looks in good spirits to me.”
“Spirit is different from body. Charisma isn’t the same as health.” Delia pressed her lips together, as if holding back saying more. She cast a worried look out the window and bit her lip.
Rose wasn’t quite sure what Delia was telling her. “Andre displayed plenty of vigor today in his determination to see Mr. Bly taken care of and Cora protected.”
“That’s just it.” Delia spread her arms. “I’m worried he’ll get too involved in constructing the additions to Mr. Bly’s home. He’ll tire himself out and won’t have a place to rest, even if he could be prevailed upon to do so. Perhaps he’ll even cause himself some harm. At…at the same time my father’s a proud man who hates to display his weakness. Hates tohavephysical frailty. Although he understands and often might even appreciate my concern, he doesn’t like when I getbossy, to use his word.”
The thought of Andre in poor health weighed heavily on Rose.
“I’d like him to stay home tomorrow. Well, after he goes to the mercantile and buys out the place for Brian and Cora.”
With a stab of guilt Rose pictured Andre spending lavishly at the mercantile. “I wish he wouldn’t. I mean…this wholedebaclewill cost so much money.”
Delia shrugged. “That’s Papa for you. I’ve long since given up keeping him from spending when he’s feeling generous. Sometimes, I protest. Usually, since there’s no stopping him, I’ve had to learn how toreceive.” She gave Rose a wry smile.
Rose raised her eyebrows. “Most women wouldn’t complain.”
“Most women grew up with their fathers present—at least for part of their lives.” Delia’s voice firmed. “I didn’t. I wouldn’t care if he were a pauper. I’m just grateful to havehim.”
Delia’s fierceness surprised Rose, opening her eyes to the deep bond between father and daughter. “What do you have in mind for tomorrow?”
