Page 50 of A Late-Blooming Rose
Delia shrugged. “As you saw with Edith, we’ve smoothed things over. Joshua would as soon everyone knew. But the Nortons are kind, tolerant….” Her mouth quivered. “I don’t want them judged because of me.” She released Rose’s hands and touched her stomach. “Or my baby.”
The thought of anyone being so unkind to an innocent baby—to Andre’s grandchild—shot hurt through Rose. “Your baby will be beautiful, and I can understand you wanting to protect him or her from the small-mindedness of others.”
“Papa will be relieved you know. I’ll let you tell him tomorrow, and the two of you can talk about our situation.”
“No need for that,” Rose murmured.I wish to avoid more intimacy with him.Not that she could say so aloud.
“In the morning, I’ll have Sam bring the crate from the attic and leave it in here. You stay in bed, and I’ll send up your breakfast. Come down after we return from the mercantile, and then we’ll convince Papa to stay home.” Delia’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “I believe we have a plan.”
“You know…” Rose wagged a finger. “This confirms what I said at the tea party. You are just as manipulative as your father.”
Delia chortled, leaned forward, grabbed Rose’s finger, and kissed her cheek, leaving behind the scent of perfume. “You make a wonderful conspirator.” With a mischievous smile, she turned, scooping up a stray plate on her way toward the kitchen.
Even after Delia had left the room, Rose felt the soft touch on her cheek, evoking a maternal trembling in her heart, and an awareness of how physically barren of affection the last years had been. Some handclasps from Marty. Lots of hugs from Cora.But so much emptiness.
Rose exhaled a sharp breath.Bad enough I must fight my feelings for Andre. I can’t fall in love with his family, too.
* * *
The next day went just as Delia and Rose planned. Instead of dressing and going downstairs for breakfast, Rose lingered in bed. Mornings had turned chill, although the afternoons warmed to a comfortable temperature with golden sunshine and a rich blue sky.
Delia sent Tilda with a breakfast tray of hot chocolate and cinnamon toast, the perfect fare for someone not feeling well. Contentedly, she donned a warm bed jacket, propped herself against the pillows, and ate while startingThe Country of the Pointed Firs.
Snug in bed, Rose read for several hours. Only when, through her partially-opened window, she could hear everyone return from the mercantile, did she dress and go downstairs.
In the parlor, Cora bubbled over with excitement. She caught Rose’s hand and dragged her to sit on the sofa, detailing all their purchases.
Andre and Delia also settled into seats near them.
After hearingicebox,two comfortable wing chairs,a kitchen tableand chairs, and afour-poster bed, Rose frowned at Andre in exasperation. “You practically furnished a whole house!
He beamed. “Absolutely.”
“The mercantile must be huge to carry such furnishings.”
“Not a bit.” His smile didn’t dim.
Cora giggled. “Uncle Andre bought the Cobbs’ own furniture, although they have so much that a few pieces taken barely made a dent.”
“Andre, you didn’t!” A sick feeling rumbled in Rose’s stomach. “Why that woman probably made you pay through the nose.”
“You underestimate my magnetism and bargaining skills.” He chuckled, seeming not one wit abashed.
Undecided whether to smack her forehead or his shoulder, she shook her head.
Cora chuckled. “You should have seen him, Aunt Rose. By the end of her dealing, Mrs. Cobb was practically salivating at the idea of getting all new furniture for her home, when what she had was perfectlyfine. She actually threw in a few crocheted doilies.” She giggled. “I can only imagine Mr. Bly’s face when he sees them. The wagons with everything are already on their way up the mountain.”
“Now Cora and Mr. Bly will be comfortable. You can’t deny, Rose, how important it will be for him to be at ease in a bed or a chair, as well as have fresh and nourishing food to aid in his recovery?” Andre frowned and leaned in her direction. “Mr. Bly sacrificed much for our town, and his injury weighs on my conscience. This is the least I can do. Buck Skold has the resources of the Thompson ranch to support his healing. Mr. Bly doesn’t.”
Rose let out a breath. “Well…the doilies are a bit much.” Thinking about the man’s reaction to them made her smile. “And just who is to give Mr. Bly the news that his house has been invaded and his life’s about to be turned upside down.”
“His life already was turned upside down,” Cora said, placing a hand to her heart. “I’m going to make him right side up.”
Somehow, I doubt that.
Cora lowered her hand to her lap. “Dr. Fergus will break the news to Mr. Bly.”
“We’ll stay well away from the danger zone.” Andre sent Rose a penetrating stare. “Delia said you were tired today. Are you well? Did you eat?”
