Page 51 of A Late-Blooming Rose
“Tilda took good care of me.” Rose pressed her fingertips to her temple. “A headache. I’m sure the discomfort will pass.”
The gesture caught Cora’s attention. “Auntie Great, you never have headaches.” Her brows crinkling, she placed a cool palm on Rose’s forehead. “You’re a bit warm.” Frowning, she lowered her arm.
“I’ll ask Cook to brew you some willowbark tea.” Delia’s eyes danced, although she stayed angled so only Rose could see her face. “With plenty of honey, of course, so it’s not so bitter.”
“You probably overdid it yesterday. Too much socializing,” Cora said in an affectionate tone. She patted Rose’s shoulder and turned toward the others. “I declare, my aunt would live in a snail shell if she could.”
“As long as she has books.” Andre’s gaze lingered on her, his expression tender.
Rose looked away. “Thank goodness you didn’t inherit my snail-like tendencies,” she said to her niece, striving to make her tone light.
“Perhaps you should rest today, Auntie Great.”
Rose pressed her lips together to keep from smiling at her niece’s serious manner. “I need to go with you, dearest. See what you’re getting yourself into. I’m just a little tired, is all. No need to fuss. I’ll be fine.”
“There’sabsolutelya need to fuss,” Andre retorted. “You’ve been through a great deal lately, Rose.” He shook his head. “We shouldn’t have given that tea party yesterday. Throwing you into the midst of a group of strangers. I blame myself. I know you don’t like that sort of thing, and I should have known better.”
Rose couldn’t help being warmed by his words. She reached to touch his hand. “I’m quite capable of taking care of myself, Andre. I’ve been doing so for a long time.” She remembered the role she was supposed to play and shot Delia a sideways glance. “In spite of how I feel, I have a duty to Cora.”
“Rose—” Delia briefly placed a hand on her arm “—I promise you I will see to Cora’s well-being. Will you trust me to go in your stead and allow yourself to rest?” She bit her lip. “But, I don’t want to leave you alone. All the servants requested going along to help with Mr. Bly’s home, and I gave them permission.” She widened her eyes in a helpless look, appealing to her father.
Andre straightened his shoulders. “I’ll stay with Rose. You and Joshua are more than capable of taking care of everything without me.” He winked at Cora. “After all, the most important part is done, and my pocketbook is no longer needed.”
Cora let out a loud breath. “Uncle Andre, if you stayed with Aunt Rose, you’d greatly ease my mind.”
Her niece fell into their plans with such alacrity Rose wondered if Delia had included her in their plotting. “I don’t need looking after.”
“Stop being so stubborn. Please stay and rest,” Cora begged.
Pot calling the kettle black.
“Otherwise, Auntie Great, I’d worry about you the whole time.”
“Very well.” Rose frowned, pretending to give in with bad grace.
“That’s settled,” Delia said briskly. “I know Cook has been making sandwiches and other things to bring along to feed the horde. I’ll make sure she leaves some for you two.”
Rose had no doubt Cook was already briefed and had both their dinner and supper prepared. Delia obviously wasn’t leaving anything to chance.
“Men make bad patients as I have reason to know,” Andre said with a self-depreciating smile. “Make sure you pack something to entertain a growly invalid…and yourself. Books. Chess, if you play the game, or checkers if you do not. Tilda will tell you where we store everything.”
“My grandfather taught me chess.”
“Of course, I should have known. Marty was a shark at chess, and I know your Aunt Rose—”
“Don’t you dare call me a whale or other sea creature,” Rose challenged.
Curving his fingers, he touched his chest, pretending to be offended. “I’d never be so ungallant.”
“Besides—” Cora gestured toward Delia’s bookshelves “—there’s certainly no shortage of books around here!”
Everyone laughed.
Cora bounced to her feet, and the others followed suit.
“We’ll be enjoying reading instead of gallivanting around.” With a warm smile, Andre reached to touch Rose’s hand. “I’m sure you’ll feel more at ease when you’ve grown to know everyone and you’re no longer the center of attention.”
She drew back her hand, not wanting him to know her so familiarly.
