Page 36 of A Late-Blooming Rose
Micah shrugged, clearly unabashed. “Can’t help it, not with you and Grandpapa and Grandmama andGrand-pèrearound.” The boy grinned up at Delia. “Maman, too.” He crinkled his forehead. “Can’t forget Mrs. Gordon.”
How nice that Micah included his schoolteacher.Andre couldn’t help a tug of grateful emotion.Ah,mon fils.
Joshua took out his watch, flicked open the case, checked the time, and grimaced. “There’s much more to the story, but the wedding is in half an hour. Delia and I need to attend. Andre and Micah are expected also.” He cast an apologetic glance from Rose to Cora. “I’m afraid in the excitement of everything, I didn’t remember we were about to have guests. And here, I’ve rudely nattered on about doings unknown to you, without even enquiring about your travels.”
Cora flapped a pshaw motion. “Goodness, we were just as eager to hear the news. Uncle Andre and Delia already filled us in on the tragic happenings.”
“Good.” Joshua smiled. “Do you mind if we go without you? The couple specifically wanted a small, simple ceremony.”
Rose made a shooing motion. “Not at all. I believe a bath and a nap are in order for me. I might even sleep through supper.”
“A nap sounds splendid,” Cora agreed. “Don’t worry about us one single bit. If we need anything, we can ask Tilda or Rufus.”
Since Andre, Delia, and Joshua were already dressed for company, and Micah wore his school clothes, none needed to change.
As everyone left to don their outerwear, Andre remained seated, lingering to absorb the fullness of his gratitude.The posse is safe, Rose and Cora are here. I’m about to attend a wedding of two people I admire.His heart full, he gave a fervent and almost wordless prayer of thanksgiving.
Andre cast Rose one final glance, reluctant to leave her, and yet not knowing what to say. He could hardly tell her how happy her presence made him. At the same time, seeing her hurt—like a slash to his heart.
She caught him looking. Her cheeks colored, and she abruptly turned away, seeming determined to focus on something Cora was saying.
He suppressed a sigh, slowly stood, and left the room.Now the real challenge begins—living with Rose and keeping her at arm’s length.
* * *
The next day after everyone finished a breakfast of eggs, sausage, and pancakes covered with fresh butter and maple syrup, they lingered at the table chatting as they sipped their tea or coffee and Micah drank the rest of his milk. They discussed the wedding and the latest news of the posse, which dairyman Erik Muth had imparted to the servants when he’d dropped off their morning supply of milk.
The conversation paused, and Andre sent Rose an expectant glance, liking how she appeared more rested and vibrant than yesterday. “Are you ready to tour the library site?”
“More than ready.” She folded her napkin and set it beside her plate.
Andre looked at Cora. “What about you?”
Cora waved at Delia. “We’re going to call upon Mrs. Temogen and the other women of Morgan’s Crossing. Then we’re going to the Camerons’ so I can meet the doctor and his wife.”
Joshua smiled at Micah. “You and I are heading out to see Sheriff Granger and Deputy Red Wolf to ask if Walter wants to come here and spend the day playing with you, maybe overnight, as well.”
Micah’s eyes brightened. “Are we going to the jail?”
“No, Sheriff Granger has moved into Deputy Red Wolf’s home, so we’re going there.”
“Can Walter and I play in the park?”
Joshua hesitated, and then crooked an eyebrow at Andre as if seeking his advice.
Andre shrugged. “Fine with me. The crew is working today, though.” He glanced at Rose. “I’m paying them to work on Saturdays. Might as well take advantage of the good weather while we have it.” He sent a stern look at Micah. “Stay away from where they’re digging out the library basement.Mamanwon’t thank me if you fall in and have to be fished out, half-drowned and muddy.”
“Nor will Walter’s new mother.” Delia chuckled.
“Hmmm.” Joshua took a sip of his coffee. “I do believe we might have a new form of discipline to consider. Now that Sheriff Granger is a mother, she might be open to tossing young miscreants into the jail for a few hours. More effective then sending you to bed without supper,” he said with a straight-faced look at Micah. But the glint in his eyes gave him away.
Cora giggled. “I suppose you’ll have to get used to saying Sheriff Red Wolf instead of Sheriff Granger.”
“She’s keeping her maiden name,” Joshua said.
“How odd.” Cora pursed her lips. “Well, I suppose actresses do the same. I guess for an unmarried professional woman, well-known by a certain surname, retaining that name makes sense.”
“Or for a woman with a distinguished family name.” Andre tapped the table. “Perhaps, Delia, you should consider reverting to your maiden name. Then all this confusion about two Mrs. Reverend Nortons wouldn’t exist.”
