Page 30 of The Gift of Seeds
She waved her hand in a dismissive motion. “Oh… Mr. Marsden’s is long established, and mine… Well, I did bring seeds.”
“I showed your brother the roses in my conservatory. I’d like you to see them, too, sometime this summer.”
“Oh…”
He frowned. “If you’re worried about a chaperone, I’ll make sure my daughter is home.”
Horrified she might have offended him, Hester hurried into words. “Oh, no. I mean, I wouldn’t worry about you, uh…”Oh, dear Lord! Could my tongue become any more tangled?
His expression eased. He gestured down the empty street. “I saw you eying Samantha Thompson’s Falabellas. Magical little creatures, aren’t they? Chito is the black stallion, and Mariposa, the gray mare. I have a pair of my own that are a beautiful sable color. Well, really, I bought them for my grandson. But I don’t say so. My daughter and son-in-law would prefer I rein-in my tendency to spoil him.”
“Yes, dear Micah.” She relaxed a bit when he didn’t further inquire into her well-being.
“A scamp, that boy is.” His hazel eyes gleamed with pride.
Hester had the feeling that Mr. Bellaire was rambling to put her at ease.His attempts aren’t working.She wondered how soon she could escape.
“If you’re interested in meeting our Falabellas, or even a drive, Micah or Sam or I could take you.”
Oh, how dearly I wish.But the very idea of imposing made anxiousness heat her face, which, in turn, embarrassed her.Oh, dear, I must be turning bright red.She shook her head.
“Or Delia, if you’d be more comfortable with a female driver.”
“No, no. Really, I couldn’t.” Hester backed away. “So thoughtful…. Thank you, for, ah, everything.” She hefted her bag as an excuse. “I’d best be getting home. Good day to you, Mr. Bellaire. Please give my regards to your family.” She fluttered her free hand in a partial goodbye wave. “Oh, and Merry Christmas.”
She turned and skittered off, almost bumping into her neighbor, who stood a few paces behind them. Hester swerved around Mr. Marsden as quickly as she could manage without looking like she was fleeing both men.
It wasn’t until Hester rounded the corner and was out of sight that she slowed, took a shuddering breath, and chastised herself for her reaction.Mr. Bellaire must think I’m terribly rude. Nor did I stop to thank Mr. Marsden for the wood.
The cold wind buffeted her. Hester shivered, glanced at the darkening sky, and hastened on.I told myself I’d try harder to be friendly, and I just failed my first opportunity.
Dale walked upMain Street just in time to observe the longing on Miss Smith’s face as she watched Samantha Thompson drivepast in the tiny sleigh. Usually, Dale would also stop to observe the Falabellas, because he was just as taken with them as any other human. Not that he’d ever tried to get close to the miniature horses.
As he focused on Miss Smith, curiosity made him wait and watch her conversation with Andre Bellaire. He didn’t need to hear their words to know that the man had probably made one of his generous gestures, perhaps an invitation to Christmas dinner, and in the process, thoroughly discomposed the woman, considering how quickly she’d rushed away. In her haste, Dale didn’t think she’d even noticed him.I was probably just a male pillar to be skirted around.
But as Andre Bellaire stared after her, he looked so hurt that Dale took pity on him and moved closer, thinking to offer an explanation that might ease his mind. “Mr. Bellaire, Miss?—”
“I want you to call me Andre like the rest of my friends do.” His tone sounded sharper than Dale had ever heard from the man.
We’re friends?Dale considered.I suppose we may be getting there. Not sure about using given names, though, but I’ll try.
Andre’s tense expression softened. “I apologize. It’s just…I’m not used to frightening ladies to the point where they run away before I can even offer a ride home. And here I was babbling out questions in a futile attempt to make conversation. Heavy going, I must say.”
“Mr. Bellaire, uh, Andre, as I was about to explain, Miss Smith is terribly shy, like her brother.”Like me.
“I should have realized.” Andre sighed, then unexpectedly chuckled. “You two must make interesting neighbors. Have you exchanged a word yet?” he teased.
“Miss Smith and I have talked.” Defensiveness made Dale’s voice sound stiff.
Embarrassed, he softened his tone. “She’s adopted a dog. Named her Lucy. Appealing critter. Miss Smith is low on wood, and I’ve been adding to her woodpile.”Secretly.
“Ah. Sounds like you’ve become good friends.” Andre gave Dale a sly look. “If you ever want to borrow my Falabellas, with either the buggy or sleigh, feel free to do so.”
Puzzled, Dale tilted his head. “Why would I need to borrow your Falabellas?”
Andre’s eyes twinkled. “I’m sure they’ll charm Miss Smith like they do everyone else.”
Of course, I’m charmed.“I don’t think anyone in Sweetwater Springs hasn’t enjoyed watching the Falabellas,” he downplayed, lest the man continue pressing the offer of a drive on him. And why mention Miss Smith?
