Page 7 of Brian and Cora
“Cora! Put such thoughts out of your mind!”
She wanted to giggle but didn’t allow her glee to show. A bit more of a push. “Oh, I forgot. A loving father and grandfather. And he’s fun, too.”
“Cora,” Rose warned.
“A good sense of humor. Remember his laugh? And his Southern accent. How that man pours on the charm.” She grinned. “Such a flirt.”
“Yes, a flirt.” Rose used her lecturing tone. “Such men are not to be trusted. You’ll give them your heart and then find they were toying with you.”
Cora doubted Mr. Bellaire had ever toyed with her aunt. But what had gone wrong between them?
“You must keep that in mind. When men come to court you, make sure they aren’t flirtatious.”
“That doesn’t sound fun.” Cora held out a hand, palm up, and pretended to write a list. “Boring men only.” She glanced up innocently. “What other qualities am I to look for in a husband?”
“Steadfast.” Rose’s answer came a little too quickly. “He must be worthy. Someone you can trust.”
As Cora pretended to write, she couldn’t help but think Mr. Bellaire possessed all of those qualities. What had he done to shatter her trust?
“Must have a good job, or other source of reliable income.”
“What about love?”
“Love, of course. Dependable love. A man who’s a good companion.”
“A good kisser.” Cora gave Rose a sly glance.
Rose made a prissy face. “You’re not supposed to be kissing men.”
“Then how am I to know if I like kissing him? Imagine being married to someone whose kisses you didn’t like. What if he has bad breath? Or a fish mouth?” Like Frishman. Ugh. “You’re stuck with him.”
Rose’s cheeks reddened.
Ohhh, she’s kissed a man before. Mr. Bellaire? “What about handsome?
“Handsome is as handsome does,” Rose misquoted in a prim tone. “Appearances can fade. He loses his hair, grows a paunch.”
“Well, then, Mr. Bellaire is a good bet.” Cora lowered her hand. “I already know he didn’t lose his hair or grow a paunch.”
“You haven’t seen him for two years. He could be as fat as a…a balloon.”
Cora giggled and rolled her eyes. “Not Mr. Bellaire.”
“His hair is probably completely white.”
“Probably makes him look distinguished,” Cora retorted, unable to hide her delight in misleading her aunt. For her owngood. “Come to Montana with me, Auntie Great. We’ll both make a new life. Just think of the excitement!”
“I doubt a primitive, rural town will offer you much in excitement.”
“You did say I’d need a chaperone. Surely, you don’t want me to start a new life in the West without your guidance. What if I’m intrigued by a man who flirts? A distinguished man who flirts.”
Her aunt looked torn.
“You always dreamed of traveling. Now’s your chance.”
Rose shook her head.
Time to try another tack. Cora leaned over and kissed Rose’s cheek. “Besides, I don’t want you to grow old alone.” Without me here, who will take care of you? But she didn’t say the question aloud. She didn’t want to hurt Rose’s feelings by pointing out the lack of care she received from their family.
