Flora's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Author:Kathleen Y'Barbo
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9780736952125
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers, Inc.
Published: 2014-02-10T22:46:33.523000+00:00

There is nothing awful about the truth being known, Flora told herself as if she might actually become convinced of it. What else had Winny said? Had he thought to charm Eudora Lennart with promises of a fortune he had yet to gain?

“Flora,” Mrs. Lennart said, “I’m sorry this dreadful topic has been resurrected. I intend to banish it immediately from the table, and I know my daughters will heed my warning about saying another word on the matter.” She looked first to Delphinia and then to Eudora. “Won’t you?”

Both women nodded, though neither showed much enthusiasm with the idea.

“Thank you, truly, but you’d be surprised how little this topic bothers me. Honestly, the idea that Winny might have something to do with… well, the unfortunate events? That’s just ludicrous. And besides, I’m the one dubbed Fatal Flora. I just assumed that everyone blamed me.”

“Oh, dear, no,” Mrs. Lennart said. “You’re a darling for even broaching the topic, but I assure you that among the better folk of our set you are nothing if not a tragic figure.”

Great.

“What I mean to say,” Mrs. Lennart hastened to add, “is that you are well bred and impeccably raised, and there’s no fault to be found in you, my dear. This I have heard both from the gossips and those who are in a position to know you.”

“Thank you,” Flora said, though she found the comment uncomfortable. Why did anyone make it their business to know the details of another’s life?

To divert her thoughts, she turned to face the Pinkerton agent. “So, you see, Mr. McMinn, there is no mystery here. Winny is not a murderer, and I am of good character.”

“Duly noted,” he said as he turned his lips into the beginnings of a smile.

Lips she had just kissed. Flora pushed away her plate and placed her napkin on the table, the need to escape propelling her to her feet. “If you’ll excuse me, I really should…”

Mrs. Lennart shook her head. “Should what, Miss Brimm?”

“Actually,” Lucas said as he rose. “What Miss Brimm has forgotten is that while she and I met looking for a chess game, we’ve not yet managed to play.” He gestured to the lounge area just beyond the dining tables. “Unless I miss my guess, I believe we’re about to finally get our chance.”

He then offered Flora his hand. She took it without argument or comment. From his expression, Flora could tell Lucas McMinn didn’t know whether to be pleased or worried.

“Ladies, it has been distinctly interesting.”

Though Flora recognized sarcasm in his tone, the three New Orleans ladies obviously did not. He fawned over each in equal measure and made sure to kiss Mrs. Lennart’s hand just as he had when he greeted her.

“Anytime you’re in New Orleans, we would love to host a party for you, Miss Brimm,” Mrs. Lennart said.

“And do bring Mr. McMinn with you,” Delphinia added.

Eudora leaned close. “Perhaps you could bring along your cousin as well? I do miss his attentions.”

“Well, that would

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