Love's First Flames (Banished Saga, 0.5) by Ramona Flightner

Author:Ramona Flightner [Flightner, Ramona]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, pioneer, historical fiction
Barnesnoble:
Publisher: Grizzly Damsel Publishing
Published: 2014-11-20T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TEN

FLORENCE PULLED HER TAN COAT more firmly about her as she walked from the trolley stand toward Mrs. Kruger’s mansion. She glanced in a shop window artfully displaying linens from France and buried a pang of regret that she had no money to buy anything. She shook her head at her foolishness and strode toward what was now her home.

“Hello, Florence,” Richard said as he sidled up next to her. He stepped away from her as she started with surprise. He smiled with relief as her instant anxiety changed to pleasure as she realized he was next to her.

“Mr. McLeod,” she said with a hesitant smile. She bit her lip as she looked around the street. “I . . . how did you know where to find me?”

“Mrs. Kruger loves to talk, and you are one of her favorite subjects. She regaled Gabriel and me about your success at your teaching academy when you left our tea to continue your duties in her house. She didn’t seem to mind informing me when you’d be walking home.” Richard frowned as he glanced around. “And I have to agree with her. It’s rather late for you to be out on your own.”

“I do the majority of my work around her house in the morning and early afternoon, and take the late afternoon for my course work. I don’t mind returning to the house after dark.” She slipped her arm through his as they walked past a saloon.

“Do you have to do more work this evening?” Richard asked.

“Of course. I must ensure she is settled and then tidy the house for the morning. Afterward I study before bed.”

“Seems like an awful lot of work for one person.”

“I’m fortunate. If it weren’t for Mrs. Kruger, I would never have believed I was goo—”

“Good enough to be a teacher?” Richard asked with a curious raise of his eyebrow. “I’d never worry about you being smart enough or good enough. You seem the resilient, resourceful type who will figure out what needs to be done.”

“That’s all good for survival. But I want more than that. I want to thrive.” She blushed at the passion in her voice. “Forgive me.”

“For what? I can only agree with you and admire you. Like me, you know what it is to lose your parents. Yet unlike me, you didn’t have a Gabriel ensuring you were fed and protected from the meanness in this world. And yet you’re not bitter.” He watched her with wonder.

“I wouldn’t read too much into what I am or I’m not, Mr. McLeod,” she murmured.

“Richard. I’ve already been so forward as to call you Florence. I like to think we are friends.”

“Friends,” Florence repeated, unable to hide the disappointment from her voice.

Richard chuckled and patted her hand still on his arm. “Ah, that does a man’s ego good.”

“I don’t care about a man’s ego,” Florence snapped.

“Well, how about mine? It does mine good to know you desire something more than friendship from me.” His icy-blue eyes met hers, warmed with a deep emotion.

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