Spinster by Suzanne G. Rogers

Author:Suzanne G. Rogers
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Idunn Court Publishing
Published: 2017-01-26T00:00:00+00:00

With Franklin at his side, Meri drove the gig away from Phoenix Downs. “Do you have enough money with you? I’ll give you a little more once we’re at the station.”

The older man chuckled. “You sound like a worried hen.”

“I am worried. You’ve not gone off on your own for more than a few days since I can remember, much less in a medical crisis.”

Franklin glanced at him. “I expect that’s the problem. It’s time for both of us to shake things up a bit to see how they sort out.” He paused. “You had another nightmare last night.”

“What makes you say that?”

“The dark circles under your eyes.”

“I can’t fool you.” Meri frowned. “Do you ever regret what you did for me?”

“My only regret was in not dodging that falling beam. I should have been more careful, but I was distracted by the situation.”

The man lapsed into a thoughtful silence. As Meri drove past Robbins Nest, Franklin stirred.

“Stop!”

“What’s wrong?” Meri pulled back on the reins. “Did you forget something?”

“Yes. Give me a moment, will you?”

The man climbed down from the rig, straightened his jacket, and marched up the walkway to the front door of the cottage. Meri watched, curious as to what was about to unfold. When Mrs. Gallagher answered the door, Franklin doffed his bowler, sketched a bow, and said something Meri couldn’t hear. Whatever it was made the housekeeper smile and bat her eyes. The man was forty-five if he was a day, yet he flirted as if he were in his prime. The couple chatted for a very short while before Franklin bowed again and returned to the gig. Meri gave the reins a snap and they were on their way into Stroud once more.

“Well done.” Meri slid his friend an approving glance. “What did you say to the lady, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“I mentioned we were neighbors and I wanted to introduce myself.” A slight smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “Mrs. Gallagher seemed pleased to make my acquaintance. When I told her I’m off to visit my sister for a few days, she invited me to correspond.”

Meri’s eyebrows rose. “That’s fast work.”

Franklin tugged on the rim of his bowler. “I’m nothing if not efficient.”

A chuckle escaped Meri’s lips. “Ever the wit, you are.” His smile faded. “I hope you have a nice visit with your sister and let me know as soon as you have news. I shan’t rest until you do.”

“The physician might not be able to fit me in for a few days, so don’t expect to hear from me right off.” He cleared his throat. “Now that I set a good example for you with Mrs. Gallagher, I hope you’ll follow it.”

Meri forced a jocular note to his reply. “You think I need to follow your lead where Miss Ladd is concerned?”

“Of course. It’s always good to learn from the best.”

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.