A Late-Blooming Rose: A Montana Sky Series Novel by Debra Holland

Author:Debra Holland [Holland, Debra]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Debra Holland
Published: 2019-11-14T18:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TEN

That night, after Micah had gone to bed and Joshua’s parents, who’d come for dinner, had left for the parsonage, the adults sat in the parlor, talking about their day and the plans for tomorrow.

The air was cool enough to warrant heating the room, but instead of turning on the radiators, Joshua had opted for the coziness of a wood-burning fire, which Rose thought a wise choice.

A faint smell of smoke wafted through the air. The cheerful flames flickered in the background, the pops and crackles a pleasant accompaniment to their conversation.

“Who will be coming to the tea party tomorrow?” Cora looked from Andre to Delia to Joshua. “Is there anyone my age?”

Delia cocked her head and appeared to think through a list. “I don’t know. The women your age are already married and most don’t live in town. All depends if they drive to town for Sunday service. That’s not a certainty for those who live several hours or more away.”

Cora wrinkled her nose, obviously not pleased about the dearth of companionship.

Delia touched her chin. “Elsie Bailey, the dressmaker’s helper, is younger than you—sixteen, no, she’s turned seventeen, but I’m certain she’ll be here.”

Andre leaned forward. “You’ll like Elsie, Cora. The two of you have similar joie de vivre and lack the usual be-all-end-all focus on matrimony common to most young ladies.”

“Good.” Cora gave a decisive nod. “I can’t abide those empty-headed girls who act like clinging vines around men.” With a stubborn lift of her chin she declared, “A woman should be the mistress of her own destiny.”

Rose smiled, wondering what would happen when her niece finally fell in love. He’d need to be one determined bachelor who’s not deterred by her lack of interest in marriage.

“As for the women in town…. Sheriff Granger’s not typically involved in ladies’ activities.” Delia raised her eyebrows and chuckled. “But now that she’s a mother…we’ll see if she’ll attend in search of some female advice. Alice Cameron, the doctor’s wife—” She pursed her lips. “Well, Alice has a toddler. Guess her attendance depends on whether the doctor is called away or if he can take care of little Craig.”

Confused, Rose tilted her head. “I thought the doctor was with the wounded men?”

Joshua shook his head. “That’s Dr. Angus Cameron. He’s newly come to Sweetwater Springs to join the practice of his brother, Dr. Fergus Cameron, who is married to Alice.”

“Ah. I understand.”

“There’s Hortense Cobb, who with her husband owns the mercantile. Widowed Mrs. Murphy, who runs the boarding house.” Delia hesitated and sent a look of appeal at her husband. “Surely I won’t be gossiping if I give Rose and Cora more information about those two?”

Joshua tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. “I suppose if you’re uttering warnings with the best of intentions—for awareness and protection from hurt….”

Andre jerked a thumb in Joshua’s direction. “While our good reverend, here, ponders the religious implications of this conversation, what my daughter is delicately inferring without actually gossiping is Mrs. Cobb and Mrs. Murphy are the most annoying busybodies in this town.

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