Train Through Time Series Boxed Set Books 1-3 by Bess McBride

Author:Bess McBride [McBride, Bess]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bess McBride
Published: 2014-06-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Dani jumped up. “Stephen! What—”

“Rory, what do you think you are doing?” Stephen stood over him, his eyes narrowed and angry.

Rory stood. “It is nothing, Stephen. I overstepped my bounds and made my apologies to Mrs. Sadler.”

“Stephen, what—” Dani tried again. The train began to move, dropping her back into her seat. Stephen balanced himself on the edge of the bench as he stared at Rory.

“What are you doing on the train, Rory?”

“I might ask you the same question, Stephen. Mrs. Sadler stated you were not traveling with her.” Rory appeared relaxed, but a telltale muscle twitched in his jaw.

“Which does not give you permission to harass my wife.”

“Stephen! He wasn’t—” Dani grabbed Stephen’s lapel and gave it a quick tug. “Sit down. People are staring. Rory didn’t do anything. He offered to keep me company until I got to Whitefish, that’s all.”

“I am truly sorry, Stephen,” Rory said with a sincere expression. “Mrs. Sadler and I had agreed that my behavior was improper before you arrived.”

Stephen sat down, and Rory retook his seat. The steward, who had stood by apprehensively with Rory’s coffee, served it quickly and moved on. The two men eyed each other steadily for a few moments—visually exchanging whatever communication was necessary to clear the air.

“Thank you, Rory,” Stephen conceded, appearing slightly mollified, but not entirely. “I had not thought to be able to travel with my wife today but found I could not let her travel alone after all. My sister has been unwell, but my housekeeper will care for her.”

“I am sorry to hear of Susan’s illness. Please give her my best,” Rory said with a frown.

“Of course,” Stephen nodded. He threw Dani a sideways glance, but she kept her mouth shut for the moment, at least in front of Rory.

“I believe you two must have things to discuss, and I think I will just leave you alone for a while and find a newspaper to read,” Rory said, astutely observing Stephen’s reticence to speak.

“Thank you, Rory,” Dani said. Rory nodded, rose and walked away toward the library.

“What are you doing here, Stephen?” Dani whispered. “What about Susan?”

“I could not let you travel alone. I simply could not, although I discover that my old friend, Rory, has offered to stand in my stead.” He shook his head and looked over his shoulder to where Rory had taken a seat in the library.

“He was being kind, Stephen, really. I think he’s just a bit of a flirt, but he wasn’t hitting on me, I don’t think.”

“Hitting on you?” Stephen gave her a wry smile. “I am sure I understand the meaning of the expression, but I cannot say I have heard flirting described as such. The expression has a very violent connotation.”

Dani smiled tenderly, her heart swelling at the sight of his face. “What about Susan?”

“I sent Samuel back to the house with a note for Mrs. Oakley and Susan. I had thought to have Ellie check on her, but as she is with child, I decided against it.

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