Until Vienna (Romance on the Orient Express) by Heather B. Moore

Author:Heather B. Moore [Moore, Heather B.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: 2021-03-31T18:30:00+00:00

ChapteR ThirteeN

Dear Lillian,

Our final day in Vienna was more than perfect. We leave in just a few hours on the Orient Express for Bucharest. I can hardly believe that I am now a world traveler. Using the names of these cities in conversation and knowing that I’ve been there is a heady feeling. Aunt Rowena’s ankle is on the mend, and she is excellent at ordering everyone around—not that she ever had trouble in the first place.

I know that I’ve mentioned Professor Haskins in nearly all of my letters, but I just learned that he knows three other languages fluently. I’m astounded. Can you guess which ones? Since you’re not in the same room as me, I’ll tell you: English. Fooling there—that one doesn’t count, right? French, German, and . . . Hungarian. I would have never guessed Hungarian in a hundred years. But apparently, his great-grandmother is from Hungary, so he took it upon himself to learn the language. Even though he’s never met her . . .

“Anyone need anything from any of the shops?” the professor asked as the tour group lounged in the lobby. Their luggage was already on the way to the train station, and everyone was either visiting the shops or relaxing in the hotel lobby before their transportation arrived.

“I’ve outwalked myself today,” Irene said, draping her arm over her brow.

Professor Haskins smiled. “All right then. Mrs. Martin is out. Anyone else interested?”

Aunt Rowena had been a trooper all day, but now she was keeping her foot propped on a stool while she sat in a plush lounge chair.

“Blanche and Georgina should go,” Irene said with a sigh. “Fetch me some of the divine Austrian chocolate.”

Gigi wanted to laugh, and she saw the amusement in the professor’s eyes too.

“If I go into one more shop, I’ll be broke,” Blanche said with a smile so everyone knew she was teasing. “Rowena and Georgina should go.”

“I’m perfectly comfortable,” Aunt Rowena stated. “Georgina, you should go pick out something for yourself. You’ve only bought gifts for your sister and mother. Besides, the professor can’t go alone.”

Gigi didn’t answer, didn’t move. Was her aunt really endorsing, or encouraging, her to go alone with the professor? Of course, they wouldn’t technically be alone. People were in every shop and all over the streets. She could feel the professor’s gaze upon her, watching, waiting for her decision.

She rose to her feet. “Well, I suppose I shouldn’t let a walk through Vienna go to waste. How many times can I say that in my life?”

Aunt Rowena chuckled. “Not many, dear. Enjoy yourselves, and we’ll see you soon. We can’t miss the train, mind you.”

“Never.” Gigi bade farewell to the other women, then walked with the professor out of the hotel. The afternoon had advanced enough that the heat had simmered down, and the cooling breeze stirred the bottom of her skirt.

Without a word, the professor offered his arm, and Gigi rested her hand in the crook of his elbow. This casual walking with him was becoming so familiar to her.

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