I blew out my breath and knocked on the door, another bouquet in my hands. This time I had put it together myself, sneaking flowers from flowerbeds on my walk here and picking up a ribbon at a nearby shop; I didn’t need Charles to tell me that when one’s fiancรจ
was injured it was only good manners to check up on them. I was quite certain that, manners or no, I was the last person she wanted to see but I had decided I’d spend most of the time with Mr. Ainsworth; Mr. Harrington had finally decided on the auction idea and I’d need to inform him.
Their maid opened the door and slightly bowed, “Mr. Samuelson. Come to check up on Miss Nora ‘ave ye?”
I smiled at her friendly accent, having liked it ever since I first arrived at the Ainsworth’s.
“Indeed I ‘ave, me dear lass,” I bowed, “Can ya tell me she’s afairin’ well?”
She laughed and opened the door wider, “Come in, you lovesick chap.”
Lovesick was right. I was really quite finished with the whole concept and her comment tempted me to just leave the flowers at the door, explaining that I’d really just come for a meeting with the banker.
“Mr. Samuelson!” Nelly, as usual, was the first to greet me, nightgown and all. I laughed and scooped her up.
“Hello miss Nelly. And how is the loveliest young lady in town doing this morning?”
She giggled, making her curly bed hair bounce. I smiled, realizing that without their eldest sister around to help them get ready Mr. Ainsworth must’ve had quite a chore on his hands.
Her giggle was cut short with a gasp as she spotted the bouquet, “Are those for Nora?”
“Well,” I mused playfully, “Most of them are, but there’s a specific one in here just for you.”
I began fingering through all the blossoms until I came across a bright daisy. I pulled it out and watched her awed expression as I handed it to her. She giggled and wrapped her little arms around my neck, “Thank you Mr. Samuelson.”
With a soft laugh I set her back on the ground and she excitedly ran off to show someone. I watched her go with a gentle smile, always refreshed by her open hugs and energy.
The maid stepped up beside me again, “Nora is this way, sir.”
***
She was lying on a sofa with a blanket over her and her foot bandaged. Though her face was hidden behind the open cover of a book I could tell she was miserable; being bedridden didn’t seem to suit this vibrant woman I’d come to know.
“Miss Ainsworth, ye ‘ave a vistor.”
She seemed reluctant to lower the book and I had a feeling she already knew who that visitor was.
“Thank you, Peggy,” she finally put it aside and smiled up at the maid. Peggy gave a small bow and then departed, leaving us in a rather uncomfortable silence.
I realized then that Nora Ainsworth was where my smooth, easy act left me. I could get the maid to laugh, Nelly to squeal, and Nathaniel to scowl but when it came to her I was left fumbling. Perhaps it was that she was so much different than any of them and refused to be daunted. Or perhaps it was just the silly series of interesting situations we continued to find ourselves in. Like this one.
“I’m fine, Mr. Samuelson,” she finally said.
I chuckled, “And probably better if I left. But I won‘t be long.”
Crossing the room, I brought out the bouquet, “Here, just for you.”
She pushed herself up into sitting position and took it, emotionless.
“I’m really sorry about yesturday,” I muttered, “Is there anything else I can help with?”
“You can get my sisters to stop gushing over it,” she sneered.
I chuckled, “Nora, you of all people would know that I’m not a miracle worker.”
She laid back on her pillow with a derisive snort, “Speaking of miracles, have you thought of a way to break off our engagement?”
My hesitation gave me away and she only frowned.
“How about I just let you rest,” I suggested with a jaunty grin. With a roll of her eyes, she picked up her book again, “An answer would make that easier.”
***
After speaking with a flustered Mr. Ainsworth about the auction, I politely decided to let myself out while he and Peggy chased Nelly down. As usual, I entered the parlor on my way only to discover that I wasn’t the only visitor. All of Nora’s other sisters were there, surrounding none other than Mr. Scott.
Yesturday’s event flashed through my mind and my eyes darted to the door on the adjacent wall for only a second before my presence was noticed.
“Oh,” Henrietta gasped, “I didn’t know you were here Mr. Samuelson.”
“Come to check on your lover no doubt,” Nathaniel put in, his eyes dancing with accustation.
Realizing I was stuck, I simply threw on a grin and decided to smooth the whole situation over before it went too far, “But of course. A hurt ankle is no small matter, Mr. Scott.”
He seemed to catch my explanation of what he had witnessed yesterday but hardly showed sign of it.
“Do sit down, Mr. Samuelson,” Henrietta beckoned. I slowly obeyed, debating on my way towards the sofa. My morning was already full, according to Charles, but leaving so early would surely be seen by Nathaniel as a sign of defeat. Hopefully my cousin could excuse my absence for my ego’s sake.
“Just how far did you carry her yesturday, Mr. Samuelson?” Minerva asked, catching me off guard; what sort of question was that?
“I…as far as was needed,” I replied, wondering what she was getting at.
“So,” Henrietta clapsed her hands in her lap and looked up at me, “Have you brought Nora to the Gransville Estate yet?”
Wouldn’t dream of it. I’d set up enough false expectations as it was and the last thing the both of us wanted was something to make it seem more final.
“That is,” Nathaniel spoke up, “If he actually gets it.”
Both sisters jerked their heads around towards him and Henrietta gasped, “That’s right! You‘re competing for it as well. I wonder which one of you gets it?”
“Definetly Elliot since father is helping him.”
Nathaniel shot me a look and I returned a sheepish grin. He must’ve been wondering where I’d get the funds and now he knew; I was cheating off a sincere, innocent banker. Yes, I was well aware. If he really wanted to bring me to depths of humility over it, he could call over dear Mr. Hodges.
“I don’t know,” Minerva mused, “Mr. Scotts has a good chance as well.”
“An honest one,” he said pointedly.
I smirked, “Yet not a redeeming one. I’m not just trying to win this for myself, Mr. Scott.”
He shook his head, a sly smile on his lips at my play on words; we both knew I wasn’t referring to Nora, as the giggling sisters might’ve thought. I was referring to my family which he’d robbed. Misery liked company and now we were both guilty.
“I wonder why Father did not give Nora to you, Mr. Scotts,” Henrietta boldly thought aloud, “Afterall, we’ve known you much longer than Mr. Samuelson.”
Her sister joined in, “Exactly. And besides, Mr. Samuelson, you always seem so busy; You don’t seem ready to settle down.”
“Don’t remind me,” I muttered inaudibly, removing my hat and smoothing my hair. Settling down most certainly had not been part of the original plan.
“Well,” Mr. Scotts chuckled, obviously amused, “It wasn’t my decision to make, though I wouldn’t have minded the honor.”
Strangely, the comment didn’t sit well with me. The way things were unfolding, I should’ve threw my hands in the air and told him he could have the honor. Yet a smaller, more unfamiliar part of me grumbled that he couldn’t handle Nora. He might’ve known the pretty face and pleasant disposition but did he know her stubborn streak? Did he know the way those eyes flamed up with anger or danced with sarcasm? If he thought she would just fall into his arms I had news for him: Nora would much rather cling to a cold fence and drag a swollen foot along than have a gentleman hold her.
“Still,” Minerva continued, “Mr. Samuelson does have his redeeming qualities I suppose.”
I smirked at their little game, “I certainly hope so. For what am I if I am not agreeable in the eyes of Minerva and Henrietta Ainsworth?”
Henrietta smiled and they proceeded to list their most honest opinnions of me. I was charming and witty though dreadfully distracted. I was plenty handsome but Mr. Scotts apparently topped me in that area--a decision probably stemming from my now engaged status. Friendly and energetic, clean and tasteful, but far too hasty.
Before long I found myself glancing at the grandfather clock; this hadn’t been as worth as my time as I might’ve thought. I had much more important things to do than squirm under the opinnions of two bold young ladies and watch Nathaniel gloat.
“Well,” I finally grabbed my hat and stood up, “Thank you for you’re instructive company, but I believe I promised to pay my cousin a visit. Good day, Miss Henrietta, Minerva…Mr. Scott.”
He bowed his head in return and then, rather than a victorious sneer or triumphant smirk, simply turned his attention back to the sisters, particularly Minerva. I realized now why he had visited and turned to let myself out, deciding to keep an eye on that red flag. This family wasn’t big enough for two frauds.
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