Bouquet for Iris by Diane T. Ashley Read Free Book Online Page A

come to us early.” Camie’s husband turned back to look past her. “Where are your bags?”
    “They’re back in town, lying in the middle of the road.” Iris forced the words between stiff lips. Irritation straightened her spine as she remembered the callous coachman.
    Mr. Pierce diverted her thoughts by gently taking her hand and pressing a warm kiss on her gloved fingers. “I hope to see you again soon.”
    He was such a nice man. “I hope so, too.” Iris couldn’t help being flattered by the obvious admiration in his voice. She watched him stride back to his horse before stepping back to allow Mr. Sherer to close the door.
    She forgot all about Mr. Pierce as she suddenly found herself wrapped in Camie’s tight hug. Her irritation and exhaustion disappeared as her tears mixed with those of her friend.
    Camie was all grown up. Gone was the shy girl she remembered—in her place was a beautiful young matron. She was dressed in a flannel gown of pale blue that flattered her delicate complexion. Her honey gold hair was plaited and hung down her back like a silk rope. She had thrown a cotton wrap over her shoulders before coming downstairs, and she hugged it to her as protection against the cold night air.
    Camie picked up a candle that was sitting on the table next to the front door and lit it from her husband’s before handing it to Iris. With the additional light, Iris could make out the wide foyer with doors off to the right and left. She guessed that one led to the parlor and the other perhaps to a dining room or the kitchen.
    Mr. Sherer looked at Camie. “I wonder if I should saddle a horse and go help him with Miss Landon’s bags.”
    “Please don’t stand on ceremony, Mr. Sherer. I hope you will call me Iris.”
    His nod seemed to hold approval. “I would be delighted, if you’ll return the favor and call me Lance.”
    “I doubt you should make the effort to go back into town, dear.” Camie raised an eyebrow in an expression of mischief that took Iris back to their shared childhood. “It would take you too long to saddle the horse. Besides, you need to give Mr. Pierce the chance to impress our Iris with his chivalry.”
    Iris looked down at her gloved hands, surprised that the candlelight showed how much dirt had accumulated on the white material. She wanted nothing more than to wash up, fall in bed, and sleep for two or three days.
    “Tell me all about your trip.” Camie pulled her plaited hair over her shoulder. “Was it scary? Did you have any trouble on the way? Why did you get here in the middle of the night?”
    “Now Camie.” Her husband shook his head. “There will be plenty of time for you to catch up on the news tomorrow. Why don’t you get Iris upstairs to a bedchamber? I’m sure she’s about to drop where she stands.”
    Camie sighed but nodded. “You’re right, of course.” She lit another candle and led the way upstairs. “I can’t wait to hear all about your journey.”
    “And I can’t wait to see your daughters.” The hallway at the top of the stairs disappeared into shadowy darkness their candles barely penetrated. Iris followed Camie past two doorways to a third that was closed.
    “They are adorable. Like the dolls we played with when we were little girls.”
    “Only better.” Iris noticed a framed sampler hanging on the wall, but it was too dark for her to see its details.
    “They have taught me so much.” Camie’s serious voice drew Iris’s attention away from the wall. “I understand the love of God like I never did before.” She opened the third door. “Here we are.”
    Iris wanted to ask about her comment, but it was late. She watched as Camie bustled over to the bed and patted the mattress. “I can ask Lance to bring up some coals so you can have a fire while you undress.”
    “Don’t worry about that.” Iris could almost feel the softness of the sheets enveloping her. “But I do need a nightgown since my bags are still in town.”
    “Of