Flora's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo Read Free Book Online Page B

to respect and propriety would be in the timing of his receipt of this news.
    Knowing Grandmama had her ways of finding things out, Flora did not consider posting the letter here at the hotel. Better to go into town and deliver it to someone less likely to be swayed by the matriarch of the Brimm clan.
    Leaning against the carved post, she watched the pendulum swing on the oversized clock on the wall behind the reception desk and thought back on what she’d seen. The man had seemed insistent that he speak to the manager. Then he’d gone behind the glass enclosure only to reappear a few minutes later with at least two hotel employees in tow.
    Whatever the reason, the expression she had spied on the hotel manager’s face before the door closed was unmistakable. He was not happy. Likely someone, possibly one of the escorts Grandmama insisted upon, had informed him of the man’s penchant for bothering innocent young women.
    Indeed, the fellow certainly seemed in a hurry to leave. Perhaps he was being escorted off the property. Until she knew for certain, though, she realized he could pop up again at any time. Not a welcome thought.
    She thought for a moment of seeking solace in Mr. Tucker’s suite—the number of which he’d offered though she had not requested it—until she could be certain the stranger would not return to follow her. Unfortunately, Mr. Tucker would likely misunderstand her motives for contacting him again so soon after dismissing him.
    Another look in both directions revealed no familiar faces, so Flora stepped from the shadows. She waited a moment for someone to notice, but no one appeared interested in her actions.
    She let out a breath and smiled. That she’d eluded security and her grandmother emboldened her. With her head held high, she maneuvered herself around a cluster of chairs, most occupied by older gents with newspapers and too much time on their hands, to march over to the reception desk. When the fellow merely stared at her rather than jumping to assist her, Flora rang the bell.
    â€œYes, Miss Brimm,” the rather skittish doorman said. “Your carriage is being brought around now.”
    â€œThank you,” she said as she glanced over toward the double doors and then back at the hotel employee. “I can’t imagine what’s taking so long.”
    The poor man colored bright red as he cleared his throat, his eyes skimming the top of her head rather than meeting her gaze. “I…well… that is, we have a new fellow who will be driving you and…ah, here he is.” Relief appeared to wash over him as he nodded toward the entrance where yet another man stood. “You have a nice trip into town now,” he said as he reached for a handkerchief to mop his brow and then ducked back behind the glass enclosure.
    â€œWhat an odd man,” Flora said under her breath as she moved cautiously toward the doors.
    Mindful that Grandmama, one of her minions, or, worse, the green-eyed man, could still pounce at any moment, she quickly slipped outside and then glanced around for the buggy. Other than the Frisco Railroad’s omnibus, which rolled to a stop a few yards away, there appeared to be no private vehicles waiting.
    Sending a sideways look to the doorman, Flora shook her head. “Where is my carriage?”
    â€œOther side of the depot transport, ma’am. I will be happy to escort you,” he said as he offered his arm.
    â€œThank you.” Flora stepped off the curb as a crowd of train passengers emerged from the omnibus. At once several dozen men, women, and children flooded the area. Thankfully, the doorman pressed his hand atop hers and skillfully steered her around the chaos.
    And into the waiting arms of the green-eyed man with the bowler hat.
    â€œGood day, darlin’,” he said with a grin that might have been appealing had he not been addressing her in such an uncouth manner. “I thought you and I