The Last Heiress by Mary Ellis Read Free Book Online Page B

portended a successful resolution to the woes at Dunn Mills. And the prospect of seeing Nathaniel Cooper tomorrow? A gently raised young woman never should entertain such thoughts about a complete stranger. Yet when she closed her eyes, visions of his sinewy muscles, silky brown hair, and sky-blue eyes danced across her eyelids. Developing crushes wasn’t a common habitfor Amanda, but if Helene weren’t already snoring on her side of the Chinese screen, she may have waltzed around the room with a pillow for a partner.

    The following morning, after her solitary breakfast of grits and ham, she sought out the cook in the kitchen. “Good morning, Salome. May I trouble you to pack a luncheon hamper around eleven o’clock?”
    The woman barely glanced up from rolling out pie dough. “Yes’m. Miz Henthorne already told me.”
    â€œCould I possibly have hearty selections suitable for a man’s appetite instead of a woman’s?”
    That question triggered a furrowed forehead. “How ’bout fried chicken with corn relish and buttermilk biscuits?”
    â€œPerfect!” Amanda clapped her hands, which drew a second raised eyebrow. But three hours later she and the driver were clattering down Orange Street in the Henthorne coach.
    â€œMiz Henthorne told me to park in the shade and wait for you, no matter how long you take,” Thomas said as he helped her down to the street.
    Amanda had no desire to argue. She was too busy mentally listing suitable topics for discussion. However, when she reached the front door of Cooper’s, all her well-laid plans drifted away on the salty sea breeze. Nathaniel, in a fresh white apron, shot her a smile when she entered. He was behind the counter explaining various types of muscle liniment to a white-haired woman.
    Amanda busied herself memorizing labels of canned goods on the middle shelf. After what seemed like an eternity, the matron limped out with her purchase. “Will she improve with your miracle potion?” Amanda asked after the door clicked shut behind her.
    Nathaniel stepped around the counter. “I recommended a cabbage poultice—one of my granny’s home remedies. She’ll be right as rain once she wraps the knee and sets it up on a hassock tonight. What use are grandchildren if not to fetch and carry for their elders?”
    Amanda tried not to laugh too loudly. “I ask myself that question almost every day.”
    â€œIndeed, Miss Dunn? And how are you on this lovely morning?” He leaned so close she caught the scent of his soap, which was fresh and not the harsh lye some men favored.
    â€œI am well and prepared to fulfill my promise.” She lifted the hamper onto the counter.
    â€œRufus, my good man,” he called. “Please come out and say hello to Miss Dunn.” Turning back to her, he said, “I rent a room from his parents. They are free people of color who live on Castle Street. When Rufus occasionally fills in for me, I pay him a dime.”
    A small boy stepped from between the draperies. “How do, miss?”
    â€œI’m well, Rufus. It’s nice to meet you,” Amanda said, smiling at the child.
    â€œRufus has agreed to watch the store, allowing us to dine under yonder magnolia.” Nathaniel pointed across the street at a band of trees along the river. “Shall we be off?” He picked up the hamper and offered his elbow.
    For some reason Amanda was too shy to take his arm. She pretended to dig for a handkerchief in her bag instead as they walked out of the store.
    Nathaniel didn’t seem to notice her hesitation. “We can’t go far. If a customer ventures in without correct change, Rufus will whistle. He’s an amazing whistler. Then I will run to his rescue.” During his explanation he spread a tattered patchwork blanket on a thick patch of grass.
    Amanda attempted to lower herself without revealing herankles. “I hope the meal