Rose Gardner's Florist (The Providence Street Shops #2) - Bonnie Dee Page 0,22
dress pocket. “Yer a peach, Rosie.”
“Sure.” Rose knew most of the money would be pissed away on gin before reaching either the coal bin or the landlord. It was hard to break the habit of handing over her paycheck to her mother. Next time, she would insist on paying any bills directly.
“Ta then.” Mum walked out of the store, leaving a gamey scent that nearly overpowered the flowers and a feeling of despair that made Rose’s shoulders slump.
Exhaustion from holding her body so rigidly and biting back negative words overtook her. She despised herself for feeling embarrassed by her own kin, fearful that a customer might walk in and witness their encounter. That guilt, plus worry over her sister’s fate, prompted tears.
Rose turned the sign to closed and retreated into the back room to cry in peace. She loved her parents, her brothers, her little sister, her flesh and blood and the bane of her existence. But she would never understand how they could be so content with their lot and so mean to each other.
Rose became aware of a rapping on the shop door. Some customer, undeterred by the sign, demanded her attention. Rose wiped her eyes and went to answer the relentless knocking.
But the woman on her doorstep had not come for flowers.
“Miss Sweet!” Rose noted Candace’s harried expression, with eyes as red and swollen as hers felt. “Come in.”
She put an arm around the dark-haired woman’s shoulders to usher her inside, and locked the door behind her.
“I’m s-sorry,” Candace whispered. “I did not know where to turn and needed so desperately to talk with someone, but I should not have come here.”
“Nonsense. I invited you, remember? Let us sit in my kitchen. I will make tea while you tell me all your troubles.”
Once she had Candace settled, Rose sat studying her friend’s worried eyes. A demure dress, buttoned to the collar, covered her lush figure. She appeared as soft and vulnerable as a puppy one wanted to cherish and protect. What had her fiendish relative done to frighten her so thoroughly?
“Has your guardian bothered you again?” Rose prompted gently.
The woman dipped her chin. “I can hardly bear to put voice to it.”
“Telling me might help you to unburden yourself.”
Her guest paused, then nodded more firmly as if making up her mind. “It is not I who should be ashamed. It is he who continues to force his unwanted attention.”
Rose’s stomach dropped. She prayed that attention had not gone further than lewd comments or looks. She waited patiently for Candace to continue.
“As I mentioned, he has been looking at me in what feels like an inappropriate manner. This afternoon, prior to changing for dinner, I sat facing my vanity mirror and pondering my future. Suddenly, I realized I was not alone. My guardian had entered the room unannounced and stood watching me brush my hair.
“I put down the brush and tightened my dressing gown, under which I wore no more than a chemise and drawers. Mr. Merker moved behind me to rest his hands on my shoulders and study our reflection in the mirror. He said…” She swallowed and hugged her arms around herself.
“He complimented my physical endowments, expressing his admiration for ample-bodied girls. The words weren’t as alarming as his gaze roving up and down my form as if I wore nothing at all.”
Rose shivered, feeling the disturbing moment as if it were her own. “You poor dear. What a horrible creature.”
“I felt I must remove myself from that room before something happened. But his hands weighed on my shoulders, keeping me in the chair. He told me his feelings for me had grown since my return from France. I was no longer the child he had cared for, but a young woman ripe and ready to entertain suitors. He pointed out that plump girls might not easily find a match, but I need not worry. I could remain in his home forever so far as he was concerned. He would always cherish me.”
Candace drew a shaky breath. “I knew he was on the verge of proposing and would expect an immediate, joyful response. I also believed if I didn’t give it, he would attempt to force me to accept. So I pushed back my chair back, knocking him off balance. I lunged up, excused myself, and fled from the room.”
Rose’s heart beat fast as she imagined running from that devil. “Did he come after you?”
“No. I hid in the water closet until I heard my maid’s