Leonardo (Romancing the Weavers #5) - Kit Morgan Page 0,24

was nervous … no, he knew. He felt caught between the two young women. If he gave Parthena too much attention, would Savannah get jealous, or did she even care? Parthena, on the other hand, seemed to have started ignoring him. Or was it his imagination? He didn’t think so – she’d hardly said two words on the ride back to the farm, and only that because he’d asked her a question.

“What is that wonderful smell?” Colin said as he approached the pump.

“Nonna and Belle made stew for lunch. We’re waiting on the biscuits.”

“How delightful! One of my favorite meals.” Colin leaned toward him. “Don’t tell my wife this, but I like eating other people’s cooking now and then. Belle and Sadie are excellent, but it’s nice to have someone else’s for a change.” He smiled. “Of course, around here you have lots of variety.”

“Yes, sir, we do.”

Colin slapped him on the back. “You lucky chap.” He began to wash up for lunch.

Leo waited politely, then followed him back inside where Savannah was setting the table. There was no sign of Parthena. Just as well – he wasn’t expected to see if she would suit.

“Mother, what about this one?” Parthena came into the kitchen wearing a beautiful green ball gown.

Leo’s jaw dropped.

Belle took one look at him and laughed. “Well, if the look on Leo’s face is any indication, you look beautiful in it.”

Parthena blushed head to toe as Leo did his best to look at anything but her. It wasn’t easy – she was stunning.

“I like it,” Savannah said. “You always did look good in green.”

“As do you,” Belle said. “Didn’t you try on the same gown?”

“Yes, but I’d already set more dresses aside than I know what to do with. I’ll have to figure out which two I want.”

“Mother?” Parthena said, voice hopeful.

Belle smiled. “All right, if you really want it. But what will you wear it to?”

Her face fell. “Good point.”

“That’s why I picked out day dresses,” Savannah said.

Nonna glanced between them. “You mean to tell me you still don’t have dances in Clear Creek?”

“An occasional dance at the Triple-C,” Parthena explained. “Otherwise, only the Christmas play and the town picnic.”

“That’s it?” Nonna said in surprise. “I remember Irene and Wilfred telling me about those events, but I thought by now you’d have added more.”

Savannah plopped into a chair at the table. “We should.”

“I agree,” Parthena said. “Is it any wonder there are so many unmarried people in town?”

Leo watched them both, noted their disappointment and shook his head at the irony of it. Nowhere had dances throughout the year, but few single folks of marriageable age. Clear Creek, from the sounds of it, had plenty of single young people but hardly any social functions for them. No wonder the Cooke women were still unwed.

“Something the matter, Leo?” Nonna asked.

“Just thinking.” He went to the table and sat. It was time he got to know Savannah better. He turned to face her. “Would you like to go over to Clinton and Mel’s after lunch? I know you’re having supper with them tonight, but I figured you’d want to see Harold and spend some time with him first.”

“Yes!” She stood. “Parthena, do you want to come?”

“I’d love to. I can’t wait to see Harold.”

He smiled at the two beautiful women. They had different kinds of beauty – Savannah was spirited, wild even, yet also sophisticated. Parthena, though mischievous, was quieter, a thinker like himself, less spontaneous than her cousin.

“When do we leave?” Savannah asked.

He smiled again and glanced at Parthena. “Right after lunch.”

“I’d better change back.” She smoothed the front of the gown as if she was loath to take it off, then left the room.

Leo watched her go as his heart beat a little faster.

“Ow!”

“Harold! Stop biting your auntie!” Mel pulled the child away from Savannah’s leg. They were all in Mel and Clinton’s parlor, a stone’s throw from the big cattle barn. Thankfully the Cooke women were used to the smell, and Mel and Leo didn’t mind it much. Clinton, of course, was somewhere out in the pastures with the herd.

Leo smiled. “At long last, someone tastes better than I do.”

“What?” Savannah rubbed her calf. “Does he do that all the time?”

“It’s a habit we’re trying to break,” Mel explained. “Some children bite. We just happen to have one of them.”

“It wouldn’t be so bad if he gave you fair warning,” Leo said. “But he doesn’t. Trust me, I know.”

“You should have warned us,” Parthena said.

He