Leonardo (Romancing the Weavers #5) - Kit Morgan Page 0,4
elbowed Leonardo in the ribs. Again.
“Adele,” Leo glanced at Parthena and back. “She’s older?”
“Twenty-five,” Belle said in dismay.
“But in Clear Creek that doesn’t mean a thing,” Colin quipped. “She’ll marry soon, I’m sure.”
“Liam White?” Savannah said with raised eyebrows.
“Let’s not talk about that now,” Colin said. “I’m tired and hungry. Let’s check into the hotel.”
“Father, how can you be tired?” Parthena asked. “For Heaven’s sake, you’ve been sleeping the last few hours.”
“Those last two stage stops are murder.” Daniel hopped off the boardwalk and gathered a couple of satchels from the driver.
Leonardo, his eyes on Savannah, did the same, almost tripping in the process.
Parthena giggled then said quietly. “He’s not very graceful, is he?”
Savannah sighed and tried to ignore the remark. But she had to admit, he had changed. This wasn’t the gangly seventeen year-old she’d known before – this was a young man. An extremely handsome young man. Her heart skipped a beat just looking at him. Keeping up her front of indifference might be harder than she thought.
They went to the hotel, checked in and retired to their rooms to rest. They would join Leo and Daniel at the Quinns’ for supper later. If they felt up to it, they’d leave first thing in the morning for the farm.
“What’s the matter with you?” Parthena asked.
Savannah stopped pacing, only now realizing she was. She sat on one of the twin beds in their room. “I’m restless. I think I’ll go for a walk.”
“I’ll come with you. I doubt I could sleep at this point. If I do, I’ll never get to sleep tonight.”
They went downstairs and stopped at the front desk. Mrs. Ferguson, the hotel owner, looked up from the ledger she was writing in. “Can I help you?”
“If my aunt and uncle ask after us, could you tell them we went for a walk?” Savannah asked.
Mrs. Ferguson glanced at the staircase and back. “Child, I doubt I’ll have to tell them. Nowhere isn’t that big.”
Parthena giggled. “Mrs. Ferguson’s right. Should we lap the town a few times?”
“Is it safe to walk out of town?” Savannah asked.
“If you’re of a mind to, child, be sure you head north. There are quite a few farms and residences that way. South leads to the Weaver farm and not much else. The Gardner farm is the closest thing that way, and it’s a few hours’ ride.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Savannah said. “I’ll remember.”
“I have some money,” Parthena said. “Maybe we could go get a cup of tea at the restaurant in town.”
“At Hank’s?” Mrs. Ferguson cringed. “You can get a far better cup here. I’ll make you some if you like.”
“That’s very kind of you,” Savannah said. “Perhaps when we return?”
“I always have the kettle on the stove,” Mrs. Ferguson said.
They smiled and left the hotel. “Which way?” Parthena asked.
“Why don’t we walk to the other end of town and back?” Savannah said. “Maybe there’s something new.”
Parthena giggled. “Somehow I doubt that.”
They walked to the far end of the street, chatting about the trip and the upcoming visit. People smiled and said hello as they passed, some turning to stare after them. She knew because she was doing the same. She and Parthena were strangers in town and that was always news.
“Well, if it isn’t Miss Savannah Cooke.”
She smiled as they came to a stop. “Hello, Sheriff Riley. How are you?”
Spencer Riley shoved his hat off his forehead and rested his hands on his hips. “Well, I’ve been better. How about you?”
“Better?” Parthena asked. “Whatever is the matter?”
Spencer wagged his finger at her. “I remember you. Now don’t tell me, let me see… Polly – no, that’s not right …”
“Parthena,” Savannah said. “My cousin.”
“Yes, yes, of course. You were here when Max and Lucy got married.”
Her cousin smiled. “That’s right.”
Spencer nodded and looked at them both. “You two are sure grown up. How long are you visiting?”
“For a little over a week,” Savannah said.
Spencer glanced at the mercantile down the street. “I suppose Leonardo came to fetch you?”
Savannah’s cheeks heated. “And Daniel.”
“Who’s traveling with you?”
“My parents,” Parthena said.
Spencer smiled. “Colin Cooke. Good man. I’d love to sit down and chat with him. Your mother too – I spoke briefly with them at the wedding. If you’re staying an extra day before heading out to the Weaver farm, why don’t you and your folks come visit us at ours?”
“I think my parents would like that,” Parthena said. “I’ll let them know.”
Spencer tipped his hat, said goodbye and sauntered off. As soon as he was