Rose Gardner's Florist (The Providence Street Shops #2) - Bonnie Dee Page 0,19

“We met at uni, where I was more intent on having fun than putting my nose to the grindstone. Will coached me to sit for examinations.”

“When you bothered to try, you were actually an excellent student.”

“I’m afraid I formed a bad habit of lazing about then hurrying to catch up. But I am applying myself at last and succeeding quite well, don’t you think, my dear?”

Hattie regarded him with pride. “Indeed. You’ve moved several members of Parliament toward the suffrage cause. Not an easy feat, given the disposition of those particular gentlemen.”

“And I commend you for your support of small businesses. I could not have achieved my goal without your loan,” Rose added.

Guy fanned himself with one hand. “Stop. Your compliments will swell my head until I’m unbearable.”

“Too late. Modesty has never been your strong suit,” Will automatically retorted, before realizing he and Hardy’s usual banter might not be appropriate. The ladies might think him rude or jealous of his friend’s accomplishments, which wasn’t the case. Teasing was simply a part of their friendship. “In all seriousness, you have become so dedicated and responsible that I cannot help but admire your efforts. Well done, Hardy.”

“Thank you.” His friend’s smile and the little duck of his head indicated how pleased he was to receive his praise. Guy’s father had never shown an ounce of pride in his son, so Hardy was overdue for some commendation.

“How is our investment coming along by the way?” Guy asked Rose. “Your shop seems busy whenever I’ve stopped in, and it is only your first month open for business.”

“I could not ask for better success. I’m nearly overwhelmed with customers. In fact, one day, when I had an order to fill, Mr. Carmody aided me by waiting on them, earning my undying gratitude.” Her smile made Will want to serve her every day.

“You ought to hire help. Perhaps your sister?” Hattie suggested.

Rose avoided the question by asking one of her own. “How is Margaret catching on?”

While Hattie assessed the skills of her new assistant, Will pondered Rose’s reaction concerning her sister. Was she estranged from her family? She’d mentioned feeling an outsider. Did they pester her for money? Did they even know of her success? More questions he dare not ask.

“Being the only women who own shops on Providence Street is sometimes a challenge,” Hattie said. “The other merchants have become accustomed to the idea and occasionally accept our suggestions during association meetings, but we must sometimes endure subtle digs or innuendo.”

“Not always so subtle,” said Rose.

“Who? What do they say? Tell me who has been rude to you and I’ll take care of it,” Guy demanded.

Hattie smiled fondly. “That’s very noble of you, my knight errant, but it is nothing I can’t handle. Most of these slights you might not notice even if you were in the room. But a woman can detect a patronizing tone directed at her.”

“And leering looks which they think pass unnoticed.” Rose shook her head and stabbed her spoon into the lemon sorbet.

Shocked, Will reviewed every time he’d snuck a look at Rose. Had his gaze lingered long enough to make her feel uncomfortable? Perhaps he’d been leering rather than admiring. How was one to know the line between the two?

“Concerning the orangerie,” Rose diverted the subject. “Mr. Carmody, have you ever traveled to a Mediterranean country and visited a grove?”

“I was once in Italy on holiday, but I was only intent on studying Roman ruins.”

“Oh, what a marvel!” Rose clasped her hands. “I would enjoy going any place, as I’ve never been out of London. There is so much to see in this world.”

“I’m afraid I’ve read about more places than I’ve actually visited. Perhaps it is time I considered visiting some of them.” With you as a traveling companion, exploring new sights.

Guy talked about a trip to the Alps he’d once taken, then described the honeymoon tour he would like to take with Hattie.

“I don’t see how I could take that much time away from the shop,” she protested. “Don’t forget I will continue to be a business owner as well as your wife.”

Guy regarded her with a more solemn expression than Will had believed his friend capable of. “I would never expect you to forsake your career. It would be like asking you to stop breathing. I fully support your professional achievement. You do know that, don’t you?”

Hattie paused long enough to suggest perhaps she had not been so certain of it. “Then how can you suggest