Rose Gardner's Florist (The Providence Street Shops #2) - Bonnie Dee Page 0,48

nearly insurmountable task for him.

But perhaps not for her. Rose’s expression held gratitude and nothing more.

And so, as much as he wanted to pull her into the privacy of the work room and kiss her senseless, he could and would maintain a steady platonic course.

Friends. Comrades. Chums, he reminded himself as he exited the shop and set off about his business of championing Miss Sweet’s cause.

Chapter Sixteen

“I am not at all certain this is necessary.” Candace fastened the valise Rose had lent her which contained several ready-made dresses she had bought since Rose’s gowns were too tight on her. “Mr. Carmody seems very kind, but I do not know him at all and stopping at his house is inappropriate. It could cause great damage to my case, suggesting I lack moral sense.”

Rose had her own doubts about this course of action, but would not tell the already nervous Candace. She rested her hands on her friend’s shoulders and gave her a steadying look. “I believe Mr. Carmody is trustworthy. You may have already been spotted here due to our carelessness. You will be better protected with him while the solicitor lodges your complaint.”

Candace bit her lower lip and traced the faded flower pattern on the valise. “I am afraid,” she admitted. “It was difficult enough to come to you, a stranger, for aid. I can never thank you enough for inviting me into your home and making my troubles your own.”

“If you are utterly set against it, you may stay, of course,” Rose offered. “I have enjoyed your company and would not wish you to feel as if you have no choice in the matter. You absolutely do. As for bringing trouble, what are friends for if not to share each other’s burdens?”

“I wish I could continue to help you in the back. There are all those arrangements for the Women’s Parliament to prepare soon. Too much work for you alone.” Candace drew a breath. “But Mr. Hardy is right about my drawing attention here. I imagine policemen coming for me in the middle of a work day. Such a scandal might ruin your shop, so I will go.”

Rose would have assured her that a scandal was the last thing on her mind, but she did not wish to sway Candace’s mind in the opposite direction. Will’s home would be a much better shelter. His wealth and privilege could go far in keeping Candace safe.

The sound of a motorcar stopping on the street below announced Will had arrived to retrieve Candace. The two women hurried downstairs to meet him.

Rose gave her friend a comforting embrace. “All will be well.” Then she went to open the door, heart beating far too quickly. She couldn’t fool herself into thinking it was due to the drama of Candace leaving. Her anxiety had everything to do with seeing Will again.

When he’d come to the shop today, she’d managed to suppress any emotion, but it wasn’t easy. The sight of Will standing there at the counter had drawn her like a magnet. The worst part was that she knew he would take her back. All she had to do was tell him so and they could be together. Doing what she felt was right for both of them was hard! She wished she could forget about their impossible future and seize the moment.

But Gram had taught her that putting off bills for another day would only make a person miserable and poor. Gram was where Rose had learned good business sense, and the woman’s wisdom had not steered her wrong so far.

With a sigh, she assembled her face into neutral politeness and opened the door to Will’s knock.

Two men in dark suits, the bills of their caps shading their faces, stood in the shadows of the alley. Freezing water coursed through her veins at the sight of them.

“Miss Rose Gardener?” the taller one asked.

“I am.” At least she sounded calm even if her heart was beating an exit from her chest.

“You have a guest staying with you. Miss Candace Sweet.”

“I have never heard the name before. I have no visitors here.” She drew a breath. “If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen, I was about to go out and you are blocking my way.”

They crowded closer, one of them inserting a booted foot in the door so she couldn’t slam it shut.

“Cut the malarkey, Miss Gardener.” The second man might not tower over Rose like his partner, but his heavyset body and pugnacious stance suggested a boxer.