Abby spent the next couple of days thinking through a plan for managing her parents’ arrival. Hopefully things would go well. She would have spoken to Neville about it once again, but he seemed distracted with Les, who had been spending more time than usual at the restaurant. Every time she found Neville missing, he turned up with Les. Just proved to confirm Abby’s suspicions.

On Friday morning, just about the time Neville and Cookie headed off to the mercantile, Abby happened to catch Les alone in the dining hall, playing solitaire.

She took a seat near her friend and rested her palms on the table. “Lesley, can I ask a question?”

“Well, sure.” Les looked up from her cards. “Ask me anything. I’m an open book. Speaking of books, I’ve finished Wuthering Heights. Not my favorite. Wasn’t fond of the ending.”

“I felt the same. Strange, how some stories turn out.”

Les sighed. “Why isn’t love ever simple?”

Perfect segue. Abby patted Les’s hand. “It didn’t take much detective work on my part to figure out who you’ve got your eye on.”

“Oh?” Les pursed her lips and her cheeks flamed bright pink. “Guess I’m a little too bold, then, if I’m that obvious. My secret is out?”

“It’s out, indeed. And you couldn’t have chosen a finer man.” Abby’s heart quickened at the idea of it. Just as quickly, she thought about how sad it would be, once her parents arrived. Would her father tug Neville back to Philadelphia, away from the woman he so clearly loved?

“I agree.” Lesley clasped her hands together at her chest. “Though, for all the tea in China, I can’t get him to give me a second look.”

This made no sense at all. “What do you mean, give you a second look? Why, it was all he could do not to stare at you all morning long. In fact, I’ve noticed for days now that he has paid you more attention than ever.”

“Really?” Lesley’s lips curled up in a smile. “I guess I didn’t notice.” She reached to grab Abby’s hand. “Oh, but he’s a handsome devil, isn’t he? And such a fine, proper man.”

“He is. And I can tell you with all assurance that he’s a complete gentleman,” Abby assured her.

Lesley sighed. “I know.”

“I’ve known him for years, and can bear witness to the fact that—while he’s a bit crusty on the outside—Neville is as sweet as sugar on the inside.”

“Neville?” Les paled. “Your Neville?”

“Well, of course. I saw him at your table again this morning. Everything about him says he loves you. The look in his eyes as he watched your every move. The kindness in his voice as he spoke to you. My goodness, but he’s got it bad.”

Les scooted her chair back and her knuckles turned white as she gripped the edge of the table. “Abby, if you saw that as anything other than friendship—and I do mean friendship—then you are sorely mistaken.”

“What?” Abby shook her head, her heart beginning to pound against her chest. “Now I’m confused. I’d just adjusted my thinking to the notion that the two of you were …” Her words drifted off.

Lesley pushed herself to a standing position and brushed her palms against her skirt to smooth it. “Abby, he’s old enough to be my father.” The words came out in a hoarse whisper.

“Cookie says no one around these parts pays any mind to age differences.”

“Are you saying Cookie thinks this too?”

Abby nodded. “Well, I don’t know if she thinks it, exactly, or if she’s confused by the whole thing. She didn’t exactly take to the idea with ease for some reason.”

“No doubt she didn’t.” Lesley paused. “You know what’s really going on here, Abby?”

“Clearly, I do not. I’m as lost as can be.”

“Neville knows that Cookie and I are friends. He approached me about, well …” Lesley paused and lowered her voice. “Winning her affections.”

“What?” Abby didn’t mean for the word to come out with such volume, but couldn’t control her excitement. “Are you sure?” If so, then Cookie must feel the same way. This certainly accounted for her odd behavior the other day, at any rate.

“Well, of course I’m sure.” Les chuckled. “No one knows Cookie like I do. I know her favorite foods, her preferences, the things that make her jump for joy. I’ve been helping Neville put together a list to woo her.”

“Well, you could blow me over.”

Les chuckled. “I still can’t get over the fact that you thought Neville and I …” She slapped herself on the thigh. “Oh, that’s priceless. Wait till I tell him.”

Abby’s cheeks heated at the very idea. “No, please don’t. Then he’ll know that I know about his feelings for Cookie. That will just make things uncomfortable.”

“Won’t be long before everyone figures that one out. But in the meantime, Neville has been doing me the most wonderful favor.”

Now Abby’s curiosity was truly piqued. “What’s that?”

“Teaching me to speak like a lady. My speech has been lazy and fraught with poor habits. He’s been giving me diction lessons.”

“Outside of my etiquette lessons, you mean?”

“Yes.” Lesley sat up straight and cleared her throat. “How very kind of you to invite me to this lovely reception,” she said with crispness and perfect tone. “See what I mean? I’m getting better already. Before long, Mr. Denueve will see me for who I really am.”

“Marcus Denueve?” Abby put a hand over her mouth. “Is that who you’re enamored with?”

“You betcha.” Les’s smile faded into a pout. “He doesn’t seem to notice me coming or going, though.” She grew more thoughtful and turned Abby’s way with a somber expression. “But he sure spends a great deal of time trying to win your heart. At least he did the other morning at breakfast.”

“I have no aspirations in that direction,” Abby managed over the lump in her throat. At least none she’d voice aloud.

“Thank goodness.” Lesley’s face brightened. “I’ve had my eye on him for years.”

A tight cord wound itself around Abby’s heart as she thought about Les and Marcus Denueve as a couple. Not that it was any of her business, of course, but she couldn’t picture the man with someone like Les. No, he needed a woman of refinement, one who would help him with his goals and aspirations. And Les needed to be with someone more … well, she couldn’t think of anyone at the moment, but someone other than Marcus.

Marcus. Abby sighed as the cord twisted a bit tighter.

“You all right over there?” Lesley asked.

“Hmm?” Abby looked up and snapped to attention. “Oh, of course. I’m just tired, I think. Lots to do. Best get to the kitchen to help Cookie with the dishes.”

“She’s gone to the mercantile, remember?”

“Oh, right. But I did promise to finish up the dishes and start on tonight’s pies.”

Lesley laughed. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were smitten as well.”

“Not at all. I’m just passing through, remember? Why, when Mother and Father arrive, we’ll all head back to Philadelphia in a hurry.”

“And leave a broken heart behind, no doubt.”

“What do you mean?”

“Why, everyone in town has you pegged for Sam.”

“They … they do?”

“Of course. From the minute he saved you from the fellas that first day. I know you think you’re bolting after your parents arrive, but why not give this a go while you’re here? Might as well make the whole town happy and start the courting process now to see where things lead. That’s what I’d do, anyway. If I wasn’t pining for Marcus, I mean.”

“Sam … has feelings for me?” Abby shook off her ponderings.

“I’m no expert in courting, but I would think so, from the way he looks at you.” Lesley chuckled. “Don’t tell me you’ve been blind to that.”

“I guess I have.”

Suddenly, Abby felt completely out of sorts. She wanted to jump and run from the table, to spend a few quiet minutes in her room, thinking about the condition of her heart. Instead, she headed to the kitchen to wash dishes.

A short while later, Cookie and Neville returned, their arms loaded down with items from the mercantile.

The heightened color in Cookie’s cheeks caused Abby a bit of concern. “Is it hot out there?” she asked. “You’re flushed, Cookie.”

“Am I?” Cookie dropped a crate of produce on the counter. “Hot and bothered, is more like it. You wouldn’t believe the prices on these things.” She yanked several items out of the crate and set them to the side. “That Marcus Denueve has us painted into a corner. We have to buy the ingredients for the baking from his store—the flour, the baking powder, and so forth. He knows that. So, he’s upped his prices, and not just on baking supplies, but other food items we use daily as well. In the meantime—mark my words—he’ll charge lower prices at his new restaurant over at the saloon. He’ll feed the fellas for half of what they pay here.” She slammed a bag of flour on the counter. “It’s just like Sam said. The man knows exactly what he’s doing.”

“He’s been so kind to me, though,” Abby countered. “Even offered me a good wage to play piano at his establishment.”

“Establishment. That’s a fine word for it.” Cookie muttered something under her breath. “Anyway, I’d like to put the man out of my mind, but it’s very difficult with that grand opening happening tonight. Most of the fellas are going.” She mumbled something else and then added the word, “Traitors.”

Abby garnered the courage to say, “Just call me a traitor too.”

“What?” Cookie spun around on her heels.

“I was invited.”

“But surely you wouldn’t go there, Miss Abigail,” Neville said. “It’s not a fitting place for a lady.”

“It’s a restaurant,” Abby countered. “How bad could it be?”

“And here you think you know a person …” Cookie clucked her tongue. “I’m so stunned I hardly know what to say.”

“Mr. Denueve personally invited me to the grand opening. I believe he wants me to look at the piano, to see if I might be able to play on occasion. I have some wonderful classical pieces in mind.”

“Surely you wouldn’t consider such a proposition.” The way she stressed the word proposition, Abby had to wonder if the word had double meaning.

“I don’t think I will do it. I don’t think my skills are up to par. But what would it hurt to peek inside his new place and see that piano for myself? No harm done.”

“Trust me, those aren’t the kind of skills Marcus is interested in.” Cookie brushed her hands on her skirt. “Anyway, it’s none of my business. Go if you like.” The flustered woman muttered something under her breath that Abby couldn’t quite make out, then turned Neville’s way. “Tell me you’re going with her. I won’t hear of her venturing into that place alone.”

Neville blanched. “I cannot imagine going into such a place, but neither would I send her into a den of iniquity without a proper chaperone.”

Abby did her best not to roll her eyes as his over-dramatic description of the Lucky Penny. Did everyone around here think she was a child, unable to walk into a restaurant on her own?

“Come if you like, Neville. I won’t argue. Mr. Denueve was kind enough to extend the invitation to all of us. It’s not as if he singled me out.”

“Sure he didn’t.” Cookie slammed another bag of flour onto the counter.

“I will be like a ghost,” Neville said. “You won’t even see me. But I will be hovering in the background, ready to pounce, should the man so much as look at you improperly.”

Abby doubted mightily that Neville would be discreet about his intentions. But, with her feelings in such a state, she didn’t really care what Neville or Cookie thought. She would go to that grand opening tonight and have a wonderful time.

Sam paced the dining room, his heart in his throat. He wanted to rush upstairs, to knock on Abby’s door, and tell her not to go. Instead, he spent the time fretting and fuming.

“Trust God, Sammy.” Cookie’s voice sounded from the open doorway. He swung around to face her. “Don’t try to fix this yourself. Isn’t that what you always tell me?”

“Under most circumstances, yes. But this isn’t an ordinary circumstance.”

“Because you’ve fallen for her, am I right?”

As the words were spoken, all the fight washed right out of Samuel. He slumped down in a chair, his elbows landing on the table in front of him.

“I can’t say I blame you, Sammy-boy. She’s a wonderful girl. If I got to pick God’s finest for you, I would’ve chosen her myself. And I understand why you want to protect her from the likes of Marcus Denueve. That man is wicked.”

“Then why are you dead set against my intervening?”

“You just need to move with caution, or your plan might backfire. If you’re not careful, you might drive her straight into his arms. That’s all I’m saying.”

“I see.” He released a slow breath. “So, hang back? Do nothing?”

“Pray. That’s all the Lord requires of you at the moment. When He gives the go-ahead, you can race across the great divide and save her from the fire-breathing dragon. In the meantime, take some assurance in the fact that Neville will be with her. He plans to keep a very close eye out.”

“I sure hope so.”

Sam found himself distracted by a noise at the top of the stairs. He looked up to see Abby descending, dressed in that beautiful blue dress of hers, the one that showed off her gorgeous eyes. He sprang from his seat and headed up the steps to offer her his arm.

“Thank you, kind sir.” She released a girlish giggle. “Grateful for the help.”

When they landed in the dining room, he reached for her hand. “Abby, you look wonderful. Prettier than a picture.”

“Hardly. I’ve never been a beauty, even in my finest clothes, but I make do with what I’ve been given.”

He stopped cold at her proclamation. “Are you serious?” His eyes came up to study her face. Based on her expression, she genuinely believed those words to be true.

“I’ve never fancied myself pretty, even. To be honest, the boys back in Nottingham didn’t pay me much mind. I drew the conclusion some time ago that I wouldn’t even pretend to be something I’m not.” She appeared to lose herself in her thoughts.

“You must be joshing me.” He stared at her, not quite sure what to make of all this. “What makes you think you’re not pretty?”

She brushed a strand of loose hair out of her face. “The mirror?”

“Then the mirror is lying.” He fought to control the emotion in his words. “Maybe you need to invest in a new one.”

“Really?” She did not look convinced.

“Really. I’m not just saying this to appease you, Abby. You’re a very beautiful woman.” He cleared his throat, the words causing a lump to rise.

She fussed with her reticule. “In a town with only a handful of women, I suppose I look somewhat appealing.”

“In a large city with thousands of women, you would still stand apart. The fact that you don’t see that just convinces me all the more of your inner beauty. Abby, I don’t know what fool notion has planted itself in your head, but you need to rid yourself of it immediately. You’re beautiful, inside and out. It has nothing to do with the number of women in town. If we’d met in St. Louis, if I’d seen you walking down the street in a crowd of women, I would have taken notice of you.”

“Because of my bulbous nose, perhaps.”

“No.” He took her hand. “There’s something about you that sets you apart. So accept the compliment. Begin to see yourself as God sees you. As I see you.”

“Hmm.” She slipped the bag under her arm. “I will try.”

“Remember how you dressed Les up in frills and lace, how everyone took notice of her outer beauty?”

“Yes.”

“It’s not like that with you. There’s no transformation necessary. And I’m not saying it was altogether necessary with her, either. Folks around here, at least those who were paying attention, always saw her charm. But in your case, it wouldn’t matter if you were wearing a dirty apron over a worn dress, your beauty would always shine through.”

“Thank you.” When she looked his way, he couldn’t help but notice a hint of tears on her lashes.

“I’ve made up my mind not to keep you from the grand opening, though it’s tearing me up inside.”

“I’m a grown woman, Sam.”

“Clearly.” His eyes swept the graceful curve of her waist. “And I’m not the only man who will notice, I assure you. So take care. That’s all I’ll say. Take care.”

She muttered something under her breath that he couldn’t quite make out, but Sam found himself distracted by her beautiful upswept hair as she turned toward the door. Oh, how he wanted to run and grab her, to convince her not to leave.

Instead, he planted his feet, whispered a prayer for her well-being, and watched her walk out the door.