Read Online Flora's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo - Free Book Online Page B

gave brief consideration to an escape. However, the thought of a possible arrest warrant frightened her almost as much as her grandmother’s reaction should Flora arrive back at their suite wearing a Pinkerton agent’s handcuffs.
    In stark contrast to the lush forests of the surrounding countryside, the streets of Eureka Springs were narrow and winding. Ramshackle buildings edged in amongst hotels and bathhouses, all hugging the muddy thoroughfares with only the most rugged of walkways to separate them. Here and there gaps in the wood, limestone, or brick structures gave way to rock formations that, in places, trickled with the same spring water that bathers paid dearly to soak away their ailments.
    The sidewalks, such as they were, teemed with people who appeared not to care whether they edged one another out of the limited space and into the muddy street. Occasionally Flora spied an oversized feathered hat or a flash of finely made skirts that might indicate someone of her social set. Thus, she kept her head low and her handcuffs well hidden beneath Mr. McMinn’s coat.
    When the buggy paused near the intersection of Spring and Short Streets, it only took a moment for attention to be drawn their way. “Truly, Mr. McMinn,” Flora said. “Might you dispense with these handcuffs and allow me to post the letter myself? People who know me could be within sight, and I—”
    â€œYou’re staying put, Miss Brimm. Unless you’ve changed your mind. I’m sure the sheriff would be happy to let you roam a jail cell without those handcuffs.”
    Ignoring him rather than offering a response seemed prudent. Still, she couldn’t help wishing she had some means of removing the ridiculous restraints. With obvious reluctance she extracted the letter from her reticule and gave it to him.
    â€œYou, boy!” The lawman gestured toward a youth who might have been a newspaper hawker or perhaps in the business of shining shoes. He showed the ragamuffin three coins and nodded toward the post office across the street. “What do you say? Will you see that the postmaster sends this out?”
    The young man adjusted his cap and offered a gap-toothed grin. “It’s a deal, mister!”
    Mr. McMinn handed over the letter and the coins and watched until the messenger disappeared inside the building. As the buggy moved away from the post office, Flora looked back to be certain the boy had indeed done as he’d been charged.
    â€œWorried about something?” Mr. McMinn asked as he guided the horse back up the narrow street.
    â€œJust making sure the letter gets posted.”
    He gave her a quick sideways look. “You wouldn’t want your father to miss the news of your wedding, would you?”
    She gasped. “How did you know what the letter said?” She paused to reflect on a better choice of words, and then she began again. “About that. While I appreciate your need to follow through on your commitment to whatever case you’re working on, I would very much like you to allow my marriage to go forward as scheduled. So if at all possible, could you conclude your business with Mr. Tucker today?”
    Mr. McMinn laughed even as he urged the horse around a throng of buggies and wagons. “Miss Brimm, you are possibly the most self-centered woman I have ever had the bad sense to join forces with.”
    To correct his assumption and let the man know her concern was for home and family rather than herself would be counterproductive at this point. And likely he wouldn’t believe her anyway, especially if he had indeed secured a warrant for her arrest.
    So Flora remained silent, her back straight and her expression such that anyone who might recognize her would think she was merely out for an afternoon drive with a handsome acquaintance. Unfortunately, her acquaintance had the irritating habit of tipping his hat and making conversation with every person who slowed