Read Online Her Irish Surrender by Kit Morgan - Free Book Online Page A

little thing was conveying in a single look, that she didn’t need him, that being there was because she made the decision to be. Of course, the fact his mother hired her on helped, but even if she hadn’t been added to their midst, he was sure she’d have had no problem finding work somewhere. “Do you cook, Miss Dermont?” he asked without thinking.
    He froze waiting for her to answer. He wasn’t even sure why he asked.
      She smiled. “Not as well as I’d like.”
    “Oh.” He picked up the stack and studied the spines. “Looks like Mrs. O’Leary was in again.”
    “Mrs. O’Leary?”
    “Aye, she comes in, finds three or four books on the same subject, looks through them, and leaves.”
    “Does she ever buy anything?”
    “No, she’s a widow and hasn’t much money. We don’t mind.”
      She followed him as he made his way to the shelf where the books belonged. “That’s very kind of you.”
    “Aye, we try.  When we first got this place, my mother gave away more than she sold. Took her heart awhile to figure out giving away the store wasn’t going to feed us. So now she bakes.”
    “I see,” she said softly. “Cookies are more affordable than books?”
    He shrugged, “We break even on the cookies.”
    She laughed at that, her eyes bright. “Speaking of which, I should earn my keep, and get to work.”
    He watched her a moment, and took in the few wisps of hair that framed her face. “Aye,” he agreed. “I as well.” She turned to retrieve the feather duster.  He watched as she went about the simple task of cleaning the shelves and stacks, and decided he didn’t feel like going to McPhee’s later for some practice. It was much nicer to watch Miss Dermont do her work. He smiled at the thought, and returned to his place behind the counter.
    * * *
     
    Adaline walked back to the boarding house, a dreamy smile on her face. The day had been pleasant, and she enjoyed it more than she thought she would.  She and Lorcan Brody may have gotten off to a rough start, but today made up for it, and she was already looking forward to going to work tomorrow.
    She held the book Lorcan suggested she read, and fingered the spine as she walked.  She’d heard of it, but had never read Alice’s Adventure’s in Wonderland. When she asked why he suggested it, he told her it was one of Mrs. Fitzsimmon’s favorites. She’d burst out laughing in a most un-lady like manner, that seemed to delight him, and that in turn made her smile. She’d been smiling ever since. She almost hated to go inside the boarding house and become engaged by others. But she couldn’t very well stand outside on the front porch all night, so in she went.
    “Why, Miss Dermont, how was your day?” asked Mr. Dixon as he came down the stairs.
    “Very well, thank you. And yours?”
    “Not very well, I’m afraid. But I’m sure some of Mrs. Brown’s fried chicken will cheer me up.”
    “I’m sorry to hear your day disagreed with you,” she said.
    “It was either that, or I disagreed with my day, I’m not sure which.”
    They both laughed at the remark as Polly Van Cleet came through the door. “Good evening, am I late for dinner?”
    “Not at all,” Mr. Dixon said. “But where is Mr. Van Cleet?”
    “He’s in a meeting with some gentlemen from Portland and knew it to be too boring for my tastes, so he had someone escort me home. Smells like fried chicken tonight.”
    “I can’t wait!” exclaimed Mr. Dixon as he rubbed his hands together and went into the dining parlor.
    Adaline smiled at his happy demeanor and turned to the stairs.
    “Are you going t o sit next to Mr. Walker at dinner?” Polly asked her from behind.
    Adaline looked over her shoulder. “Sit next to him?”
    Polly tapped her on the shoulder to get her attention, then glanced around before she spoke. “I hear he plans on sitting next to you.”
    Adaline’s stomach churned. “What?”
    Polly gave her a curt nod. “Really dear, don’t waste your time