Read Online The Last Heiress by Mary Ellis - Free Book Online Page A

herself.
    â€œI thought I would find you here. You always were an early bird, even when we were children.” Abigail walked into the breakfast room in a scented cloud of rosewater perfume.
    â€œGood morning, sister. I hope you slept well.” Amanda automatically straightened her slouched posture.
    â€œLike a baby.” Abby filled a cup of coffee at the sideboard before taking an adjacent chair. “Only fruit and toast for me, Amos. Thank you.” Once the butler had left, her sister reached out to pat her hand. “I hope that experience wasn’t too disheartening for you last night.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Amanda asked unnecessarily.
    â€œPoor Mr. Cooper was frightfully out of his element. Don’t you agree? He looked so befuddled when that pear slid down the front of his shirt.” Abby clucked her tongue in pity.
    â€œAccidents can happen to anyone. I recall you spilling punch down your gown at a cotillion.”
    â€œOf course accidents happen, but poor Mr. Cooper acted as though he’d never eaten oysters on the half shell or escargot before,” Abby said as she added a teaspoon of sugar to her black coffee.
    â€œPerhaps he never had. He’s from the mountains of your new state, not the coastline. He has only mentioned trout in terms of seafood.” Amanda felt a pressing need to defend her friend.
    â€œIt wasn’t just the fish that stymied the poor grocer. Mr. Cooper seemed uncomfortable no matter which subject Jackson brought up in conversation.”
    Amanda cut a piece of her omelet and chewed carefully before responding. She was no longer a teenager at home but her sister’s guest. “I cannot disagree with your assessment, but Jackson didn’t choose topics of common ground. The latest vote on the town council about raising taxes on foreign spirits?”
    â€œDiscussing imported wines is the closest my husband comes to the mercantile business. Jackson can’t very well talk about muskmelons and cantaloupes. He’s probably never entered a store like that in his life.”
    Amanda set her fork on the side of her plate. “Your point is well taken, Abby, but I don’t regret extending the invitation.”
    Her sister dropped her voice. “Jackson is concerned about you, Amanda. He doesn’t understand your…interest…in this shopkeeper from the hills. Truly, it’s laudable that Mr. Cooper owns a business, but what could you possibly have in common with him? Considering your education and background, you’re from two different worlds. Jackson fears you feel something stronger than friendship for the man.” She paused to nibble her piece of toast. “Of course, I told him not to be silly. You always loved taking in strays and championing the cause of the downtrodden.”
    â€œMr. Cooper is not a stray dog! He’s a man, and a fine one at that. He’s generous and kindhearted to everyone who comes into his shop. He’s well read, familiar with the American poets, and keeps abreast of legislation at the state level. Maybe local taxes on French wine don’t concern him, but he follows what the North Carolinian delegates are doing in Richmond. Too oftennew laws benefit only rich planters and ignore the poor and working classes.”
    â€œAnd which side of this debate are you on?” Abby’s clear brown eyes darkened.
    â€œI’m not on either. I’m English , the same as you.”
    â€œNot quite. As Jackson’s wife, I now consider myself an American.”
    Amanda shouldn’t have been surprised by the revelation, but she was nevertheless.
    â€œDo you find this grocer handsome in a rugged, unpolished sort of way?” Abby’s stare didn’t falter.
    â€œI suppose so, but you may rest easy. I didn’t come to Wilmington to court and marry—not Mr. Cooper or any friend of Jackson’s. I intend to enjoy my visit with you, fulfill Papa’s