Katie Rose (24 page)

“It is, how you say, all the rage. I brought in some especially for you girls. Normally I sell at one dollar twenty-five, but I let you have at special price of one dollar five. What you think? Perfume for the beautiful lady, sir?”

Jennifer looked on in horror as she realized Gabriel was digging into his pocket. “No, we can’t afford this. I’m sorry, Lorenzo, but you know we’re on a fixed budget.”

“Ah, but all ladies need something beautiful once in a while, do they not?”

“Yes, they do,” Gabriel agreed. “I’ll take it.” Amid Jennifer’s protests, Gabriel handed the man two crisp bills. Ignoring her look, he saw Lorenzo’s face light up, and the man eagerly scrounged for paper to wrap the precious bottle. He returned with the change, and handed Jennifer the perfume.

“You will love it! That is a good man you’ve got, miss! A good man!”

Jennifer smiled brittlely, then returned to the carriage with Gabriel. Once out of earshot, she tried to hand him the perfume.

“Gabriel, I really can’t accept this. I know you feel guilty …”

“No, I don’t,” Gabriel cut her off. “I bought that because you liked it, and all of you will enjoy it. Jennifer, there is nothing wrong with treating yourself once in a while. I admire your frugality, but you are entitled to some of life’s little luxuries. After all your stock winnings, you should be able to buy yourself something. Since you won’t, I will do it for you.”

She looked at him in amazement, shaking her head ruefully. “You still don’t understand, do you? Our stock earnings will help with some of our major goals, like Winifred’s schooling and Penny’s debut, but we are far from rich. What if Aunt Eve should become ill? Or if
Winifred should desire extended education? And what of our old age? I have to make sure we still stretch every penny so that we are protected.”

Gabriel stared at her, aware that Jennifer was struggling with the kind of security issues that usually fell to the man of the house. “But surely you don’t think this will continue forever? Penelope will marry, as will Winifred, I would think. And you.” He reached up and arranged her shawl, which had become loose.

That touch brought back memories she didn’t want to face. It was difficult to stand this close to him, to accept his simple gesture at face value. She felt vulnerable and unprotected, a feeling that, given the circumstances, wasn’t very comfortable. Worse yet was his statement about her marrying. It didn’t escape her notice that he wasn’t offering himself, only suggesting that one day she would wed. A chill passed through her and a painful tightness constricted her throat. She shouldn’t have expected anything else, not after what happened last night. Throwing herself into his arms had obviously only confirmed what he’d felt all along—that she wasn’t a lady. The thought stung.

Stepping away from him, she arranged her shawl herself and shrugged as if none of it mattered.

“There is no one I can count on permanently. Even my own father, who loved us, left us in this situation. If and when my sisters wed, things will be easier, but I can never entirely depend on anyone else. Then there is Aunt Eve, whom I will always care for. How could I not, after all her kindness?”

Gabriel couldn’t argue with her logic. “I understand all that, but there is nothing wrong with allowing someone to help you. Please accept the perfume. I don’t mean anything by it, and there are no strings attached. I just want you to enjoy it.”

Jennifer gazed at him for a long moment, trying to
discern what he really meant. He endured her perusal, returning her stare openly without squirming. She sensed that he was trying to somehow bridge the icy gap that she’d erected between them, that he sincerely wanted to give her and her family this gift. She didn’t dare think it meant anything more. Reluctantly, she nodded. “Since you have already paid your money for it, and it is for all of us, I accept. Now I have to go to the butcher’s and baker’s, then look at some dry goods. You really don’t have to come—”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” Gabriel insisted cheerfully, handing the perfume to his carriage driver for safekeeping. “I can’t wait to see you whittle the butcher down on a few pork chops.”

Jennifer grinned, but allowed him to accompany her down the street. They arrived at the butcher’s, an immaculate shop filled with marbled cuts of meat, enticingly displayed fowl, and hanging links of sausage. The rotund butcher tossed a few scraps to a mangy dog outside, who scrambled to catch the treat, while the butcher continued chopping. He sang as he worked, expertly cutting the meat into a perfect portion, then wrapping it with brown paper and twine. He handed a package to the well-dressed woman before him, then turned to Jennifer.

“What’ll it be, miss? I have nice fat bacon today, and a good pork roast.”

“Do you have any bacon ends?” Jennifer asked, peering into her purse and counting out the coin.

“Saved a few especially for you. How are the ladies? I hope Mrs. Eve is well these days.”

“She has a bit of a cold,” Jennifer explained as the butcher retrieved a package from the icebox behind him. “But she loved the chicken you sent her last week.”

The butcher winked, then leaned closer to her as if imparting a great secret. “One of those rich families had ordered it, but never showed up. Had I kept it too long, it
would have spoiled.” He shrugged cheerfully. “Their loss is your gain!”

Jennifer bowed, thanking the man, then went on to discuss the different cuts of meat. Gabriel was amazed at how differently she dealt with the butcher than with Lorenzo. She instinctively knew how to talk to people so they responded positively to her, and she genuinely seemed to like and respect them. In turn, the shopkeepers treated her with kindness, going out of their way to do her little favors or provide her family with an extra orange or slice of bacon. Unlike Gabriel’s more affluent acquaintances, the working-class people seemed to have no objection to Jennifer’s ignoble occupation, but understood her situation. It was no wonder, he realized, that the police were on her side, as were many of the local businesspeople.

She argued again when Gabriel insisted on purchasing a plump roast she’d been eyeing regretfully, astonishing the poor butcher, who hastened to wrap the meat as fast as he could.

“But that cost two dollars!” she protested in astonishment as Gabriel paid out the money. “I don’t pay that for a week’s worth of meat! Put it back,” she told the butcher, who wisely pretended not to hear.

Gabriel led her out of the man’s hearing by the elbow. “Jennifer, I insist. After all, I cannot subsist as your kidnappee on bacon rinds.”

“You aren’t really going to stay the weekend, are you?” Jennifer gasped.

“Absolutely. You wanted me, you’ve got me. That’s all there is to it.” Gabriel grinned at her aghast expression. Although he really didn’t intend to stay another night, he did plan to teach the Appleton sisters a lesson, one they wouldn’t forget. He continued in the same tone, “And since you provided dinner last night, it’s the least I can do to reciprocate. It’s about time you all had a decent meal. No wonder Eve is ill.”

“That’s not fair!” Jennifer cried. “I take good care of them all. And our meals are nutritious, even if they aren’t costly.”

“A little meat on the bones won’t hurt anyone. Especially you,” Gabriel added, his eyes filled with wicked meaning. “I seem to recall that you are a little too slender.”

Jennifer gasped, sputtering. She walked away indignantly, refusing to be drawn into this conversation, one that would surely go in a direction that would only please him. His chuckle burned in her ears and she turned aside as the butcher reverently handed him the package. The man actually shook Gabriel’s hand, obviously pleased that this noble gentleman had decided to help the poor Appletons.

“Next stop?” Gabriel asked, sounding delighted to have bested her.

“The baker. This won’t take long. Gabriel, I insist that you wait in the coach—”

“Are you joking? I haven’t had this much fun in ages. Let me do this one. I think I’ve got the hang of it.”

“But—” Jennifer’s protests fell on deaf ears as he stepped up to the spotless counter where the baker’s wife placed hot, fresh bread loaves.

“What can I do for you, sir?” The plump woman asked, wiping her hands on her apron and giving Jennifer a less than friendly glance. A cloud of flour seemed to surround her, and Gabriel coughed, waving the air.

“I’ll take some of those tea biscuits. And three of those loaves—they look wonderful. And some pound cake, those cookies, that lemon layer cake, and some tarts.”

“Yes, sir!” The woman’s eyes widened appreciatively, and she hurried to get his order. Jennifer fumed as Gabriel didn’t attempt to argue with the woman about price, but cheerfully ordered just about everything he saw.

“We can’t afford this!” Jennifer cried as the woman rushed to do his bidding. “I usually get the day-old bread,
and the baker saves the leftover cakes for me. They’re still good, and we all enjoy them.”

Gabriel cast a disparaging glance toward the dry, crusty pastries. “Well, if I’m being held captive this weekend, I insist on eating well.” He paid the woman amid Jennifer’s objections. “Prisoner’s rights, you know.”

“Since when do prisoners buy their own meals?” Jennifer said, though her mouth watered at the sight of the tarts.

“This is a rather unusual kidnapping, and as such, calls for unusual measures,” he said firmly, brushing her arguments aside. “I refuse to be mistreated while incarcerated.”

“Gabriel, this is ridiculous.” Jennifer stamped her foot in frustration. “This whole thing has gone far enough. We really couldn’t kidnap you, you know that. And you don’t have to do this—”

“I want to. And as far as not being able to kidnap me, that gun looked very real, especially when you nearly killed me. I think you girls did a magnificent job of taking me prisoner. In fact, I think the South might have won the war had the Appletons been on her side.”

This teasing side of him left her defenseless. Jennifer stood by helplessly while he turned that devastating grin on the baker’s wife. “I’ll take those packages, ma’am. Have a good day.” He bowed, while the rotund woman giggled flirtatiously. She glanced at Jennifer, then at Gabriel, and her smile grew broader.

“Sir, you’ve made my day. Here, take a few more cookies for the girls. Always liked the Appleton ladies, that I do.”

Jennifer stared. “She’s always hated us!” she said in bemusement once they were outside the shop, as he jauntily shouldered the package and headed toward the coach. “Ever since Penny came in and her husband nearly burned the entire morning’s bread because he was staring at her. I don’t get it.”

Gabriel chuckled. “Maybe she’s just thrilled to actually
make a profit, for once. Lord knows, with customers like you, she probably barely breaks even.”

“Humph,” Jennifer said, shaking her head at the sight of the carriage, laden with packages. “Well, I certainly won’t feel too badly the next time. She practically robbed you on those cakes!”

“Maybe, but I can afford it. Where to next?”

“Home,” Jennifer said quickly. “Before you’re bankrupt.”

Gabriel chuckled, then extended a hand, helping her into the carriage. Inside, the wonderful smells of fresh bread, fruit, and pastries filled her senses, and the scent of the perfume still lingered on her dress sleeve. Although she’d never admit it to him, Jennifer realized she’d enjoyed herself. Gabriel had been funny and entertaining, as well as generous.

She glanced at him from beneath her lashes, then turned away quickly as he caught her looking at him. Casting her eyes downward in embarrassment, she could hear his laughter as the coach rumbled on. She had to remind herself to be cautious, and not let her guard down again for a second. She didn’t want a repetition of what happened between them last night, and she especially didn’t want to care any more for Gabriel than she already did. Unfortunately, he was making it very difficult to despise him.

They returned home to the “oohs” and “aahs” of her sisters when they spied their bounty, and Jennifer felt as if she were witnessing the return of the conquering hero. Gabriel, obviously enjoying himself to the hilt, displayed every enticing purchase to her sisters, basking in their admiration and gratitude. Jennifer scowled as Penelope giggled flirtatiously, dancing around with an orange in each hand, while Winifred rushed off to the kitchen to put away the roast.

No one else appeared to object as Gabriel hung up his coat and stoked the fire as if he’d been living with them for
decades. When he flopped onto the sofa and put his feet on the step stool, Jennifer eyed him with mounting impatience. He ignored her and picked up the morning newspaper, instantly absorbed in the headlines. Even Angel, the kitten, seemed to capitulate, for he leaped into Gabriel’s lap and rubbed against him, purring. Finally, Jennifer stood before him, blocking the warmth from the fire, and put her hands on her hips.

“Isn’t anyone going to object to this? I let him go last night, and he insists on staying!”

Winifred’s brows went up as she came out of the kitchen, wiping a betraying cookie crumb from her lips before speaking. “But we wanted to kidnap him for the weekend. We all think he and Allison are up to something. You agreed,” she reminded her sister.

“Yes, but he doesn’t have an ulterior motive,” Jennifer insisted hotly. “I know he doesn’t. We discussed it last night.”

Penelope looked from Gabriel to Jennifer, then back again. Giggling, she shrugged, her shoulder lifting helplessly. “Then he’s a willing captive. That makes it so much easier. We won’t have to worry about that dirty gun going off again, and we can keep an eye on him all the same. And Aunt Eve needn’t know. She left right after you did, and won’t be home until tomorrow.”

“But there’s no reason for him to be here!” Jennifer protested. When her two sisters stared at her in confusion, Jennifer took a deep breath and struggled to explain. “I told him everything last night. He assured me that nothing was going on, and he wasn’t in cahoots with Allison. I believe him.”

Winifred stared at her intently, and Jennifer could feel the blush coming to her cheeks. Understanding seemed to dawn, for her sister’s intelligent gaze took in Jennifer’s swollen eyes and agitated demeanor. Her expression turned sympathetic, and she nodded, then reached for Gabriel’s
coat. Turning to him with a look that brooked no argument, she spoke in a businesslike tone.