A Touch of Autumn(11)
“Yes, ma’am.” Elizabeth opened her brown eyes wide. “I’ll be thirteen next month. That’s not too old for the class, is it?”
“Of course not. I just like to know everyone’s ages.”
Molly stepped forward. “Trudy and I are both eleven, Miss Olivia.”
“Thank you, Molly.”
“I’m almost thirteen, too,” Margaret offered.
Livvy nodded at the girl who had caused such a stir last year. But now the blonde, blue-eyed beauty was sweet as could be, most of the time.
With a sigh, Livvy turned to Lily Ann, who stood with a look of dread on her face, her lovely, but sightless, chocolate-brown eyes staring straight ahead. She wasn’t volunteering anything. “Lily Ann?”
The girl swallowed. “I’m nine. But I can learn to ride. I know I can.”
Sympathy tugged at Livvy’s heart.
“Honey, I believe you. And I’m going to go ahead and measure you for a riding outfit. But I’ll have to talk to Miss Wellington before I can accept you into the class.”
She swallowed. “Yes, ma’am.”
An hour later, after measuring, marking, pinning and writing down measurements, Livvy said goodbye, promising to come again next week to talk about the class.
Her heart jumped at the sight of Charles standing on the front porch. He pushed away from the pillar and smiled. “I see you survived.”
Attraction turned to irritation, and she glared. “Why wouldn’t I? They’re wonderful girls.”
“Of course. I know they are. I didn’t mean to imply that they weren’t.”
Mollified, she nodded. “Oh. All right.”
“I was actually waiting here to ask you to have lunch with me at the hotel tomorrow.”
Pleasure washed over her. “Yes, I’d love to.”
“How about I pick you up at eleven? We can go for a drive first.”
Livvy’s heart danced and she couldn’t keep the big smile from her face. “Yes, that would be...” She stopped. “Oh. I can’t go that early. I’m meeting with the ladies about the riding habits. We won’t be finished before noon.”
“That’s no problem. They serve lunch until two on Saturday. How does twelve-thirty sound? We’ll go eat lunch then take our drive.”
“That’s fine, Charles. See you then.”
She hummed all the way home. Charles wasn’t upset with her after all.
* * *
Silverware gleamed on the white tablecloths and waiters bustled throughout the room, napkins over their arms and trays lifted high.
Charles smiled across the table at Livvy as she lifted her napkin and gave her lips a dainty pat.
A waiter appeared at their table and began removing dishes. He nodded at Charles. “I’ll be right back to refill your coffee and take your dessert orders.”
“Oh, heavens.” Livvy gave a slight laugh. “Nothing for me. I couldn’t eat another bite.”
“Me, either. But we’ll take those refills, if you please.”
“Yes, sir.” The waiter headed toward the kitchen with the laden tray.
Charles leaned back and sighed. “Their desserts are good, but they can’t hold a candle to your mother’s.”
“Very true. But Mother doesn’t make ice cream.”
“Oh. Would you like some?”
“No, I’m much too full. The meal was delicious.” She sent him a sweet smile.
Charles hoped she’d still be smiling when he said what he intended to say. But someone had to reason with her.
“Goodness, Charles. What a serious expression. I’d almost think you were glaring at me.”
“Oh...sorry.” He straightened and cleared his throat. “Actually, I’d like to talk to you about something.”
“Well, go ahead. Talk away.” She waved her hand toward him and grinned.
He picked up his teaspoon and began tapping it against his cup as he exhaled the breath he hadn’t noticed he’d been holding. “Livvy, I really wish you’d reconsider about teaching the girls to ride.”
Surprise crossed her face. And something else. Disappointment? His stomach sank.
“I thought we had this settled. You have a new reason now?” She shot the words like rifle bullets.
“I don’t think it’s safe.” Well, that sounded rather pathetic. He should have thought this out a little better.
“Why is it safe for the boys and unsafe for the girls?”
Irritation bit at him. “Well, that’s obvious, isn’t it? The boys are bigger and stronger.”
“Really? Sonny is bigger and stronger than Elizabeth and Margaret?”
“You know what I mean, Livvy. Don’t be unreasonable.”