A Touch of Autumn(51)

Livvy grinned as Mama gave the girl a tight smile. Mama never could abide rudeness. Especially from young people.

“I’m doing very well, Carrie Ann.” Mrs. Shepherd’s half smile spoke volumes.

Carrie Ann cleared her throat. “I think Mama and Mrs. Couch are over by the jelly booth if you’d like to talk to them.”

“Thank you. Perhaps later. I believe my husband wishes me to stay with him for the moment. But you girls go ahead.”

Carrie Ann pulled Livvy aside. “Now, Livvy, I know you have your cap set on Charles. Everyone knows except him, the dunce.”

“Carrie Ann. That’s not nice.”

The girl shrugged and Livvy shook her head. “If you’re matchmaking again, stop it.”

“Well, really, you shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket, as they say. Especially when someone else is mooning over you. She gave a knowing look and nodded toward the side wall.

Livvy, irritated, glanced in that direction. Rudy Baker was walking toward them, a hopeful look on his face. Now what? She couldn’t be rude to him.

“What have you done, Carrie Ann?” she asked through clamped teeth.

Innocence shone all over Carrie’s face. “Nothing. I just told him you were here and if he would like a dance later, he’d better not wait to ask.”

“Well, if that’s all. But I wish you’d stop doing this sort of thing. I’ve known Rudy since he was born. There’s not a thing wrong with him, but I’m not interested.”

“Oh, Livvy. I think he’s right handsome.”

“Then why don’t you go after him?”

Horror crossed Carrie Ann’s pretty face. “Eww. He’s way too old for me.”

“He’s two years younger than I am. That’s not too old for you.”

“Well, but he wants to get married and I’m nowhere near ready for that. Besides, he only has eyes for you. Shh. He’s almost here.”

Rudy approached, a grin on his handsome face. “Hi, Livvy.”

“Hi, Rudy. Haven’t seen you in a while. How are your folks?”

“They’re doing great. The store’s keeping them busy most days. They stayed home tonight. Said they didn’t want to ride all the way over and back from Magnolia Junction.”

Livvy nodded. “Well, you be sure to tell them I said hello.”

“All right, I will.” He bit his lip and cleared his throat. “Uh... Livvy, I was wondering if I could have a dance later.”

“I’m sure you can, Rudy. During the square dance, all right?”

A momentary disappointment crossed his face, but he smiled. “Thanks. I’ll be looking forward to it. Would you like some punch?”

“No, but I’d love some hot spiced cider.”

“Oh, that sounds good to me, too. I’ll get us both a cup and be right back.” He glanced at Carrie. “How about you, Carrie?”

“No, thanks. I’m going to talk to Saundra.”

As soon as Rudy was out of sight, Livvy grabbed Carrie Ann’s sleeve. “Don’t you dare leave my side as long as Rudy is here with me. Do you understand?”

“Oh, all right. Don’t be so snippety.” Carrie giggled. “The man is crazy about you.”

“I only hope I’m not encouraging him. It’s hard to draw the line between that and politeness. And I will never be interested in Rudy as anything more than a friend.”

“Even if Charles doesn’t propose?”

“Even then.”

Carrie Ann gave her a look of disbelief. “I don’t understand you at all, Olivia Shepherd. Don’t you want a home of your own and children? Chances are you’d eventually fall in love with whoever you married.”

Livvy closed her eyes momentarily. “Carrie Ann, no more on the subject, please.”

“Oh, all right. Here comes Rudy with the drinks.”

Livvy opened her eyes in time to see Carrie slip away. She would give her a piece of her mind later. She forced a smile as Rudy handed her a steaming cup. Fragrant spices drifted up and she inhaled in appreciation. “Thanks, Rudy. Just what I wanted.”

A commotion at the door drew their attention. Livvy brightened. “Oh, it’s Quincy School. Let’s go greet them.” She headed toward Felicity. Patrick and Helen were with them. They must have been helping out.

Livvy was immediately surrounded by “her girls” before she had a chance to speak to Helen. She glanced at Rudy, who looked a little intimidated. He grinned at her. “I’ll see you for that dance, then.”

Livvy perused the boys as they came in, shoving and laughing. But where was Charles?

She turned back to the girls. “Where’s Mr. Charles?”