Whispers on the Wind (A Prairie Hearts Novel Book 5) by Caroline Fyffe Page B

practice, and can be discouraging.”
    Was she trying to convince herself?
    “I’ve only been open a few months and I’m still working on finding ways to get townspeople interested in my wares. What I’m trying to say is, I have all the time in the world to help you.” She pointed to a comfortable-looking chair by the window. “You could sit right there.”
    Footsteps on the boardwalk drew Hunter’s glance to the window. Roberta Brown, the comely waitress from the restaurant, reached for the doorknob and entered. As she looked between him and Tabitha, her smile slowly disappeared.
    “Aunt Roberta.” Tabitha hurried to the door. She hugged the woman, and then stood back. “This is a nice surprise.”
    They’re related. I’ve got a lot to learn about this town.
    “It’s—a surprise—to me—too, dear.”
    The jerky sentence was a contradiction to the lively conversations he’d had with her over supper last night. She’d seemed eager to talk, but he’d learned over the years that older widows didn’t need much encouragement, which made him wary.
    “Mr. Wade,” she said, her tone much different from the last time they’d talked.
    “Mrs. Brown.”
    “Did you come in to visit, Aunt Roberta, or are you looking for a novel to help pass the night?”
    He understood long nights . Self-conscious, Hunter turned and strolled to the back of the room, tipping his head to better try to read the spines.
    “I have a copy of The Scarlet Letter in the lending library that you might enjoy.”
    “No, ah . . .”
    “If that’s not to your tastes, what about Uncle Tom’s Cabin ? Or The Legend of Sleepy Hollow ? Both are very good.”
    Hunter listened to Tabitha’s quick footsteps as he kept his head down. “Here, this is what I was looking for. The American Woman’s Home . It has ideas on healthful cookery, home decorations, gardening, illnesses, and much, much more. It’s a wealth of information! I’ve only had a quick look, but I think you’d like it very much.”
    He could hear the woman’s sputters without even looking.
    “No, no, Tabitha. I came in to invite you to Sunday supper. I was afraid if I let it go, I’d forget, and the weekend is almost here.”
    “How thoughtful of you,” Tabitha replied. “I’d love to come. What can I bring?”
    He looked over his shoulder to see Roberta mouthing something to Tabitha, a none-too-pleasant frown on her face. Her eyes darted to him and then back to Tabitha. She’s talking about me.
    The woman blinked and straightened. “Just yourself. Hannah and I have everything covered. Say, six o’clock?”
    “Thank you,” Tabitha replied. “I’ll be there.”
    He waited for Roberta to turn and leave, but she didn’t. Instead she said, “Just out of curiosity, what are the two of you talking about?”
    He caught Tabitha’s glance toward him. She snatched up several more books and covered the beginner volume in her arms. “Mr. Wade is looking for something to read. He hasn’t yet made a decision. I’m assisting him.”
    Roberta tipped her head to one side, as if weighing that answer. Her eyes narrowed when she glanced down at his .45 Colt and then up into his eyes. “In that case, I’ll let the two of you get back to work. I’ll see you on Sunday, dear.” With perfectly ladylike posture, she turned and left the store, disappearing out of sight after passing the window.
    Hunter watched her leave, feeling something wasn’t right. “I appreciate you keeping my secret,” he said tersely. “By the time men reach my age, most can read, write, and do sums quite well. I’m a bit sensitive about my lack of education.”
    Tabitha smiled. “Sounds like all you need is some practice.”
    He stepped toward the door, securing the hat dangling in his fingertips back onto his head. “I don’t think your aunt likes me very much.” He didn’t appreciate the disapproval he’d sensed from Roberta. She’d been friendly enough before. The reversal didn’t sit