The Austen books he’d ordered arrived, so she took a break from the encyclopedia to work on those for a while. Once they were ready, she handed them over to Uncle James for delivery.
“He brought you these today,” Uncle James informed her one evening when they met for supper. In his hand he held a massive bouquet of white roses.
Ada stared at the flowers. “What?”
“There’s a note attached.” He handed it to her before going to find a vase.
Befuddled and with her heart hopping about, Ada opened the card and read.
I saw these and thought of you. Anthony Gibbs.
It was ridiculous how happy a bouquet of flowers could make a woman, Ada decided, sniffing the fragrant perfume and admiring each perfect bloom. She felt slightly giddy and more excited than she probably ought.
Perhaps she should agree to see him when he stopped by next, to thank him at least.
No, it was too dangerous. He’d only muddle her head even worse. These flowers alone were enough to make her wonder if he might be thinking of her a little bit more than he probably ought. With the encyclopedia’s delivery date on the horizon, she had to remain focused.
“I hope you’ll tell him how grateful I am,” Ada told Uncle James.
“You ought to do so yourself,” he pointed out.
“Possibly, but I think it’s best if I don’t.”
Her uncle responded with a snort and a shake of his head.
“Ada,” he said the next morning, popping his head into the back room, “I need your help out here.”
She’d been cutting the leather for the fifth volume in Emily’s order but quickly put her supplies down and wiped her hands clean. When she entered the shop, she froze. Three bouquets of flowers stood on the counter, filling the space completely.
“What’s this?” she asked.
“Here’s the note,” Uncle James informed her and handed over a cream-colored card. “We need to clear these out of here before customers start asking questions.”
“Right. Of course.” She grabbed one bouquet – a lovely display of pink peonies mixed with orchids. It smelled divine and made her head feel a little bit fuzzy.
Ada turned her attention to the card as soon as all the flowers had been brought into the back room.
It occurred to me that you might not be partial to roses, so I thought I’d send you these as well. Anthony Gibbs.
She stared at the words, re-reading them numerous times before setting the card aside. What on earth was he playing at? If she didn’t know any better, she’d think he was trying to declare himself, but that couldn’t be right. Surely. Then again, unmarried men did not send flowers to unmarried women unless they had intentions. Did they?
Afraid of getting her hopes up, Ada carried the flowers upstairs and placed them on various tables in the apartment.
“I really think you should see him, Ada,” Uncle James told her the following day when additional bouquets arrived. “At this rate, there’s more concern of creating gossip because of the flowers than because of any mistakes you might make with the binding.”
He wasn’t wrong, Ada decided. She crossed her arms and scowled at the collection of dahlia, lilies, gladioli, freesia, and additional roses. There were five bouquets this time. Five! She shook her head and wondered for the hundredth time what Mr. Gibbs might be aiming for.
Plucking a card from one of the bouquets she read his latest note.
Whatever I may have done to earn your disfavor, I apologize and beg your forgiveness. Anthony Gibbs.
Ada’s heart shuddered. He thought she was upset with him for some reason. And why wouldn’t he? She hadn’t explained herself but had merely decided to stop associating with him from one day to the next. Of course he’d be confused.
Ada's heart raced as she realized the gravity of her mistake.
Lord, she was a bigger fool than she’d even thought possible. Self-absorbed came to mind too, which really wasn’t a very flattering way to view oneself.
Expelling a weary breath, she turned to Uncle James. “I think I’d better speak with him.”
