Page 14 of An Uncertain Road

The couple went on for some time about the different things they loved. But not everyone in the car was excited. Flora glanced at Jensen, who sat in silence next to her. “What about you? Are you as in love with the city as the rest of us?”

While they’d spent plenty of time together in the days since the fireworks display, Flora couldn’t remember a single conversation that wasn’t about the Decauville. Jensen hadn’t even fought her the least bit on the final setup for the car, as she’d assumed he would.

The hours it had taken to drive from Philadelphia to New York City had consisted of Fred and Beth talking to Flora over the clatter of the car’s engine while Jensen kept to himself. Was he worried about the tour, or had she said something wrong? She’d gone over and over the moments they’d shared watching the fireworks and could only remember feeling more connected to him than at any other time in the weeks since they met. Whatever had caused him to withdraw, it surely hadn’t been her.

Now, Jensen shifted in the seat, his voice barely loud enough for her to hear. “Philadelphia is almost too busy for me. This is…so much.”

Flora looked around at the multitude of horse-drawn vehicles that clogged the streets, mixed with fewer automobiles, but still more than she usually saw in one place. New Yorkers streamed down every sidewalk and into the streets, all walking with purpose. The buildings were magnificent to look at, but also blocked any view of the horizon. It wasn’t hard to imagine some people might not enjoy the electric energy and could feel claustrophobic. “It’s only for a few days. We’ll be on the road Tuesday, and then it will be rural driving for most of the tour.”

Fred leaned forward to join the conversation. “Beth and I have some sights we’d like to visit before the tour starts. The Statue of Liberty, one of the theatres, a day at Coney Island.”

“And shopping, if we can fit it in,” Beth added.

Even while looking ahead at the road, Flora could tell Jensen’s shoulders tensed at their enthusiastic plans. Perhaps she could smooth the way between their exuberance and his obvious need for something quieter. “Don’t schedule too much. We’ll want to get some rest and leave time to make sure everything is ready for the race. It’s going to be a grueling ten days on the road.”

Jensen nodded. “I vote for rest and preparation.”

Fred bumped Jensen’s shoulder with his elbow. “Oh, don’t say that. We’ll have time for both. Please, don’t make me disappoint my bride, who wants to experience a little of New York City while we’re here.”

Flora was sure Jensen would shrug him off and lean into his preference for their time in the city. To her surprise, he relented without any further convincing. “Fine. We’ll see a few things over the weekend. But Monday is all business. We have to be ready for the tour.”

Not caring whether he noticed her scrutiny, Flora watched Jensen’s face for as long as she could have her eyes off the road. His lips pressed into a tight line, but when he turned her way, he didn’t look angry. What had possessed him to agree to several days of sightseeing so easily?

As if reading her confusion, he leaned closer so he could speak for her ears alone, his shoulder pressing against hers. “Don’t look at me like that. I’ve never been able to deny Fred anything. He’s the little brother I never got to have.”

There was that sweet charm she’d like to see more of. “Were you that close growing up?”

He responded slowly, as if he needed time to form each word in his mind. “Fred and I weren’t, not until I was older and could see how important it is to cherish those you love.”

Before she could think through whether it was a good idea or not, Flora let the truth she’d just realized slip through her lips. “That’s why you agreed to this, isn’t it? Fred asked.”

Was that pink tinging his cheeks? A horn blared and several horses nearby neighed in panic. Flora spun the wheel to steer the car back into the appropriate lane, mortified that staring at Jensen had nearly caused her to crash them into a wagon. Maybe Jensen remaining aloof would be better for their chances of staying safe during the race, after all.

Flora let the conversation go and kept her focus on the road until they arrived at the famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, where Mr. Harrison had arranged for them to stay before the race started. The building was imposing, the red stone-and-brick exterior all one could see when standing near it. Turrets and ironwork decorated the upper floors, drawing attention to its staggering height.

Beth gawked as they disembarked from the car and started for the front door. “Will we stay in places this nice the entire tour? I could get used to this luxury.”

Flora suppressed a grin at Fred’s look of dread. Was he about to find out his wife had much finer taste and expectations than he’d thought? A glance at Jensen showed the same amusement written on his face. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, they were united in their humor. If only all of their time on the tour could be this companionable. But Flora had a feeling the friction they’d experienced while preparing the Decauville would resurface as soon as they started the race.

The group separated inside the opulent lobby, retiring to their rooms for the night with a plan to meet in the lobby in the morning to start their first day of sightseeing. Flora’s single room was small but beautifully outfitted with a wrought-iron bedframe, several comfortable chairs, a chest of drawers, writing desk, and access to her own private bathroom.

After a lovely night in one of the softest beds she’d ever slept in, Flora rose and looked over the selection of clothing she’d brought for the tour. She chose a light-weight white shirtwaist paired with a simply embellished black skirt. It would be practical and comfortable for a day of taking in whatever adventures awaited them at Coney Island. A plain straw hat with a black band completed the ensemble.

Downstairs in the lobby, Jensen occupied a settee near a towering fireplace, unlit on a morning that already promised stifling heat. His casual jacket fit like a glove, showing off those broad shoulders and muscular arms that Flora had caught glimpses of when he worked in shirtsleeves in the shop. Flora swallowed, remembering the warm pressure of his shoulder pressing against hers yesterday in the car.

Jensen glanced up and saw her standing there awkwardly. His eyes traveled down her outfit with slow scrutiny. Her cheeks heated at the appraisal even as she wished she could know what thoughts were running through his mind when he looked at her.

As if realizing what he was doing, Jensen straightened and raised his gaze to meet hers. “I haven’t seen Fred and Beth yet. You’re welcome to join me to wait.”

Forcing herself to ignore the emotions swirling in her chest after the intense way he’d looked at her, she sank into the plush cushion with a sigh. “All that bumping around in the car wears on a person more than expected, don’t you think?”

Jensen quirked one eyebrow. “It’s only going to get worse as the days wear on and the road conditions deteriorate. If you’re not up to that challenge, we should withdraw now.”

* * *

The instant Jensen’s words hit the air, he wanted to pull them back. Flora’s lovely face crumpled, draped in disappointment he’d caused with his carelessness. He’d been so flustered when he looked up and saw her standing by him in that outfit. It hugged every inch of her body, putting her curves on display in the most appealing way without being at all improper. Frankly, she was breathtaking.

And that knowledge hit him so hard and fast that he’d grown cross. Then he’d taken it out on her. Why was gruff and angry his first reaction to being caught off-guard? “I’m sorry, Flora. That was unkind of me. Do you think we should hunt down some cushions to make the seats easier to sit on for days in a row? There’s not much we can do about the bouncing, I’m afraid.”