“He is,” Ella affirmed, dipping a pen into an ink pot so she could write out the receipt. “As are the others who have adopted us over the years.” She handed him the receipt. “You must haveacquired more than a pair of horses,” she commented, waving to the bridles.
“In a manner of speaking,” he replied. He handed over some bills, and Ella Mae made the change from the cash register. “I’m seeing to the Galena Stable, since Mr. Perkins is too sick to do it any longer.”
Ella Mae sighed softly. “I heard he was ill, but I didn’t realize it was that bad,” she remarked.
John lifted a shoulder. “’Fraid so.” He paused a moment. “Do you suppose... would you ever agree to take a ride with me about town?”
“On a horse?” she asked, surprised by the query.
“I... I was thinking in a carriage of some sort,” he clarified.
“Oh,” she breathed. “I suppose I would. If it was all right with my Father,” she added, her heart suddenly racing.
He appeared to be about to say something, but instead merely nodded.
“Would you like me to wrap these in paper for you?” she asked, curious as to what he had been about to say.
He furrowed a brow. “Uh… that won’t be necessary,” he replied. He inhaled and nodded to the pieces of fabric she had set aside. “May I ask what it is you’re making?”
Ella Mae grinned. “A ballgown,” she said proudly. “Mother says I can go to this year’s masquerade ball at the DeSoto House Hotel.”
“I saw mention of it in theGalena Gazette,” he commented.
“It will be my come-out,” she stated proudly.
He gave a start. “Come-out?” he repeated, as if he hadn’t heard the word before.
“My introduction to Society,” she clarified.
He seemed momentarily confused. “I... I would have thought you were already out in Society.”
She tittered. “I feel as if I am. My mother’s friends include me when they invite her to tea, but... this will be my first formal ball. Not like the dances at the hall,” she explained.
“Oh. So… so you’ll be looking for suitors whilst you’re there?”
She gave a start. “Oh. I’ll mostly be hoping for dance partners,” she replied, knowing full well her cheeks were bright pink. “I’ve no idea what to expect.” She had a thought that perhaps John might attend the affair. “I suppose I wouldn’t be adverse to gaining a suitor from the experience. Should... someone… be… interested,” she stammered.
He seemed to think on her response for a moment. “If it’s a masquerade ball, doesn’t that mean you’ll be wearing a mask?”
She nodded.
“So… how would a gentleman know who you are? So he can become a suitor?”
Inhaling to answer, Ella Mae resisted the urge to giggle. “I’ve absolutely no idea. So… I suppose introductions will be required, although I can’t imagine the bit of lace I’ll be wearing as a mask will hide much of my face. I’m going as an angel, you see.”
He regarded her with an odd expression before finally nodding. “Well, I expect your dance card will be full. Good day, Miss Montgomery.”
“Good day, Mr. O’Connor.”
Ella Mae watched him go, sure her face was still bright pink. Why was it John O’Conor had her feeling as if she had made a fool of herself?
