Page 35 of A Bloom for a Blacksmith

“Of course, Mr. Agremon,” she replied. “It’s very good to meet you, sir,” she added, turning her gaze on Angus.

Angus blinked, his pulse pounding so hard in his ears, he barely made out her words. “Likewise,” he managed, remembering at the last minute to remove his cap, close his mouth, and give her a slight bow.

He feared he must have looked awestruck, if for no other reason than he was.

Iris O’Connor really was a rather comely young woman. Dressed in the black gown—probably her Sunday best—her raven hair was caught up in a bun atop her head. A pair of ringlets framed her pale complexion, which at the moment was displaying a hint of pink. Her blue eyes weren’t the typical cornflower blue of an English miss, but appeared darker, probably due to the thick, dark lashes that provided a perfect curved curtain when she closed her eyes. A dimple dented one of her otherwise smooth cheeks near the corner of her mouth, and a few faint freckles were sprinkled across her nose. She obviously wore no cosmetics, for he was fairly sure if she had, the freckles would have been hidden under powder.

How had he ever imagined she might be a prostitute? Nothing about her gown or her manner or the room in which she lived—a quick glance showed it was quite plain and clean—suggested she entertained men for her living.

Apparently she really was a flower girl. If he ever had reason to shop at the Covent Garden Market, he could imagine seeking out her stall to buy a bloom or two from her. He could always wear one as a boutonniere and place the other in a glass of water on his kitchen table.

Angus blinked again. What the hell is wrong with me? He had never once in his life bought flowers.

He was actually relieved when Stella stepped farther into the room and took charge of the situation. “Are you ready for the men to take your things?” she asked of the young woman.

“I am,” Iris replied. “These crates are mostly my books…” She waved to several that were shoved up against one wall. “And these are dishes and such,” she added, motioning to two crates near the sink and counter. “I have another box of bed linens and blankets…” She pointed to that carton. “And my clothes are in the trunk and valise.” Next to those items were two wooden boxes, one stacked atop the other.

“What about your bed?” Darius asked.

“Oh, it’s merely a cot,” she replied, indicating the wood and canvas item that had been collapsed and leaned against a wall. Another long one was next to it. “The other was my brother’s,” she added.

“No… furniture? No chest of drawers or cabinets?” Darius pressed, his attention going to the table and two chairs in the kitchen area. Another chair was next to the cots.

She shrugged. “Just the table and chairs,” she said.

“Well, we’ll only need to make one trip for this,” Stella remarked. She looked to Darius. “Where would you like to start?”

He chuckled. “I do believe Mr. Thompson and I can manage if you two can see to the valise and those smaller boxes,” he said.

“Capital,” she replied, making her way to the valise. “These can ride in the coach with us.”

It took only four trips up and down the stairs to load the boxes and furniture into the dray cart, the coachman, Mr. Stover, standing guard lest anyone attempt to help themselves to one of the boxes.

After Darius hefted her trunk onto the roof of the town coach and Angus finished knotting the ropes that held the cots atop the boxes in the cart, Mr. Stover took his place on the driver’s seat.

“Do you have any business with your landlord you must complete?” Stella asked as she and Iris confirmed all her belongings had been removed from the room.

“I must drop off the key. I told him I would leave it under his door if he wasn’t at home.” With one last look around, she closed and locked the door.

After leaving the key, she and Stella joined Darius and Angus at the coach.

“I so appreciate all your help today,” Iris said once she was inside and seated next to the blacksmith.

“Oh, it was my pleasure, Miss O’Connor. But we’re not done yet,” Angus commented, surprising Stella. The young man who claimed to be shy was actually speaking to the lovely young woman.

“And then you’ll have some unpacking to do,” Stella said.

“It won’t take us long at the bookshop,” Darius remarked. “We’ll be sure to set up your cot, so you’ll have a place to sleep tonight.”

“Thank you, sir,” she replied.

“Have you food?” Stella asked.

“Some,” Iris replied. “I packed it with the kitchen items. I plan to shop at the market after I sell all my flowers on the morrow.”

“I suppose it is convenient working at a market,” Stella mused.

“Indeed. I only need to buy what I can use in a day or two,” she said.