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As it was, he sat stiffly in his seat and watched her face as the carriage turned off the little narrow street where lived and rolled down Jefferson Avenue. He noticed her hand clutching the side of the carr
iage and the whiteness of her knuckles the further they put between them and the little blue house. It truly was perplexing to see someone so deathly afraid of everything.
“Is this your first ride in a carriage?”
“No.” She shook her head. “However, the first in a very long while.”
“Twelve years ago?” He purposely mentioned the time period that she had inadvertently let slip.
The blood drained from her face but she nodded. “Yes.”
“And where did your adventure take you at that time?”
She paused, then flatly stated. “To the hospital.”
He hadn’t expected that. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize. Had you been sick?”
Again, silence from her as she stared out the window at the tall buildings that passed, her grip on the door turning even whiter if possible.
“Could we not talk about that?”
He was curious as all get out but knew better than to push her. He was determined to reveal her secrets but not at the price of traumatizing the woman.
The rest of the ride was in silence apart from for the clopping of hooves on cobblestone as the carriage made its way toward the core of downtown Detroit. They eventually turned off the bustling avenue and onto the much wider street of Woodward Avenue. Street vendors lined the avenue on every corner of the shopping district. The carriage moved along weaving through pedestrians, horse-drawn streetcars and merchants until they turned off the avenue and onto a short lane. It was here that the carriage came to stop in front of a small stretch of greenery. Just beyond that, perched in the center of the park-like setting, sat an impressive red brick building. Evelina leaned forward, eyes aglow as she gazed up at the library for the first time.
Indeed, it was a remarkable sight, thought Ryan. The impressive four-story building with its ornamental front that jutted out slightly to showcase a set of twin pillars perched above a tall flank of stairs, sat surrounded by a picturesque garden. As buildings went, it wasn’t altogether grand he admitted, but still it was rather imposing, as it possessed much of the same striking architecture that coincided with other prominent buildings throughout the city. No doubt, it caused an impressive reaction from Evelina. It pleased him to know he was able to provide her with such obvious joy.
Turning from Evelina’s enamored expression he leaped out of the coach and came around to her side of the carriage. But before he could open her door, Kathleen was already eagerly climbing down from her perch next to the driver. He reached out to assist her down while they exchanged smiles. Admittedly, he felt a bit smug at being able to give the sisters an outing into the city.
Turning back to Evelina, he was astonished to see her eyes had grown surprisingly cold.
Actually, they had nearly frozen right over.
He frowned but opened her door and held out his hand. Was she insulted that he had helped Kathleen down first? Perhaps even jealous? It startled him to realize the thought evoked a sense of pleasure.
However, it was to be short-lived.
“I changed my mind.”
“Pardon?”
“I’ve changed my mind and wish to return home.” She settled back in her seat and stubbornly refused to budge.
He shot Kathleen an arched brow but she looked just as confounded as he did.
“Why?” His gaze swept over the empty library grounds. “There isn’t anyone here if that’s what has you worried.”
Her scowl deepened. “I told you, I’ve changed my mind.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. That’s not a reason.”
Her eyes flared with anger as she shot daggers in his direction. “Are you calling me ridiculous?”
He sighed. “No, of course not, but I don’t understand why the sudden change of heart.”
“I do not need to explain myself to you, Mr. Colby.”
This angered him. “Actually, I believe you do. I brought you out here with the belief you may enjoy this outing.”
