Love's First Flames (Banished Saga, 0.5) by Ramona Flightner Page B

admit I never expected to see you on Mrs. Kruger’s doorstep alone.”
    “I will not take much of your time. Nor do I want to harm your . . . friendship with Richard in any way.” He walked next to her, not offering his arm, but ensuring that she moved through the crowded streets with ease. “I want to apologize.”
    Florence paused at his words, her shocked gaze meeting his. “Why?”
    “A good friend made me realize I’ve been unfair to you.” Gabriel gripped her arm for a moment, helping her around a delivery cart. “For nine years, it’s been my brothers and me against the world. It’s hard to imagine anyone else entering our little group. And yet I know that’s not realistic. I wanted you to know that I’m sorry I’ve not been as friendly as I could have been when we called for tea.”
    “Mrs. Kruger enjoyed scolding you.”
    “She’s good at it.” Gabriel laughed with fondness. “When I imagine a grandmother, it’s someone like her.”
    “I’m sure she’d like to hear that. She’s terribly lonely.”
    “Would you mind if we visited for tea on Sunday? I think Jeremy should come too.”
    “I’m sure Mrs. Kruger would enjoy the visit.” At his searching stare, she blushed. “I’d like more time to get to know all of you too.”
    “Until Sunday, Miss Butler.” Gabriel walked her to the bakery and then departed.
    ***
    “RICH,” GABRIEL SAID as the three of them wandered the Boston Common on a cold Sunday in November with an abundance of free time and a desire to be out of their aunt’s house, “let’s go take tea with your Miss Butler.”
    “I don’t know as that’s a good idea, Gabe.”
    “Mrs. Kruger seemed eager to have us back, and I think she’d like to meet Jer.” He glanced pointedly at Jeremy who nodded his enthusiastic agreement.
    Richard looked at his two brothers and knew he wouldn’t succeed in evading a visit to Mrs. Kruger’s house on Chester Square. They boarded a trolley headed in that direction and got off to one side of the square. The harsh early winterlike weather and recent frost had frozen the blooms on the late-season dahlias and roses. They walked through the central part of the square, past a large pond with a bronze fountain in the middle. Trees lined the walkways and leaves crunched under their feet.
    They crossed the street and continued to Mrs. Kruger’s mansion. “This is where your Miss Butler lives?” Jeremy asked as he stared at the impressive home.
    “She’s a maid, Jer, not a lady of the house,” Richard snapped as he raised the knocker and gave it a hard rap.
    “I bet she doesn’t go hungry,” Jeremy muttered as the door opened.
    Richard nodded to the same maid who had granted them admittance before. After a few moments of waiting in the hallway, they were led into the front parlor.
    “I had about given up hope you’d return. I’d thought you’d visit me weekly after your first visits were on Sundays,” Mrs. Kruger said, her silver-blue eyes shining with delight. “I’m glad I sent Florence out for cakes this morning.”
    Gabriel, Richard and Jeremy sat, pulling up chairs to join her around her small table. “Mrs. Kruger, this is our youngest brother, Jeremy.”
    “Youngest, but not smallest. I fear you’ll grow to be as tall or taller than your brothers,” Mrs. Kruger said with a warm smile. “My, you’ve the most striking eyes of the three of you, such a beautiful green. I’m told you’re in school. What do you hope to do with all of your studying?”
    “I’m not certain, ma’am. I might see if I can obtain a job as an accountant.”
    She squinted as she studied him. “Seems a bit tame for a boy so young, but it might do. I’d think you’d want a bit more of an adventure at your young age.”
    “Jeremy doesn’t need adventure, ma’am,” Gabriel said. He flushed at her stare, quelling any further objections.
    Mrs. Kruger smiled at Gabriel after he became silent and shook her head again in disagreement. “I