Free Flora's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo

down their drive.
    By the time the carriage had traveled the length of downtown, Flora was ready to scream. When three pigs, two children, and a goat ran out in front of them, she did. Loudly and without apology.
    Thankfully, he was able to maneuver around the obstacles without calamity, though she had to wonder how he managed it. She might have asked except that she spied the unmistakable form of the railroad executive who had hosted her and Grandmama for dinner just two nights ago. And with him was his wife, who had quizzed Flora at length about her unmarried state.
    Flora immediately slid to the floor, where she hid as best she could under Mr. McMinn’s jacket. While the sounds and smells of Eureka Springs were only slightly muffled, she hoped she might be hidden well enough to keep the gossips from talking.
    â€œYou’re awfully skittish,” he commented as the buggy began the climb up toward the Crescent Hotel.
    â€œWith good reason,” Flora snapped.
    â€œOh, I see.” He chuckled. “I guess you’re not keen on being seen with the likes of me.”
    â€œActually, I’m unsure as to which of two issues of concern would most damage my reputation.”
    One dark brow lifted. “Oh, do tell me what those are, darlin’,” he said with an exaggerated drawl. “I care so much for all of your issues of concern.”
    â€œThank you,” she said, as sweetly and sarcastically as she could manage despite her predicament. “Since you asked, I’ll be happy to tell you. Not only would it be disastrous to be seen riding through the middle of Eureka Springs with handcuffs—that’s awful enough—but worse?” She shrugged as she feigned abject horror. “What if someone actually thought I was enjoying a ride with you?” A shudder completed the statement, though she wasn’t keen on glancing over to see how he had taken her jab.
    â€œAt least I remained in my seat. I wonder if anyone spied the drunken woman who couldn’t remain upright long enough for the law to discreetly return her to her hotel?”
    â€œOf all the nerve!” Flora fixed Mr. McMinn with a withering look. Unfortunately, he ignored her. Finally, she tired of staring and turned her attention to twisting around so as to be in a position to climb back onto the seat.
    She took in a deep breath of pine-scented air and let it out slowly. With her hands bound by the cuffs, her corset far too tight for exertion, and her pride dented, Flora found the process difficult at best. Each time she managed to get her elbow up on the seat, the buggy would hit some sort of rut and she would bounce back down on the floor. After a point, she suspected the lawman was not completely innocent in this, though his expression belied the fact.
    She peered up at him. “Mr. McMinn, I demand you either help me or release the handcuffs so that I might help myself.”
    â€œYou demand?” He paused to allow his eyes to sweep over her before returning his attention to the road ahead. “From where I sit, you don’t appear to be in a position to demand anything, Miss Brimm.”
    â€œAnd yet eventually you will have to explain to someone why you returned to the Crescent Hotel with Flora Brimm trussed up and cowering on the floor of your buggy. For if I am such a wanted woman, you would have seen me jailed. Instead, you’re forcibly returning me to the hotel in handcuffs. Inquiring minds might ask what nefarious purpose you have in mind.” A pause for effect. “And me, a defenseless woman?”
    â€œDefenseless?” His tone combined with an inelegant snort told her his opinion of the thought. “Miss Brimm, were I to testify in court as to many of your other attributes, lunacy among them, I would have much to say on the matter. But defenseless? A woman who treats a walk on a fourth-floor ledge like a stroll in the park? Hardly.”
    â€œFine.” She maneuvered