Free Banished Love by Ramona Flightner Page A

make them any height you would like, miss. For example, if you have tall books, I can make some higher for those, shorter for smaller books. I’d need you to tell me the proper dimensions and number of different types of shelves.” He was studying me again.
    I felt like a simpleton, unable to form any coherent words when looking into his eyes. I nodded, glancing away, clearing my throat. “Oh, of course,” I replied, a small smile escaping. “How wonderful to be able to create whatever you want with your hands and knowledge!”
    “Not everything, miss,” he replied. “Just what I can build out of wood. Richard’s the real magician in the family, conjuring what he likes out of bits of iron.”
    I noted he watched Florence when he had said Richard’s name. However, Florence remained in a state of shock, sitting on a child’s chair, staring dully ahead. I had never seen my vivacious spinster friend act in such a way.
    “I would recommend that they not be flush on the floor. Sometimes there is moisture there, and this could lead to wood and book rot. Therefore, I suggest the shelves start a few inches off the floor. Would that meet your expectations?”
    “Yes, that sounds very good. Do you have any drawings of the bookshelves to show me?”
    “Not yet, but I will soon. However, about the sideboard,” Gabriel said, pulling out a few pieces of paper, which were vastly improved sketches of the secret project. “This is an expansion of the drawing from the other day,” he said.
    He had added detail to the front and sides, and I had a better perception of depth. “Oh, that is lovely.” I sighed. “Savannah will love it.”
    “May I see it?” Florence called out as she rose from the child’s desk.
    “Of course, Florence,” I answered, holding my arm out to draw her into our discussion. “This is the sideboard Mr. McLeod will make for my cousin Savannah.”
    Florence silently studied the drawing, nodding a few times. “She is very fortunate, very fortunate, it seems,” Florence said in a small voice.
    I detected a trace of bitterness in her tone.
    Gabriel had watched Florence the entire time she examined the sketch, confusion and animosity playing across his features. “Well, Miss Butler,” he said, “it appears her family thinks she deserves it.” He turned away, dislike emanating off him.
    Florence blanched, moving toward the chair behind my desk, collapsing into it.
    “If it is all right with you, miss,” he said in a slightly warmer voice, “I’d like to take a few measurements.”
    “Of course,” I replied, watching him and Florence in confusion.
    Florence continued to look ashen and despondent. “Florence,” I whispered. “Are you all right?”
    “Fine,” she replied in a flat monotone. “Just fine.” She looked toward me with a lost look in her eyes.
    I recognized this look. I had seen it enough times in the mirror the months after Cameron had disappeared. I moved toward her, gripping her hands.
    “How much longer will you need to be here today, Mr. McLeod?” I asked, concern for Florence invading my sense of contentment at the time spent with him.
    “If I could have a few minutes more to measure, miss, that would be helpful.”
    “Of course,” I replied, turning toward Florence. Her color had returned, and she met my eyes with patent embarrassment. “Just a little longer, Florence, then we’ll be out in the sun!” I said. I looked around the room, trying to find something to keep us busy until Gabriel had finished, but we had already tidied the room.
    Florence watched me as though understanding what I was looking for. “Why don’t you read to us, Clarissa, to pass the time?” she asked. “You have the loveliest reading voice.”
    “Yes, I just went to the public library and was able to borrow The Red Badge of Courage. Would you like to hear it read?” It didn’t seem the type of book to raise one’s spirits, but the only other books I had were school primers.
    “Yes.