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A FEW SECONDS LATER

Aramintahad to escape inside. Her humiliating tumble would be the talk of Woodhaven. Papa might even insist she get rid of SirWaddlesby or—God forbid—cook him, as Mrs. Clarke had so rudely propounded.

No. No.

Aramintacould not even begin to contemplate such a horror.

Howcould she eat her pet?

Granted, he had been intended for Christmas supper when Mr. Delbert had gifted the reverend the gosling three years ago. Naturally, the care of the young gander had fallen to Araminta. Since her mother’s death five years ago, Araminta had overseen the parish and household duties, except for Papa’s weekly sermons, of course.

Shecouldn’t help falling in love with the gander, who did quite behave like a cheeky puppy. Araminta adored SirWaddlesby, and he was a most loyal and loving pet, even if he tended to get into mishaps on an almost daily basis.

Thebegging and pleading she’d undertaken to convince Papa not to eat SirWaddlesby had been most persuasive. Thankfully, her father had finally conceded to her wishes. The family had enjoyed a rather skinny chicken that Christmas instead.

Insidethe bookstore, Araminta inhaled deeply, relishing the aroma of beeswax, leather, new books, and coffee.

SirWaddlesby hummed against her chest—his way of expressing contentment.

Hewasn’t an utter nuisance.

Heate slugs and kept stray cats away from the garden beds; no better watchdog could she ask for. Nevertheless, the goose’s obsession with gloves had caused more than one fracas. After this latest fiasco, if Papa didn’t insist on exiling SirWaddlesby, he would most likely demand confining the goose to a pen.

Holdinghim close, Araminta shuddered at the notion.

Hummingto herself, she glanced over her shoulder and caught sight of DariusWestbrook entering his establishment. She swiftly pretended absorption in the thoughtfully organized and cheerful interior.

Aglossy counter and a coal stove dominated one side of the L-shaped main room. The light from the windows streamed onto angled rows of bookshelves, some partially lined with crisp new books. Several comfortable chairs and sofas, arranged in cozy sections, invited readers to explore the books at their leisure.

Thoughnot ready for customers yet, the bookshop was taking shape.

Araminta’shalf-boots clicked on the parquet floor as she ventured farther inside. Still humming, she continued her exploration.

SirWaddlesby hummed in contentment too.

Theymade a ridiculous duo, but she didn’t give a flying fig.

Theentire back area of the bookstore remained vacant still.

Howwonderful and most opportune.

Aperfect place to tuck a small lending library.

Apeek into the largest adjacent room revealed the coffeehouse section of the establishment. Sleek square walnut tables and chairs filled the room’s center, and several alcoves contained additional overstuffed chairs, side tables, and small sofas.

Astaircase at the far side led to an upper floor.

Nodoubt the living quarters, which, given the size of the main floor, were quite extensive.

Obviously, a great deal of thought and planning had gone into the bookstore and coffeehouse’s design. Though unfinished, the tastefully decorated establishment exuded a welcome and charming air.

Whata marvelous addition to Woodhaven.

Aramintatried not to think about her rather embarrassing introduction to LordDariusWestbrook.

Howwas she to know SirWaddlesby would careen into LordDarius’s ladder?

Itwasn’t the first time her dear goose had gotten her into a scrape, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. She heaved a deep sigh and kissed the top of SirWaddlesby’s head.