Page 37 of What the Cowboy Wants
Bottom line was, he should stay away from her.Ever since he’d become aware of Rose Dalton, his feelings were all over the place—exactly what he tried so painstakingly to avoid by managing his life in such a way that he wouldn’t connect and feel what other people felt.
*
After a dayof unpacking boxes while her heart was breaking, the only thing Rose wanted to do was crawl into bed and cry herself to sleep.But she had a shower, put on one of the new tops she’d bought in Bozeman and her favorite pair jeans before she picked up Arlene.It was Tuesday, time for their weekly book club meeting.Crying would have to wait.
Fortunately, Arlene didn’t mention Cooper once on their way to the yarn shop.The others were already there.
Ellie made sure everyone had a glass of wine and something to eat before she picked up a copy of Emma.“Last time, we discussed the themes inEmma, but I’ve had Mr.Knightley on my mind all week,” Ellie said.
“Of course you have, we all have, I’m sure,” Riley grinned.“What’s not to like about Mr.Knightley?”
Everyone laughed.
“That is the point,” Ellie smiled.“Do we always agree with how he treats Emma?I mean, think about the way he scolds her.If he was a real man today, we’d probably shame him for the way he calls out Emma’s behavior.He doesn’t tell her she’s enough or that she’s beautiful, but says,Badly done, Emma, badly done.Can you imagine the comments that he’d get if he was on social media today?”
“Mmm,” Janice said.“It would be a pity to miss Mr.Knightley’s true character and miss the point Austen tries to make.”
“I have to agree with Janice,” Annie said.“He doesn’t think she’s stupid, remember?Somewhere he says something like it’s better to be without sense than to botch it up it as Emma does.He knows she’s intelligent and charming and that is exactly why he worries when she meddles in other peoples’ lives.”
Vivian smiled.“We’re all probably more like Emma than we realize, I think.We’re all prideful, stubborn, and selfish in some way.That’s why we need Knightley’s in our lives.Without Mr.Knightley, Emma may never have seen the hurt her remarks caused.”
Nodding, Rose cleared her throat.“I’m learning a lot from Emma.Like her, I have foolishly followed my ownwisdom, made a mess of my life because I disregarded how everyone is affected by my actions.I wish someone had called me out with abadly done, Rose.”
Arlene picked up her copy.“That’s all very interesting, but what makes this book special to me is the connection between Mr.Knightly and Emma.That’s why I love rereading this story—the beautiful bond between them even when Mr.Knightley is angry with Emma.He knows her.He’s seen her make big mistakes, such as ridiculing Miss Bates.But, in the end, he finds herfaultless in spite of all her faults.
“True love will do that,” Vivian said.
“Listen to this,” Riley said, and opened her copy ofEmma.As Riley started reading from the book, Rose’s thoughts stayed with Arlene’s words.
The connection.Cooper had been the first one to point out that there was some kind of connection between the two of them.Did he feel different at this point?Or was the quick conclusion he’d jumped to when he saw her with Duncan the way out he’d been looking for?She still didn’t know why he’d been in Seattle.Maybe he wanted to make sure she knew there could never be anything serious between them.
“Okay, so what book next?”Ellie asked.
“What about Austen’sPersuasion?”Annie asked.“We keep skirting aroundMiddlemarch, don’t we?”
“Persuasionnext and thenMiddlemarch, please,” Ellie said.
“I’ve been thinking aboutWuthering Heights,” Arlene said.“I always cry myself to sleep about the tragic story.”
“Oh, no, please, Mom,” Willow groaned.“Can we stick to happy endings?”
Arlene raised her eyebrows.“For one who isn’t interesting in her own happy ending, that’s a strange request.”
Willow got up.“Mom, seriously?I am happy.I’m literally living my dream.I’ve got to go, guys.I still have so much to do for the exhibition in December.”
“Oh sweetie, you know what I mean,” Arlene sighed.
Smiling, Willow put an arm around her mother.“Two of your sons are married.Be happy about that.”
“Looks as if we have another matchmaker in town,” Annie laughed.“First Janice and now you, Arlene.”
Arlene grinned.“It’s just I know exactly what man…”
But Willow covered her ears.“I don’t want to hear it, Mom!Goodbye, everyone!”
“Will we see you over the weekend during the festival, Willow?”Annie asked as Willow opened the door.“Friday evening is the music festival where we celebrate all kinds of music.There are stalls selling crafts, food and there are activities for the kids and on Saturday night there’s of course the dance.”
“Oh, she knows that even though she ignored the festivities last year,” Arlene answered before Willow could answer.“I’m her date for both events.Rose, you’re coming with us.”
