Wishing on Buttercups Read Online Free PDF

and held in the words she’d like to say. She forced herself to relax, not wanting another argument to mar this time with Frances. Besides, if she were completely honest with herself …
    “All right. I’ll admit I didn’t understand why she was upset when I thought his plan quite splendid.” She thought for a moment. “Or maybe I do.”
    Frances laced her fingers in her lap and leaned forward. “And?”
    Wilma frowned, not realizing she had spoken the last few words out loud. “I am sorry, Frances. I have spoken out of turn. I was reminded of something that might be troubling Beth, but I’m unable to discuss it.”
    Frances snorted and stood. “I declare, Wilma Roberts, you do beat all. You invite me for a cup of tea and a cozy chat, then refuse to tell me a thing. My patience has been stretched to the limit and beyond. I am going to my room to rest.”
    Wilma raised her hands in the air. “Frances, wait. I didn’t mean to be such a goose, but …” What was there to say? She couldn’t reveal Beth’s concerns over her past or her desire to keep her work a secret, no matter what she thought.
    “But what?” Frances stared at her.
    “Nothing.” Wilma allowed her arms to drop to her sides. “Nothing at all. I hope you rest well.”
    “Humph. That is not at all likely.” Frances limped from the room.
    Wilma’s heart sank. Her friend’s gout must be acting up again. Frances’s body was hurting, and now she’d added to that pain by making her feel she couldn’t be trusted, but there was no help for it. Beth’s secrets were her own to reveal, no matter how much Wilma longed to share the burden of the girl’s past with someone else.
    But one of these days her niece might want answers, and if anyone could aid Wilma’s investigation, it would be Doctor Caleb Marshall. Besides her brother, Arthur, Caleb was the only person who knew the details of Beth’s childhood. Wilma gave a quick nod, her mind made up. It was time to write a letter and see if Caleb would be willing to help her unearth some old secrets.

Chapter Four
    “Beth, wait for me, if you please?” Jeffery lengthened his stride. He was certain she’d noticed him follow her down the front stairs, but she’d walked on as though he were invisible. Not that he had anything vital to discuss, and he would readily admit that strolling behind her was pleasant, but it had been almost a week since they’d agreed to a tentative friendship and from all appearances she’d avoided him ever since. He sucked in a breath. “Miss Roberts.”
    She came to an abrupt halt and pivoted with a flash of irritation that she quickly hid. “Yes, Mr. Tucker?”
    He hurried forward. “It’s a lovely day for a walk, and it’s been some time since we chatted. Do you mind if I accompany you?”
    “I suppose not.” Her cool tone didn’t quite match the tentative smile that followed.
    “Were you headed to town or out for a morning constitutional?”
    She looked toward the house a block or so behind them. “I have no particular destination and don’t plan to stay out long.”
    “Ah, I see.” He didn’t, but maybe with a little gentle probing he might. “You have not been down to the parlor in the evening lately, and I recall you weren’t feeling well when you left the table last week. Are you quite recovered now?”
    She started forward. “Yes. Quite. Thank you.”
    He didn’t want to appear dense or too inquisitive, but neither did he care to let a lengthy silence ensue. He kept step with her brisk pace. “You and your aunt have been in Baker City for a few months now. Are you planning to locate here permanently, or will you be returning to your home before winter?”
    Beth halted and stared at him, brows raised. “Why do you ask?”
    He hunched a shoulder. “I was simply making conversation, but please do not feel obligated to share your personal information. I did not intend to pry.” He sensed her relief at his declaration and chastised himself for