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reserve my opinion in that regard, and it’s Miss Dunn.Pleased to make your acquaintance.” With the spunk her father insisted she possessed, Amanda extended her hand.
    Mr. Cooper shook hands as though her fingers might crumble into dozens of pieces. “Nathaniel Cooper, but my friends call me Nate.” He immediately flushed to a bright shade of scarlet.
    Amanda smiled. “I will remember that in case we become friends someday.”

    Nate couldn’t control the dull words issuing from his mouth or his schoolboy blush. “Of course, Miss Dunn. How can I be of service today?” He wiped suddenly damp palms down his apron.
    â€œI’m visiting America for the first time. Today I’m finding my way around town.” She tugged on the hem of her odd jacket, the likes of which he’d never seen before. Yet despite the fact she was attired in somber gray from neck to ankle, the woman was breathtakingly, heartbreakingly beautiful.
    The longer Nate stared, the larger the boulder in his throat grew. “Do you find our country alien to your tastes?” he asked.
    â€œAs I only arrived yesterday, it’s too soon to tell. I wouldn’t use the term ‘alien’ but instead merely ‘different.’” She smiled as she withdrew a small purse from inside her valise.
    â€œHow so?” Nate asked, wiping down his spotlessly clean counter with a rag.
    â€œEverything is newer and grander, at least in my sister’s neighborhood. You serve a delicious cup of tea here, but most take it without cream. And your names for things—one would think we spoke two different languages: taxes instead of duties, pickles instead of gherkins, cookies instead of biscuits, privy or water closet instead of loo.” Miss Dunn’s gloved hand flew to her mouth. “Forgive me. That was indiscreet. I don’t know why I’m babbling so much.”
    â€œThis lovely spring day has set both our tongues free.” Nate grinned at her embarrassment. “Think no more about it.”
    She stepped back to peruse the contents of several shelves. “You display a fine selection of goods, sir. I will remember your shop for future necessities. Do you work here for your father?” Her warm brown eyes sought his.
    â€œNo. My father has passed on.”
    â€œFor your mother, then?” She pursed her rosy lips.
    â€œMy mother is at rest, awaiting the Second Coming as well.” Nate draped the rag over his shoulder. “They are buried side by side under a fir tree. My ma took sick one winter and died before Christmas.”
    â€œForgive my impertinence, Mr. Cooper, but you appear too young to own a market by yourself.”
    â€œI was twenty-five on my last birthday, in robust health and usually sound of mind. Don’t forget this is America—the land of opportunity for those with ambition. Even a nobody from the Blue Ridge Mountains can move to the seaboard for a fresh start if they’re willing to work long hours. I have few requirements other than keeping my customers happy.”
    Miss Dunn stared at the floor. “Now I’m the one being boorish. I hope you won’t judge all English people by my rudeness.”
    â€œI haven’t met many Brits. Your countrymen usually send their servants to town to shop. And I don’t find your curiosity inappropriate. If we don’t ask questions, how can we learn? Now let me ask you one. What brought you into my store today? A bolt of fabric, a bottle of tonic, perhaps candy for your sweet tooth?”
    For several moments she appeared perplexed. Then her lips pulled into a smile. “I almost forgot why I’m here. I have been walking all morning and I’m famished. Could I purchase a tin of soup or a potted pie for lunch? Chicken, beef, mutton—the type doesn’t matter—but I don’t wish to return to my sister’s until Ifinish exploring. Who knows when I’ll have another