Chapter SeventeenThe sun was nearing its zenith when Basil hurried across the market square. He had been awake all night replaying the scene with Rosa in his mind. She loved him. She wanted to marry him. Now, to make that happen.
Farm business had absorbed most of the morning. Sullivan had been more cantankerous than usual, one of the plow horses had thrown a shoe, and the grain elevator had jammed. It took three men and several hours to get it operational again.
He tugged at his collar. Perspiration trickled down his back underneath his suit coat. Compared to last night’s chill, the day promised to be unseasonably warm. Perhaps he was overdressed, but Jenkins needed to know it was a serious discussion.
Pushing open the door to the butcher shop, Basil eyed the jangling bell that announc
