Hidden Riches

that, she nuzzled closer. “As a Conroy I was raised on bards and playwrights.”
    “They did a good job with you.” She only smiled as he continued to study her, his hand still cupped under her chin, his eyes dark and intent as they scanned her face. “I want you again.”
    “I was hoping you would.”
     
    “Dora, you look terrible.”
    “Lea, what would I do without you around to boost my ego?”
    Unfazed, Lea fisted her hands on her hips as she studied her sister’s pale face and shadowed eyes. “Maybe you’re coming down with something. That flu’s still going around, you know. I think you should close the shop for the day.”
    Dora walked around the counter as a customer came in. “That kind of thinking is why you’re the employee and I’m the boss.” She put on a sunny smile. “Good morning. May I help you?”
    “Are you Dora Conroy?”
    “That’s right.” Dora held out a hand. She knew she looked pale and wan from lack of sleep, but the woman who was currently clutching her hand looked near collapse. “Would you like some coffee? Some tea?”
    “I . . .” The woman shut her eyes and pulled off her blue ski cap. “I’d love some coffee, but I’m not supposed to drink it.” She laid a hand on the gentle mound of her belly. “Tea would be nice.”
    “Cream? Lemon?”
    “No, just black.”
    “Why don’t you sit down?” Taking charge, Dora guided the woman to a chair. “We’re all starting a little slow this morning. After-holiday fatigue.” When a young couple strolled in, Dora gestured for Lea to see to them. She poured two cups of tea.
    “Thanks. I’m Sharon Rohman,” she told Dora as she accepted her cup.
    “I’m afraid I’m a little vague on details today. Oh!” It hit her all at once. Immediately she sat down and reached for Sharon’s hand. “You’re Mrs. Lyle’s niece. I’m so sorry about what happened. The last time I called the hospital, I was told she was still in a coma.”
    Sharon pressed her lips together. “She came out of it last night.”
    “Oh, I’m so glad to hear that.”
    “She’s still critical.” Sharon lifted her cup, then rattled it back in the saucer without drinking. “The doctors can’t say if or when she’ll recover. She’s—she’s very fragile.”
    Dora’s eyes stung in response. “It’s a dreadful time for you. I don’t suppose there’s anything worse than waiting.”
    “No, there isn’t.” But the easy, undemanding sympathy helped her relax. “We’ve always been close. Really like girlfriends. The first person I told about the baby after my husband was my aunt.”
    “You look so tired,” Dora said gently. “Why don’t you come upstairs to my apartment? You can stretch out for a few minutes in private.”
    The kindness had Sharon’s eyes welling. “I can’t stay. I need to get back to the hospital.”
    “Sharon, this strain can’t be good for you or your baby.”
    “I’m being as careful as I can.” She brushed at a tear with the back of her hand. “Believe me, I’m doing everything the doctor tells me.” She took a deep breath, then, more relaxed, Sharon said, “Miss Conroy—”
    “Dora.”
    “Dora.” Sharon took a soothing breath. “I came by this morning to thank you for the flowers you sent to the hospital. They were lovely. Aunt Alice loves flowers. Her garden is a showplace. The nurses have told me you’ve called several times to check on my aunt’s condition.”
    “I’m relieved it’s improving.”
    “Thank you. But you see, I thought I knew all of her friends. I don’t know how you’re connected.”
    “The truth is, we only met briefly. Here. She came into the shop right before Christmas.”
    Sharon gave a puzzled shake of her head. “She bought something from you?”
    “A couple of things.” Dora didn’t have the heart to tell Sharon they had been gifts for her and her baby. “She mentioned she’d come in because you’d shopped here a few times.”
    “Yes.” Baffled, Sharon smiled as Dora refilled her cup. “You always have such interesting things. I hope you’re not offended, but I find it a bit strange that you’d be so concerned over a woman you’d met only once, as a customer.”
    “I liked her,” Dora said simply. “And it bothered me a great deal that she’d been hurt so soon after she’d been here.”
    “She was shopping for me, wasn’t she?”
    “She’s very fond of you.”
    “Yes.” With an effort, Sharon drew herself in. She had to be