Eddy put the grated orange pulp into a pot, covered the fruit with sugar and set it on the flame on the stove. She told herself Rhine being sought after made her no never mind, but...
Sylvia searched Eddy’s face. “Something you want to talk about, honey?”
“No, ma’am.”
Sylvia studied her again and said gently, “If and when you do, I’m here.”
Eddy nodded.
“Zeke’s an outstanding man. A girl could do worse.”
“I was very impressed by him today.”
Sensing Eddy wanted her to change the subject, Sylvia asked, “Tell me about this marmalade. How’s it made?”
“Once I finish peeling the oranges, I take out the seeds and grate the flesh. We add sugar, cook it for about twenty minutes, and let it sit overnight. It’ll be ready to spread on your biscuits in the morning.”
“I can’t wait.”
“I promised Fontaine a bit of it. I ran into him at Mr.Rossetti’s this morning. When I told him I was making marmalade for you as my way of saying thanks for your many kindnesses, he decided he wanted a boon, too.”
And then Sylvia said without prompting, “Try and keep Rhine at arm’s length, Eddy. For all his stellar qualities, men like him very rarely offer marriage to women like us.”
“I know.”
“But he is gorgeous to look at.”
Eddy had to agree. She’d already told herself that if she was going to keep company with a gentleman, she’d prefer it be someone like Zeke. Dealing with Rhine Fontaine was like juggling lightning.