Emma was a dark-haired beauty, tall and angular with alabaster skin. “She’s striking,” I said.
“I suppose she is.” Theo cut a chunk of cheese and a piece of bread and put them on a plate for me.
I’d missed lunch. I hadn’t wanted to bother Lizzie by asking for something in the midafternoon and had settled for a few crab apples I’d found on a tree. My stomach growled at the sight of the crusty bread and creamy cheese.
In finishing school, they’d focused a lot on table manners. Mine, although somewhat honed under Mother’s watchful gaze, had been lacking. It was everything I could do during meals not to shove the food in as quickly as I could. This was a leftover habit from years of hunger. The other girls I’d been with at school ate like birds in dainty pecks and never finished what was on their plate. I never left a crumb. However, I had learned to eat slower and which utensil to use for what course. Still, my first impulse was to gather a plate close to my chest, shielding it with my arm so that no one could take my food.
One of the teachers at the school had embarrassed me in front of my classmates during our first lunch in the dining hall. We ate from communal dishes, passing them from one to the other after taking a portion for ourselves. My mouth had watered at the sight of the bread and tomato salad soaked in oil and vinegar. I’d plopped a large spoonful on my plate. “Save some for the rest of us,” Miss Garner had said.
I’d looked around to see that all the girls before me had put half of what I’d taken. I’d felt sick with shame. Never again, I’d promised myself. From then on, I made sure to see what the others were doing first.
I tore a small portion from the bread and used a knife to spread the cheese. Count to ten before taking a bite, I told myself. Another thing I’d learned from school. When I’d counted to eight, I popped the portion into my mouth and stifled a groan of delight. I looked up from my plate to find Theo watching me.
“What is it?” he asked. “Do you not like the cheese? Is it too strong?”
“What? No, no.” The creamy cheese was as soft as butter and delicious. “I love it.”
“Good. I wasn’t sure. You were looking at your food like it was the enemy.”
Theo Barnes was a little too observant. “I learned at school how to eat like a proper young lady. Not as fast or with as much enthusiasm as comes naturally to me.”
“When Mama first came to us—she was not accustomed to having enough to eat. Her family was poor, which is why she’d accepted the job out here in the first place. She’d practically starved on the train ride out here from the east. Papa had sent her traveling money. However, she’d left most of it for her mother and sister. She didn’t want them to suffer in the weeks before she received her first salary payment. Instead, she got along with only one small meal a day for the entirety of her trip. That first night, Lizzie brought her a plate of stew and biscuits. Mama told us later she’d been terribly hungry and that it had taken great effort not to shove it into her mouth as quickly as possible.”
“That’s how I am too. Even after my time with the Linds.” I told him the story of finishing school and my initial humiliation. “Mother and Father were indulgent with me because they knew what I’d been through. They never said anything about the way I ate. I wished they had.”
“That teacher should never have publicly embarrassed you like that.” Theo’s eyes flashed with anger. “She could have taken you aside later. That’s what Mama would’ve done.”
“Not all teachers are as empathetic as Miss Cooper was.”
“Miss Cooper. I’ve almost forgotten that’s what we called her back then. She’s been our mother for so long now.”
“I would’ve liked to become a teacher.” If only I’d been more forthright with my parents, perhaps I’d work at our new brick schoolhouse.
“You could get a teaching degree. The way this town’s growing, we’ll need another teacher before long.”
“No, it’s too late. I’d never be able to come up with the money for university. Or leave Mother. I wish they’d sent me to school for something useful.”
“Could it be that your usefulness has not yet been discovered?” Theo asked. “Perhaps in the months to come, you’ll discover a new path.”
Theo’s curls had escaped whatever balm he’d put in his hair. A clump fell over his forehead. I couldn’t resist those curls. I twirled the silken strands around my finger. He caught my hand in his and brushed his mouth against my knuckles. I held my breath, captivated by the beauty of his deep blue eyes. Could Theo Barnes be my purpose? Or was there more for me to do? Only time would tell.
11
Theo
* * *
Moved by her touch, it took everything in me not to kiss her. We were not alone as we’d been the night before. With the dozen or so folks out here tonight, kissing her would ruin her reputation. Being here with her tonight was news enough in a town this size. By morning, most everyone would know we’d been out together.
“What are you thinking?” Louisa dipped her chin and flushed but kept her eyes upon me. “Looking at me that way.”
“I wasn’t thinking much. When I look at you, I lose all sense of reason.”
“I don’t believe you.” Louisa smacked my arm. “You’re too smart for that.”
“I’m a fool over you, I’m afraid.”
She giggled, and I was a king just then, basking in the warmth of everything Louisa. “You’re bold, Theo Barnes. Bolder than I thought you’d be. Flirting with me in public like this.”
“I’m feeling confident. Last night you kissed me right back.”
Her mouth curved into a slow smile. “I did.”
“You liked them?”
Her cheeks flushed pink. “Yes, but it’s not polite to tease me about that.” She giggled and this time a soft snort came from her nose.
We both burst out into the kind of laughter that perpetuates itself. One time in church, Flynn and I had been overtaken with the giggles. The more we tried to stop, the less chance we had. This moment was the same. Finally, we got hold of ourselves. I’d laughed so hard tears had come. I took out my handkerchief to swipe them dry.
“I’ve never snorted in my life.” Louisa dabbed at her eyes with the back of one hand. “What are you doing to me?”
“My apologies.” I leaned closer and pressed my handkerchief against one of her cheeks and then the other. “I promise, no more laughter.”
She caught my hand and held it against her cheek. “Never in my life have I laughed that hard. There was a time I didn’t think I’d ever laugh again. Thank you.”
She removed her hand from mine and I drew back slightly, tingling from her touch. “If I did nothing more with my life than you make you laugh, then I will have lived well.”
“Bold and a golden tongue,” Louisa said. “I had no idea you’d charm me so easily.”
“Just you wait.” I grinned at her before reaching into the basket to take out a bowl of raspberries. “Would you like some? There’s chicken in here too.”
“Yes, please.”
We ate and chatted. I told her more about my time at university, including the fine fellowship I’d shared with several of my classmates. She asked me questions about my schooling, and I answered as best as I could. Being this close to her, catching whiffs of her sweet perfume and mesmerized by her pretty eyes, it was all I could do to form sentences.
We were just finishing up our dinner when I noticed Cymbeline and Poppy walking toward us. I raised my hand in greeting. My sisters had all known I was bringing Louisa on a picnic. Had Cym come out to check on how things were going? The ladies in my family worried a little too much about me. We both stood to greet them.
“What are you two doing here?” I asked with a pointed look at my sister.
“We’re not checking up on you, if that’s what you’re thinking,” Cymbeline said. “We’re meeting friends out here for a fire and stargazing.”
“You’re not disturbing us,” Louisa said. “Are y
ou hungry? We have plenty.”
“No, no, we ate at the house,” Cymbeline said. “And we don’t want to interrupt you. We just came to say hello and now we’re off.”
“What friends are you meeting?” I asked.
“Isak and Viktor.” Poppy gestured toward them. “And Nora. A few others too. Would you want to join us?”
I glanced at Louisa. She lifted one shoulder in a half shrug. “Whatever you want,” Louisa said.
“We’ll see,” I said.
Cymbeline squinted as she gazed over at Isak and Viktor. “Who is that girl with them? Not Nora but the other one.”
“Emma and Neil Hartman,” Poppy said.
“Husband and wife?” Cymbeline asked, a little too hopefully.
I hid a smile behind my hand. Nothing like a little competition to get Cymbeline’s attention.
“Brother and sister,” Poppy said. “He’s handsome, don’t you think?”
Surprised, I glanced over at Poppy. “I’ve never known you to notice a man.”
Poppy raised one dark brow. “I have eyes. And what I see is a nice-looking man that I didn’t grow up with like the rest of you.”
“Have you met them yet?” I asked. “With your eyes and the rest of you.”
Poppy gave me a sisterly shove. “You’re not funny. But yes, I’ve met them. They have a border collie they’re in love with. She just had a litter of pups.”
“He’s an animal lover as well as being handsome,” I said to Poppy. “Neil Hartman sounds just right for you.”
“I don’t know,” Poppy said. “I’m old. Your sister said she was going to be a spinster, but it’s turned out to be me.”
“Well, you’re beautiful,” I said. “No reason for you to feel anything to the contrary.”
“Thanks, Theo,” Poppy said. “Maybe I’ll try to sit next to him at the bonfire.”
“What’s the sister like?” Cymbeline asked.
“Smart as a whip,” Poppy said as she caught my eye. “Perfect for Viktor.”
Poppy had an evil streak.
“Is Viktor seeing her?” Cymbeline scowled in their direction.
“I believe so.” Poppy’s eyes twinkled at me. “Or so it would seem tonight.”
“What’s it to you?” I asked my sister.
“Absolutely nothing.” Cymbeline stuck out her chin the way she did when she felt defensive. “Why would it?”
“No reason,” Poppy said. “Other than a kiss back in 1920.”
“You’re both very unkind.” Cymbeline crossed her arms. “And anyway, you couldn’t be more wrong. I don’t care about Viktor or any other smelly man.”
Louisa laughed as her glance slid my way. “They’re not all smelly. Some smell very good.”
A thousand suns rose inside my chest. I smelled good. Louisa thought I smelled good! This was turning out to be a very good day.
“There are exceptions, of course.” Cymbeline, seeming to have forgotten her angst over Viktor for the moment, looked at me and then Louisa. “Theo is perfect in every way.”
“Not perfect,” I said with mock modesty. “But go on.”
Louisa laughed. I beamed with my whole body.
Viktor and Isak trotted over to us. As often happened, I was struck by how similar they were in appearance. Both tall and broad-shouldered with hair that wasn’t quite red and not blond either.
Isak greeted us with a hearty hello. “Are you ladies ready to head down to the riverbank?”
“Absolutely,” Poppy said.
“Fiona and Li are coming too,” Viktor said. “And bringing their instruments.”
“Fiona?” I asked Cymbeline. “Isn’t she a little young to be out?”
“She’ll be with me,” Cymbeline said.
“And me,” Poppy added. “Nothing to worry about.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but Cymbeline stopped me. “Don’t be like Jo, Theo. You sound like an old lady. This is the modern age. Women can be in the company of friends and be perfectly safe.”
I didn’t know what the modern age had to do with anything, but I decided to keep my mouth shut. I didn’t want to be called an old lady even though now I was worried about Fiona running all over town at night. Did Papa and Mama know? Never mind, I told myself. I’d get that all sorted out later. Tonight was my night with Louisa, and I planned on enjoying every minute.
“Fiona’s a good kid,” Isak said, obviously sensing my worry. “We all look after her.”
“Not wild and unpredictable like your other sister,” Viktor said. “Isn’t that right, Cymbeline?” Given his light tone, his intention was to tease her. However, when it came to Viktor, Cymbeline didn’t seem to have much of a sense of humor.
“What do you know about anything?” Cymbeline’s eyes narrowed into slits. “You don’t even know me.”
Viktor winked at her and then gave her one of his guileless smiles. “I’ve spent my whole life studying you.”
God only knows what my sister might have said next. Fortunately, we were saved from knowing when Nora arrived with Neil and Emma Hartman.
Nora introduced Neil and Emma to the rest of us.
“Pleased to meet you.” Emma wore a faded dress and her shoes were shabby but clean. Regardless of her attire, she was pretty with a slightly upturned nose and large eyes. Pretty enough to make Cymbeline jealous. I wondered if Viktor liked her or if he was only playing it up for Cymbeline’s benefit.
The evening was growing dark enough that I lit the lantern I’d brought. Neil also had a lantern and did the same.
“It’s about time we head down,” Viktor said.
“We have wood in the truck,” Isak said. “I’ll run and get it, and then we can all walk down to the river.”
Viktor said he’d help, and the two brothers left, loping across the grass in perfect step.
“Where have you moved from?” I asked Neil.
“We were living in New York before this. Working to save enough to come west.” The Hartman siblings were from England, given their accents. Papa would be able to tell me from what region of the country they’d come from.
“You’ll have to come out to the house for dinner sometime,” I said. “My parents would love to meet you.”
“Yes, we’ve heard a lot about Lord Barnes and his wife,” Neil said. “Everyone we’ve met so far has shared stories about how your father helped them get started or lent a hand when they needed one.”
I warmed from his comment. Such kind words about my parents made me swell with pride and love.
Neil turned his attention on Poppy. “Dr. Poppy, it’s nice to see you again. The pups are doing very well.”
Poppy laughed, bubbly and flirtatious. “I told you I’m not a real vet.”
“You have me fooled then,” Neil said.
“I’m glad to hear the puppies are doing well,” Poppy said.
“Yes, but so wee I’m afraid I’ll hurt one of them,” Neil said.
“How will we ever get rid of them all?” Emma asked. “There are eight altogether. We can’t afford to feed them all.”
“They’ll go fast,” Poppy said. “Border collies are hardworking dogs.”
“Except we’ve no idea who their father was,” Neil said. “Or what they’ll look like.”
“All dogs are pretty,” Cymbeline said. “I’ll help you get them into the right homes.”
Isak and Viktor returned, each with a stack of logs for the fire. “You all ready?” Viktor asked.
I told the others we might come join them later. Louisa had grown quiet. I wanted to ensure her agreement over joining the rest before we packed up our dinner.
After the others had gone, I took Louisa’s hand. “Would you like to join them or rather remain here? Or we could go for a drive?”
“No, I’d like to go. For a few minutes anyway.” The lantern cast shadows across her lovely face, making it hard for me to see her expression.
“As long as you’re sure,” I said.
“I’m sure.
It’s nice to be included. Father would not have wanted me to be out this late.”
“What about your mother?” I asked.
“I’m not sure, but I don’t think she’ll mind, only because it’s you I’m with.” She pointed up at the dark purple sky. A lone star twinkled at us. “The first star of the night. Make a wish.”
May I win Louisa’s heart.
That was it. Simple words. Harder to do.
***
As I put the basket into the back of my car, the headlights of another appeared from around the curve in the road. I recognized it as one of Papa’s cars, then saw Fiona in the passenger seat. Li was driving.
They came to a stop near us. Fiona bounded from the car. “Theo and Louisa, you’re not leaving, are you?”
“No, we’re about to head down now,” I said.
“Oh, I’m so glad.” Fiona clapped her hands much the same way she had as a child. She was still so young. Too young to be joining this group of merrymakers. All the more reason to stay.
“Louisa, are you having a nice night?” Fiona asked it in her melodic voice. “I’m happy to see you out, but I know it must be a hard time for you.”
“You’re sweet, Fiona,” Louisa said. “But being out tonight with Theo and the rest of you is just what I need.”
Carrying a lantern in one hand and his guitar case in the other, Li joined us. Long-legged and slim, he had an elegance about him that hinted at the artistry of his soul. His dark skin and shiny hair glowed in the light.
“Theo. Louisa,” Li said. “Nice to see you.”
“I never thanked you both for the music at Father’s funeral,” Louisa said. “You touched my soul.”
“It was our pleasure,” Fiona said.
“Yes, very much so,” Li said.
We all walked down the dirt path that led along the bank of the river until we reached another clearing. The bonfire was already lit. Everyone sat around the fire either on rocks or logs brought to the pit long ago. Fiona and Li sat together on one of the longer logs. I guided Louisa over to sit between Cymbeline and me.
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