by L. P. Dover
“Oh, you don’t need to tell me. I was so afraid I’d get stuck with Mr. Ferguson.”
William snorted. “Me too. I spent the whole time trying to come up with a sinister plan to steal you away from him, if that became the result.”
I burst out laughing. “And what was your most menacing plan?”
He jumped in front of me and skated backward, so he could face me. “I’d thought about breaking his legs, the pair of them, but then I’d be hauled away. Not the best outcome; for you would be alone, and I’d be sleeping on the floor in a jail cell.”
I shook my head in mirth. “Lucky for us both, I’m a woman who can think for herself. I would’ve gotten away from him somehow.”
“Adeline!” Hannah called. We skated over to her and Fred. She grabbed my hands, out of breath from laughing so hard. “I don’t think I’ve had this much fun in ages.”
“I’m glad to see you’re having a good time.”
Fred and William shook hands and William patted his shoulder. “Fred Simmons, this is Adeline Hamilton.”
Fred bowed his head and I did the same. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Hamilton.” He smiled over at Hannah. “I have to say, I’m looking forward to the Christmas party at your house this year.”
I winked at Hannah. “Is there any particular reason?” I teased. Behind William and Fred, Mr. Ferguson and two of his friends skated across the ice toward us. “Uh-oh, we have incoming.”
William turned around smoothly, crossing his arms over his chest. He glided back toward me, our arms touching lightly. Hannah and Fred both stared at them with wide eyes.
James grinned devilishly at me, then turned a glare to William. “Congratulations are due, Mr. Blair. I see you’ve won the best basket this evening.”
William agreed with a nod, his posture tense. “I have, but then again, I’m sure all of them were quite nice.”
James scoffed. “You’re more than welcome to have mine . . .”
William’s gaze narrowed. “I’m happy with what I have.”
James shrugged. “How about a little competition then? Surely, you’re not afraid of that.”
“Seriously?” I snapped impatiently. “This is so childish, even for you. Why do men feel like they have to compete all the damn time?”
Everyone stared at me like I’d grown two heads. However, my outburst appeared to have had the wrong effect on Mr. Ferguson, who seemed impressed. That wasn’t what I wanted.
“She’s a pistol, Mr. Blair. She clearly needs someone who can keep up with her. You don’t strike me as that kind of guy.”
“I think she can figure out what she wants on her own,” William said, his voice calm, but I could hear the hint of anger behind it.
James skated around us. “How about we race to find out? The better man wins the girl.”
I threw my hands up in the air. “I’m standing right here.”
William glanced back at me, his gaze full of fire. He turned back to James. “She’s not a prize to be won. She can make her own choices. Judging by her tone, I’d say she’s not too interested in you.” James glowered and started to speak, but William held up his hand. “However, if you want to race to see who’s the best, I’m all for it. Otherwise, I suggest you move along.”
James’s friends snickered, and so did Hannah and Fred. He didn’t like being laughed at. “Fine,” he huffed. “The first one to the other end of the pond and back, wins.”
They both got into position and William shot me a glance and winked. “Want to count us down, sunshine?”
I couldn’t help but smile. I liked that nickname. “On your mark, get set . . . go!”
They took off down the pond and everyone moved quickly out of their way. William’s technique was different from James’s. They were both good, but William was just a bit quicker; his moves fast and efficient.
“Looks like Mr. Blair’s going to win,” Hannah said, clapping her hands while Fred whistled.
She was right. William made it back to us first, with James only a second behind him. William held out his hand. “Good race, Mr. Ferguson.”
Mr. Ferguson glared at his hand, but in the end, shook it. “I’ll beat you next time. When the stakes really matter.” Turning around, he skated toward the edge of the pond and disappeared behind the line of carriages.
Fred patted William on the shoulder. “I think you bruised his ego.”
William chuckled. “That was the whole point. He needed to be taken down a peg or two.”
Hannah squeezed my arm and smiled. “I should be getting back home. I’m sure I’ll see you around town? I work at the market.”
I nodded. “Definitely. I’ll stop by.”
Fred and William shook hands and we said our goodbyes, then Fred escorted her off the pond. William sighed and stuck his hands in his coat. “I’m sorry about the race. I wasn’t about to let him use you as a bet.”
My heart fluttered. “I appreciate that. In fact, if I’m being honest, I was shocked you said anything at all.”
His brows furrowed. “Why is that?”
I shrugged. “Most men would rather show their dominance over everything, including women. It’s probably the number one reason as to why I’m not married already.”
“You don’t have to worry about that with me. You have a mind of your own, and I trust you know how to use it.”
“Thank you, William.”
After a few more turns about the pond, the crowd started thinning, with small groups gathering on the sides, taking off their skates. “I should be getting home,” I said. “Reginald’s waiting for me.”
William nodded, and we slowly made our way to the edge of the pond. Taking my hand, he helped me onto the bank. “I’m really looking forward to the meal. I’ll drop the basket off at your house tomorrow.”
Excitement bubbled in my chest. “I’ll be there.”
Once our skates were off, William walked me up to my carriage where Reginald was still reading his newspaper. When he saw us approach, he was about to hop down, but William held up his hand. “If you don’t mind, I’ll help the lady in.”
Reginald nodded and stayed in the front seat. William opened the carriage door and held my hand as I climbed inside. “Goodnight, dear Adeline.”
“Goodnight, William. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
He shut the door and stepped back as the carriage took off down the road. And I couldn’t help but think what I’d said was true; I couldn’t wait to see him again.
Ten
Adeline
Reginald had regaled me with tales of his children and wife on our way home, and the underlying message was how much he missed his wife now that she was gone. I found out she used to work for my family as well. It was so strange how real it all sounded. I was getting to know the people around me, and they weren’t even real; they were a part of my imagination.
Nighttime had come and gone quickly, and I was up as soon as the sun rose. One of the horses whinnied outside and I peered out the window. Jonathan had one of its legs propped up, cleaning out its hoof. I didn’t know where Helen was, so I walked down to the kitchen and she was in there, her hands covered in flour as she rolled out some kind of dough. She looked down at my nightgown and giggled. “Good morning, Ms. Adeline. Do you need me to help you get dressed?”
“No,” I said with a laugh. “Believe it or not, I can do it myself.”
“How did it go last night?” she asked. “Your grandmother told me William picked your basket.”
I chuckled. “He did. I got lucky. I was the last number picked, so after that, we joined everyone else for ice skating. That’s when Mr. Ferguson wanted to trade his date for me, by challenging William to a race.”
Helen gasped. “Did he really?”
“Yes.”
“What did William say?” She hurried over, wiping her hands on her apron.
“That I’m a woman who can make up her own mind; I’m not some prize to be passed around.” Her eyes wid
ened at this. “They still raced though, and William came in first.”
Helen squealed. “I hate I missed it. Oh, I can’t believe you had two men fighting for your affection. William would make a nice match, if you don’t mind me saying so.”
“Yes, he would,” I agreed. “I don’t know much about him though. I’m hoping that will change. He’s coming by to see me today.” Clearing my throat, I moved closer and lowered my voice. “You wouldn’t by any chance have any pants, would you?”
She looked at me like I’d lost my mind. “For who?” When I raised my eyebrows, she brought a hand to her chest and inhaled sharply. “For you?”
I nodded. “I wanted to go for a ride. I saw your husband outside. I thought he could possibly saddle me up a horse.”
“You’re going riding alone?”
I waved her off. “I’ve done it plenty of times. I know what I’m doing.”
With a heavy sigh, she wiped her hands on her apron again. “What about Mr. Blair? Didn’t you just say he’s coming to see you?”
“Yes, but I doubt he’ll be here this early.”
“All right, I’ll fetch you a pair of my pants, and get Jonathan to prepare a horse for you. Ranger is a good, tame horse.”
“Thanks, Helen.”
She nodded and headed toward the door. “I’ll meet you in your room,” she said over her shoulder.
I hurried back upstairs and waited for her to come up. Her steps were quick, echoing throughout the house. I opened the door for her and she charged in, carrying a handful of clothes and an apple pastry. “Forgive me for saying this, but you are one peculiar woman, Miss Adeline. Not many women would go traipsing through the woods alone.”
“I don’t see the harm in it. It’s peaceful.” I pointed at the pastry, all golden and stuffed with apple filling. “Did you make that?”
With a wide smile, she handed it to me. “I thought you could use some breakfast before you leave.”
I took a bite of the pastry and closed my eyes as it melted in my mouth. “This tastes like heaven,” I moaned delightfully. The apples were still a little crisp, and the bread had just enough sweetness to it, without being overly sugary. It was hard to find them like that. “You have to tell me how you make these. They’re so much better than the ones I’ve made before.”
She beamed. “I’d love to. Come down to the kitchen in the morning and I’ll show you.”
I took a few more bites and finished it off. “I’ll be there.”
“Good. We can make a batch before you have to get ready for the social.”
“Social? What’s that now?”
Her eyes widened. “You didn’t know? I was certain Mr. Blair or Mr. Ferguson would’ve asked you to it last night.”
I shook my head. “Neither one of them said a word. Is it another Christmas party?”
“It is,” she answered excitedly. “Jonathan and I are going as well. I made my dress ages ago.”
“Good. You can keep me company then.”
Her face brightened. “I’d love that.”
Christmas was my favorite time of year, but my God, how many parties were there going to be? It was almost a Christmas overload—not that it was a bad thing. I mean, I’d leave my Christmas tree up all year long, if it wouldn’t be in the way. I loved celebrating the holidays as much as the next guy, but it was beginning to be too much. Although, I would suffer through another party just to see William again.
Helen laid the bundle of clothes on the bed and separated them out. “It’s cold out there, so I brought the thickest pair of pants I could find.”
Sliding off my drawers, I picked up the pants and slipped them on. They were thick and brown, and made of wool. They were perfect. It was much better than wearing a dress.
“You don’t mind Mr. Blair seeing you like that?” she asked.
I grabbed a jacket out of my closet and threw it on. “Doesn’t bother me at all. Soon, it’ll be normal for women to wear pants all the time.”
A giggle escaped her lips. “Oh, I don’t know about that. But I do have to agree, they’re mighty comfortable. Then again, you’re still beautiful no matter what you wear.”
My hair was still curly from the night before, so I pinned in a chignon and wrapped my hair around it. Fastening my jacket, I turned to Helen. “Do you know where my grandparents are? I didn’t see them downstairs.”
She nodded toward the window. “They went to town. They’ll be back soon. Ranger should be ready for you though.”
I glanced out the window and smiled. The horse Jonathan had for me was a chocolate stallion with the brightest coat I’d ever seen. He was magnificent. “I believe you’re right.” Helen followed me downstairs and out the front door. My heart raced as I approached the horse.
Jonathan bowed his head, his face clean and red hair freshly brushed. “Good morning, Ms. Hamilton.”
“Good morning, Jonathan. Please, call me Adeline. And thank you for doing this for me.”
He patted the horses back. “Ranger here is a good horse. He’s fast, but he’s also gentle. You shouldn’t have any problems.”
Resting my foot in the stirrup, I hauled myself up. I could feel Ranger’s power beneath me. “Thanks again.” I peered over at Helen, who looked positively terrified. “I’ll be back soon.”
She nodded. “Please take care. I don’t know what I’d do with myself if you became injured, or worse.”
“I promise to ride with great care.” I nodded to them both, then took off for the field.
Ranger left hoof prints in the snow as we disappeared into the woods. The sun shone through the trees, making the snow glitter and sparkle on the ground. I knew the path well, for I’d taken my horse down it many times before; only, there were more trees to dodge in this era. Over time, many must’ve fallen.
There was a pond right beside my house, but we had a lake that was just a mile away. It was the place I always snuck off to when I wanted to have some peace, or make out my lesson plans for class.
Ranger and I took our time getting to the lake, and when we arrived, I gasped at the feeling of déjà vu. It looked exactly the same. I hopped off Ranger, and tied his reins to a tree. Walking to the edge of the lake, I could see it had already started to freeze. As a child, I’d always wanted to ice skate on it, but it never froze all the way through.
There was a path of stones that led out to a large boulder in the water, just like it was in my time. I skipped across and landed on the huge rock. Taking a deep breath, I sat down and closed my eyes, listening to the wind blow through the trees. In the summer, I’d swim in the lake and lay out in the sun. So many wonderful memories in this spot.
A thumping sound echoed in the air and I jerked around, focusing on the area behind me. Ranger whinnied and blew out a breath, the fog billowing around him. Standing up, I rushed across the stones and placed my hand on his head. “It’s okay, boy.”
About that time, a man on a white and black horse galloped our way. It wasn’t until he got closer that I could see his face. Dressed in a pair of gray wool pants and coat, William looked more rugged than he had at the party. There was a slight shadow on his face where he hadn’t shaved. My heart raced in my chest, especially when he grinned down at my clothes.
“Nice outfit, Miss Adeline.”
“Thank you. It’s more comfortable than a corset.”
William broke out in laughter. “I’d say so. I see you couldn’t wait on me.”
I shrugged. “You never gave me a time. I wanted to go for a ride.”
He hopped off his mare and tied her up beside Ranger. “I know it’s early. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t disclose my need to see you. I could hardly wait as it was.”
My breath hitched, and I tried to hide my red cheeks by turning my face toward the mountains. “Did you eat any of your meal last night when you got home?”
He patted his stomach. “I did. I ate the rest of your sweet potato casserole for breakfast. Unfortunately, it’s all gone. I don’t kn
ow what I’m going to do now. I’m at a loss.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m sure you’ll manage.”
“I’ll try,” he replied, and I could hear the smile in his voice. “Do you always go riding by yourself?” He joined me at the edge of the lake.
“Yes, quite often. It brings me peace.”
“I can understand that. What else do you like to do, besides riding horses by yourself, and making phenomenal food?”
My grin widened as I looked up at him. “Lots of things. In the summer, I love to hike the mountain trails, canoe down the rivers, and swim. In the winter, I love the snow and the holidays. As you’ve already experienced, I’m known for my baking.” And my Christmas decorating. But that didn’t matter at the moment.
William’s eyes locked with mine. “I think you know I’d like to have more of your cooking. And as far as your other interests, I enjoy those things as well. However, I must admit, I’m not one for Christmas.”
I gasped and held a hand over my mouth. “Mr. Blair, I don’t think I can talk to you now, knowing what I do. How is it possible that you do not like Christmas?”
He shrugged. “It’s not that I don’t like it, it’s just it’s not the same anymore. I don’t get excited over it like I did as a kid.”
“You seem to be enjoying it now,” I noticed.
“I would enjoy anything, as long as I’m with you.” His eyes landed on my lips, which caused my heart to race. Then he sharply pulled his gaze away. “So, when you’re not hiking or canoeing down the rivers, what else is it you enjoy doing?”
Picking up a handful of pebbles from the ground, I skipped one across the water. “I’m a teacher.”
“Do you plan on teaching again, once you get settled in?” he asked.
“I’m sure I’ll teach again, when the time’s right. What about you? What all do you like to do?”
He opened the hand holding the pebbles, and stole one from my palm. His fingers lingered on my skin and I sucked in a breath. “I like to fish and hunt on my days off, but mostly, I find myself working all the time. Well, not this week.” We both skipped rocks across the water and his bounced three times more than mine.