Patrick helped her up onto the wagon, before climbing up himself. His touch was strong, but gentle and it sent shivers through her entire body.
The seat of the wagon was padded, but it was narrow, forcing them to sit close. Emily’s leg rubbed against Patrick’s and a thrill went through her.
As much as she looked forward to their little journey around the hillside, she wondered if she should continue. Their closeness was making her feel things she’d never felt before.
The moment the chains were down, Patrick urged the horse forward. “Ya!” And they were off.
He paused at the gateway. “Which way, Miss Stanton? Is there somewhere particular you’d like to go?”
She straightened her bonnet and looked to the left where most of the township stood, then looked to the right, where no-one would spy them together. “To the right, I think,” she said as she studied him. “There are some lovely spots along the Mississippi River where we could stop, or you could continue up into the mountains.”
He grinned. “The Mississippi it is.”
She wondered what had him sounding so happy.
* * *
“Oh, I could never…”
Emily glared at him, and in return Patrick stood there laughing.
All he had asked was she remove her boots and stockings and let her bare legs dangle in the water. Anyone would think he’d asked her to go skinny dipping.
The thought had him laughing again.
“Ooooh, your are incorrigible, Mr Harper.”
He certainly hoped so.
Despite all her objections, Emily found a grassy area next to a tree and plonked herself down. She untied her laces, and once he’d turned his back, had removed her stockings.
He hadn’t planned it this way, but once they’d arrived, it seemed like a good idea. He’d already removed his shoes and socks and placed them on the wagon.
He’d tied old Nellie to a bush, and she was happily lapping up the sun.
“You can turn around now,” Emily told him. “Don’t you breathe a word of this to a soul. It would ruin my reputation!”
Pink flooded her cheeks, and he wondered how many ways there were to make that happen. He liked the way it brightened her face – she was far too pale and looked deathly ill some days.
“You’ll need to lift your skirts a little,” he said sheepishly, glancing across at her. He waited for the explosion, but there was none.
Instead she gave him an equally sheepish grin.
They sat on the edge of the river where it was fairly shallow and let their legs dangle. “This is nice,” she said, glancing across at him. “I’ve never done anything like this before.” She grinned. “I think the fun comes from knowing it is totally inappropriate.”
She raised her eyebrows in defiance.
He reached for her hand and squeezed it. He wondered what other fun things she’d never done. “Have you ever been on a date, Miss Stanton,” he asked gently.
Her eyes opened in wonder. “Are you asking me out on a date, Mr Harper?”
Was he? He wasn’t sure, but perhaps he should. “Yes, I think I am Miss Stanton.” He stared at her expectantly.
“Then I shall expect you to ask me properly.” She flashed him a cheeky grin, and it was then he realized there was far more to Miss Emily Stanton than he may ever know.
He licked his suddenly dry lips. “Miss Stanton…” he said gently, cupping her hands in his own. “Emily, will you accompany me to dinner this evening?”
She frowned. “I can’t – I have to feed the lodgers.”
Those blasted lodgers. They had her tied down. Well not any more – he would see to that. “They can make their own dinner. You provided them with a roast luncheon, so they’re not going to starve.”
She nodded. Was that a nod of agreement or something else entirely?
His heart thudded in his chest waiting for her answer.
“Well Mr Harper, Patrick,” He loved the way his name rolled off her tongue. “I think perhaps the gents can have sandwiches for their supper tonight, and we shall go on a date.”
He was so happy, he pulled her into his arms and held her tight. Before he realized what he was doing, his lips brushed across hers and he reveled in the taste.
She pushed him away. “What are you doing?” Emily jumped up from the riverbank, snatched up her shoes and stockings, and stormed back to the wagon.
He was confused. Wasn’t that what she wanted? He’d felt a connection between them and today was certain she’d felt it too.
Patrick ran after her, meeting her at the wagon, where she was pulling her boots back on. He moved from one foot to the other, staring down at the ground like a lovestruck teenager. “I apologize if I was out of line, Emily,” he said with a catch in his voice. “I really like you and thought you felt the same.”
She looked up at him with a grin on her face. She reached out both her arms and pulled him to her. “I do like you,” she said. “I guess I got a bit scared. No man has ever kissed me before.”
He wrapped his arms around and whispered in her ear. “Then Grand Falls is full of fools.” He reluctantly pushed out of her embrace and studied her face. “You are a beautiful, caring, and very special woman, Emily Stanton. I would like your permission to court you.”
She stared down at the ground. “I have a rule about not having relationships with lodgers,” she said quietly.
For a moment he stared at her, the shock of her words hitting him hard. Then reality hit. “We’re not having a relationship – yet. But if that was going to stop us, I would move out.”
She said not a word, and it worried him. “Of course, it’s up to you. If you don’t want to go out with me…”
“Oh, but I do,” she said quickly. “I made that rule to appease the townsfolk after my parents died. There’s a strong lock on the door to my private quarters too. For the exact same reason.”
She lifted her arms and he stepped into her embrace again. He kissed her forehead, then her cheek, and finally their lips met.
Patrick didn’t want to leave this place – not only was it peaceful, he had Emily to himself without some lodger interrupting his thoughts.
No, they would have to leave soon. Young Charlie’s wellbeing was at stake, and he couldn’t live with himself if the boy took a beating because of his selfishness.
Chapter Six
Emily was in the kitchen making preparations for the lodger’s supper when Patrick arrived back. After dropping her off close to home, he returned the horse and wagon to young Charlie. Then he’d gone to the diner and booked a table for later that evening. He would strike while the iron was hot.
Mrs Baker was thrilled at the prospect of their courtship, and didn’t hold back on saying so.
On arriving back at the boarding house he heard the muffled voices of the gents in the dining room, and headed straight there. He stood in the doorway contemplating whether or not to say the words he’d pondered all afternoon.
One hand against the frame, he stood tall, extending himself to his full height. “I have something to say,” he said loudly, aiming to get their attention.
The groans were more than a little clear.
“I hereby declare that Miss Stanton and myself are officially courting.” He stared at each man individually daring them to object.
None did.
“Tonight we are going to the diner. Miss Stanton is preparing your supper now.”
Suddenly George jumped up and shook his hand. “Congratulations, Mr Harper. If you don’t mind me saying so, Miss Stanton needs someone like you to look after her.”
Patrick stared at the man. Was he for real, or was he joking with him?
“You do the right thing by her, or you’ll have all of us to answer to.”
Obviously he wasn’t kidding. George sat down again and each man came up and shook his hand but said little. Did he detect a pang of jealousy amongst them?
Patrick was certain he would have a mutiny on his hands
, but thankfully it wasn’t to be.
He was alerted to Emily’s presence when she rested her hand on his shoulder. “I’ll be ready shortly.” She turned to the lodgers. “Supper is set out on the counter. Help yourselves.”
She began to turn away, but spun back to face them. “There’s madeira cake on the counter as well. It’s already cut.”
Patrick’s hand slipped up around her waist. “That’s very kind of you, Emily. I’m sure the gents will enjoy their supper.”
A tirade of thanks followed and he guided her out of the room, a trail of men heading for the kitchen.
“I need to freshen up a little, but I won’t be long,” she said as she headed for the stairs. “I should get changed.”
Patrick frowned. She looked perfect to him. Perhaps her hair needed fixing, but nothing more. “Please yourself, but you look beautiful already.”
She beamed at him and disappeared up the stairs. When she returned she looked a treat, as he knew she would. She’d obviously fixed her hair as it didn’t look disheveled like it had earlier.
As he moved closer, the fragrance of lavender drifted into his senses. “You smell as beautiful as you look,” he said quietly so no one else could hear.
She blushed deeply. Patrick was delighted to be learning all the ways to make color come to her cheeks, but realized that underneath she was still thin and pale.
He was on a mission to repair that problem.
Patrick pulled the pocket watch out of his vest. “We must away. Mrs Baker is expecting us shortly.”
Emily hooked her arm through his, and they moved toward the front door.
The weather was typical Spring and it was a warm night. The sun was low down in the sky, and hopefully there would be enough moonlight for them to walk home by. “Thank you for doing this,” Emily said quietly, breaking into his thoughts.
“You don’t need to thank me,” he said as he stared into her beautiful brown eyes. He hoped one day soon they would sparkle as they should, but right now the spark had turned to a flat, dull color.
He wondered when that had happened.
They were greeted at the door by the lady herself – Mrs Baker. She’d told him earlier she would reserve a quiet spot up the back for them, and that’s exactly what she had done.
The diner was far busier tonight, and was already more than half full. Patrick was pleased he’d made a reservation. He had no intentions of disappointing Emily.
He held the chair for her, and Emily sat down daintily, then removed her bonnet. He liked it when she let her blonde hair dangle around her shoulders, but tonight it was up. Sadly it accentuated the thin lines of her face when it was pulled back so tightly.
Mrs Baker handed them both a menu. “Beef stew with biscuits is the special tonight,” she said, and before they’d even read the menu, each of them decided on the stew. “We’ll talk dessert later,” she said with a wink, then went to prepare their order.
A waitress returned a short time later with a jug of water and two glasses.
“You have a big day tomorrow,” Emily said, referring to Patrick’s first day at his new job. “We mustn’t stay late.”
She placed her hands on the table in front of her, and Patrick slid a hand across to hers. “You’re right, but we’ll stay here as late as necessary. I want tonight to be special.”
The moment their skin touched, a shiver went down his spine. He had no idea what that meant, except he knew he was falling in love with the remarkable Emily Stanton.
The rest of the night went by in a blur. Patrick was so enthralled with Emily that his heart did flip-flops throughout the evening and his attention was on her, and her alone.
As delicious as the food was, Emily was far more worthy of his attention.
The stroll home was by moonlight, as Patrick had predicted. They walked along the dimly lit wooden boardwalk of the main road until they came to the alleyway. There was even less lighting here, and Patrick decided to use it to his advantage.
They were not far along when he stopped and pulled Emily into his arms. “I’m falling in love with you, Emily,” he whispered as he cradled her in his arms.
“We hardly know each other,” she whispered back. “As much as I’ve tried to fight it, I feel the same way.”
He put his fingers under her chin and enticed her head back to allow him access to her lips. “You are so beautiful, and incredibly special,” he said against her lips.
They separated as the sound of laughter alerted them they weren’t alone. Patrick looked up to see a group of teenagers on the other side of the street. “Blasted kids. They should be home in bed.”
Emily laughed with that adorable tinkle he loved so much. “It’s only a little after eight o’clock,” she reminded him as she laughed.
“Still, good children should be at home this hour of the night.”
He hooked his arm through hers, the moment lost, and they continued back to the boarding house. “Do you want me to go?” he asked out of the blue, staring ahead, not daring to look at her, afraid of the answer.
She stopped abruptly and he nearly pulled her over. “Go where?” She gently turned him to face her with her fingers. “Patrick? Where are you going?” She seemed totally confused.
“I thought perhaps I should move out since we are now officially courting.”
She closed her eyes momentarily and he took the chance to study her worried face.
She suddenly opened them again and he was caught staring. “No, I don’t think you need to do that.” She started walking again – apparently the conversation had ended.
Patrick took his key and unlocked the front door. There were mutterings coming from the sitting room as the door opened, but the moment they looked inside, the mutterings stopped.
There were questions about their night out, and then Emily went upstairs to retire for the night. Since he was the one who’d enticed her out, Patrick cleaned the kitchen back to its normal pristine state.
At least Emily wouldn’t have to worry about that in the morning. He retired soon after, since he’d be up early for his first day working with Harry Johnson.
It felt like he was floating on air. His night out with Emily Stanton had been one of his happiest times for as long as he could remember.
* * *
Patrick was bent over the kitchen cabinet of the cottage Harry had been working on for some time. He’d mostly finished the shell, and needed Patrick to start on the inside.
The owners wanted to move in as quickly as possible. They’d quoted four weeks, Harry had told them it would be at least six. But now, with help, it would be much sooner.
“It’s hard work we’re doing here, Patrick,” Harry said. “Having seen the photographs you sent, I know you are more than capable.”
“Thanks,” Patrick said, trying not to be distracted from his work.
“Let’s take a break,” Harry declared. “I’m hungry.”
They sat under the shade of a tree, the grass thick and green, and each opened their lunch pails. Patrick had no idea what was in his, as Emily had packed it for him despite their recent new rule about lodgers making their own cut lunches.
He pulled out a wrapped sandwich filled with ham and cheese. A small note fluttered to the ground and he reached for it.
Miss you already. He missed her too.
The note made him smile.
“What is it?” Harry asked curiously.
Patrick showed him, but felt heat creeping up his face.
“You hang onto that young lady – she’s a gem if ever there was one.”
He stared down into the note. “I know,” he said quietly. “She’s one in a million, and I don’t intend to lose her.”
For the rest of their break, they talked about the project, and what came after it. The next project was another cottage, Harry told him. It was not far from this one, and was slightly larger.
Patrick liked the idea of something different for variety.
Harry pulled ou
t the drawings for their current cottage, and showed him what was needed for the rest of the project. Patrick studied the drawing, then packed up his lunch pail and went back to work.
It hadn’t been terribly long since he’d finished his last job – his brother Ethan’s bakery and home – but his back was aching. He’d soon get used to it again.
Ethan had been pretty laid back, and Patrick had been able to do the work at his own pace. All that changed now he was working with Harry who had time limits.
His thoughts moved to Emily. What would she be doing now? Was she resting like he’d suggested, or was she slowly killing herself despite the changes made to her routine. ?
Now that he wasn’t there to see for himself, his worry deepened. There was nothing he could do but wait and see after he finished work tonight.
Patrick shook the thoughts away, and returned to work. He’d never been so distracted by a woman as he was by the delightful Miss Emily Stanton.
* * *
Almost a week passed, and thankfully the timber arrived earlier than anticipated. Patrick decided to start work immediately.
He enjoyed spending time with Emily, even if it was only while he worked and she cooked. The aroma permeating the kitchen was more than a little enticing.
“Tell me which cupboard is giving you the most trouble,” he said, and Emily pointed it out. It was also the one she used the most, so he was glad to be able to make things easier for her.
She glanced across as he worked, and he found it more than a little distracting. Everything about Emily was distracting – in the nicest possible way.
“What are you making,” he asked, trying to break the silence.
“An apple and cinnamon loaf for supper.” She smiled at him and he felt as though someone had gifted him a million dollars.
She slowly looked better than when he’d first arrived, and he put it down to her workload being lightened. He had ensured she ate better too, so that had to also be a factor.
“This is the original kitchen from grandfather’s time,” she told him. “Except for a few modern additions.”
He had already surmised that much. The entire kitchen was in need of a refurbishment, but for now, new cupboard doors, and some repairs here and there would get her through.
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