Their lives would surely take them down different paths. He wanted to be a teacher like his father. She wanted to travel the world and dig up bones.
Still, her words had reached deep inside him and woven their way into his heart. He’d carry that moment with him for the rest of his life.
At sixteen years old, Devin’s heart was already completely and utterly committed to Eliza Mills. Not that she would ever guess that her chum from all these years wanted more from their relationship. And not that he would ever say that aloud to anyone.
Even still, he would follow her to the moon. Of course he’d made the promise! He was a fool to even question it.
“Master Schmitt, if I might have a word.” The booming voice brought him back down to earth, and his feet stuttered to a stop.
Devin glanced around. Mr. Mills—Eliza’s grandfather—was in one of his many horseless carriages. Good heavens. The man had driven up without Devin even noticing! Heat flooded his face. This was what happened when he thought of her.
He cleared his throat. “Good afternoon, sir.” With a stiff turn, he placed his hands behind his back and bowed toward the man. At least he still had some manners while his mind had been off lallygagging.
The man didn’t exit his vehicle, just stared at him. Then he spoke to his driver. “Meet me at the gate. I wish to have a private conversation with the young man.”
The door whooshed open, and Mr. Mills’s imposing figure soon stood before him.
Devin straightened and gulped back his nervousness. Mr. Mills had never taken the time to speak to him privately.Never.
The driver drove the noisy machine down the lane. Silence surrounded them like a heavy cloak.
Devin swallowed, tugged at his collar, which felt all too tight, and blinked. What was the correct protocol? Speak only when spoken to? Talk of the weather? Ask after his family?
“Let’s walk, shall we?” Mr. Mills didn’t wait for a response, just took long strides. The cane in his hand was clearly for decoration. The man was spry and quick.
Realizing he still hadn’t moved, Devin croaked out a response. “Yes, sir.” He forced one foot in front of the other and focused on breathing.
“I wish to speak to you about my granddaughter.”
More heat rushed up Devin’s neck. A million different thoughts and questions sparked for attention.
“Let me speak plain and simple.” The man stopped his steps, gripped Devin’s shoulder, and speared him with an intense gaze. “My granddaughter spends a great deal of time with you and speaks of you with great admiration.” He narrowed his eyes.
“Yes, sir.” It seemed the only response. The hand on his shoulder was almost as heavy as the bags Eliza made him carry on their adventures.
The grip tightened. “Your father has informed me that youwill be off to university soon. Well done, young man. I will see to it that you have the very best education.”
Devin narrowed his gaze a bit. What was the man offering? To put in a good word for him? Regardless, it was something that deserved his gratitude. “Thank you, sir.”
“Mrs. Mills and I have enjoyed seeing you grow into an honorable young man. You have indeed been a loyal friend to Eliza.” The man released his hold and took up his walk toward the gate again.
Devin joined him, feeling one hundred pounds lighter. If that’s what they thought of him—
“But there comes a time when every man needs to understand his place. Eliza is from a family of great wealth. Generations of my family built this empire. It’s in our blood. You, son, are not from old money. You’re not even from new money. You are from no money at all. Your father is a simple tutor. You, frankly, are a different class.”
All sense of lightness evaporated. Devin’s stomach threatened to tie itself into knots. Mr. Mills wasn’t saying anything he didn’t already know. Butwhywas he saying it?
“I need your word, son, that you will never pursue my granddaughter for courtship or marriage. It’s clear she cares for you as a friend, but that friendship canneverbe encouraged to grow beyond what it is now. Am I clear on this point?”
He swallowed against the large lump in his throat. “Yes, sir.”
“And I have your word on that account?” Mr. Mills’s green eyes were the same color as Eliza’s, but the ice within them threatened to stab Devin.
He swallowed again and lifted his chin, doing his best to convince his legs to hold him upright. How could he go against her grandfather? No matter how he felt toward Eliza. He couldn’t. And being her friend was better than nothing. “Yes, sir. You have my word.”
Mr. Mills held out his hand. “Gentlemen always shake on such an important bond.”
Devin reached forward and shook the man’s hand. The iron grip made his hand ache.
