“You haven’t even had the chance to look out yet. Do one more pass, and then I can finish, if you want me to.”
I sighed because he was right. I did want to look out while on top of the roof. “I should have paid more attention to how you stayed on the roof while Mr. Walker moved the ladder.”
He chuckled. “We won’t be doing that. It would be a bit complicated and not as safe as I’d like with two of us. We’ll simply climb the rest of the way down and then back up again.”
David started down, and I matched his pace. He helped Mr. Walker move the ladder, and then we climbed up again in the same manner.
This time, when we reached the top, David hooked the brush into some of the thatch. He then wrapped one arm around my waist in a manner no other man would have dared and anchored us onto the ladder with his other hand. “I have you—turn around.”
I took a deep breath, which, rather than settle me, served as a reminder of David’s arm holding me fast. I blinked hard once, determined not to let my eyes betray any of my thoughts if David caught a glance at them, and then turned around.
The view was magnificent. I’d climbed at least this high before, but something about not having any branches to grab onto or obstruct the scene made it feel like a completely different experience. Mr. and Mrs. Walker stood at the base of the ladder, and the path David and I had walked stretched out before us. The trees were only just starting to bud, and the fields were still brown, but I could imagine what the view would look like once the leaves covered the trees and the fields turned green.
“Oh, David,” I said with a soft exhale.
“I like the world best when I get to see it from the tops of houses,” David replied. “I like it even better when I can share it with you.”
I swallowed hard, reminding myself that our engagement was only a temporary thing. For all I knew, David had brought dozens of women to rooftops.
We breathed in unison for several minutes while the wind whipped around us. I wasn’t ready to return to solid ground.
“I suppose a few more passes with the brush wouldn’t do me any harm,” I said.
“Perfect,” he said, pulling me tighter against him so I could safely turn back around.
In the end, we finished the whole of the roof together.
W
Chapter 10
“Garrett has made a deal with the devil. I don’t want to be grateful for it, but I am.”
—David Tate, 1846, Age 19
The next morning, long after breakfast had ended and Mary had returned to the Prestons’ home, a knock sounded at the cottage door. I jumped up from the drawing room sofa before Mama had the chance to react. She stayed seated while I tried to keep myself from running to reveal the visitor. I mostly managed but had to take a calming breath before pulling open the door.
It was David.
I let my eyes wander over him and gave my heart a moment to rejoice. Happiness had been scarce over the past few years, and knowing that in David, I at last had a dear friend who cared deeply about my welfare made me happy indeed.
The sun shone behind him, accenting hints of red in his dark-brown hair and making it appear as if he wore a blasted crown. His eyes were as bright as the sunlight behind him, and his lip quirked up in a half-smile. He’d traded in his rough work clothing for his clean, crisp coat and hat, and if I hadn’t spent the morning remembering his skill on the Walkers’ roof, I would think the gentleman standing in front of me had lived a life filled only with gentlemanly pursuits. Both versions of David were fascinating.
In his uplifted hand, he held a note.
I reached out to take the note from him, and my finger brushed his gloved hand. He wouldn’t have noticed the contact, but I did.
“Good morning,” I said, wishing I could have thought of something witty to say.
“Good morning,” he replied easily. “I’m here acting as a footman today. Will you see to it that this note makes it to the ladies of the home?”
“Does that mean you won’t be coming in?”
He looked behind me as if he were tempted but then shook his head. “My tutor will be arriving at my home at any moment, and I don’t want Julia to have to entertain him until I arrive.”
“Mr. Allen?” I asked.
He raised an eyebrow. “Yes. Have you met?”
