Page 80 of Bane Bloom

No one could not toast this, so any awkwardness over the mention of Thomas was neatly avoided by Ham and Annie’s teamwork.

The musicians began to test and tune their instruments, and people started for the bar to refill their glasses.

“Can I bring either of you anything?” Ham asked as he stood up.

“I would be happy for a glass of cider,” I replied.

“Then you shall have it.”

I didn’t care about a glass of cider, but I wished for another moment to speak privately with Thomas.

When Ham was gone, I began, “It was kind of Annie to—”

While at the same time Thomas said, “Hamish is looking for a—”

I laughed and said, “Please, go ahead.”

He rubbed his lips together. “Hamish is looking for a wife. His first wife died a few years back. He’s not the sort that likes being alone.”

I studied him, unsure what to make of this. “Well,” I said, “he’s handsome, and kind. I’m sure he’ll find one.”

“He has taken a fancy to you.”

I swallowed, heat stinging my cheeks. “He’s only flirting, Thomas.”

He held my gaze. “I’m telling you he is serious. And he’s worthy. It would allow you and your father to live comfortably while you carry on with your illustrations and write your books.”

My throat thickened as my stomach knotted. I looked down. Unsteadily, I replied, “While I’ll allow that you’re a keen observer, you can’t possibly know these things.”

His voice came closer to my ear as he continued, “Dance with him, and he is yours. I would bet my life on it.”

Wounded, and wishing to wound, I snapped my head up and said, “How are you so certain? Have you worked a charm to make it so?”

The lines of his face melted away. “You require no charm to make a man fall in love with you, lass.”

A soft smile came to his eyes, and I felt hot tears in mine. I was on the verge of flinging his own words back at him. “Would you marry for such a reason?” But he’d only remind me of my answer. “I would, Thomas.”

He got up from the table, and I watched him cross the room to speak to Annie, my heart plunging down through the floorboards.

“You See Clearly”

Thomas

“Thank you for the evening,” I said to my young hostess.

Her bright smile faded. “You’re not going already?”

“I fear I must, but it was kind of you to have me.”

“Nonsense, I’m flattered that you’ve come.” Her gaze drifted over the room as she continued, “You’re sure you can’t stay at least for a dance?”

“Forgive me, no. I’ve stayed too long already.”

She set her eyes on mine. “I can’t help feeling that you risk much in going now.”

Though I fought it, my eyes pulled to Catherine; Hamish was returning with her drink. A mutinous protest rumbled inside my chest.

“Hamish is dear to us,” my host continued. “An old family friend, whom I wish to find happiness. And Cricket is a new friend I wish to find happiness. But Thomas, I was here the moment you first met her. The two of us have sometimes spoken of you since. I can’t help feeling . . .”