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Chapter 23
Amelia was silent until Mac moved out of earshot and then leaned in. “I would very much like to know why you have not mentioned him before now.”
“I did,” Mabel reminded her friend. “I spoke of him at the literary society.”
“Hmm.” Amelia did not look convinced. She followed Mac’s retreat, her eyebrows pulling together. “But you did not say how handsome he has grown. Since when have you kept secrets from me?”
“Am I not allowed that luxury?”
“No, you most certainly are not,” Amelia answered, chuckling, amusement dancing in her eyes. “Not unless you really must.”
Mabel hesitated. This was the second time in as many days that a dear friend of hers had asked to be admitted into her confidence. She was not typically so tight-fisted with her secrets, but Mac seemed like so much more than a confidential piece of information. This mattered so much more.
“I can see you wrestling with the idea of speaking about it, so please, forget I said anything. If anyone might understand the need to hold things close to one’s heart, Mabel, it is me. Some things are simply too painful to speak aloud.”
A sudden shift occurred between them, and Mabel leaned back, taking in Amelia’s gentle acceptance. What sort of things had Amelia kept from her? Mabel did not know the details of each of Amelia’s marriages, nor the particulars of her husbands’ deaths, beyond what was generally known. Amelia had always been rather private, and Mabel had always respected her friend’s desires to keep things to herself.
Now, Amelia was willing to do the same for her. But Mabel was different. She had relied on her friends after her mother’s death, and when she became upset following her father’s many returns to sea. She could rely on them now, too.
“I only feel that I must guard my heart from Mr. MacKenzie’s sly, clever tongue.”
Amelia’s face hardened. “What has he said to offend you?”
“No, it is nothing like that. I only fear that if I do not take great care, I may fall in love with him again.” She lifted her shoulder. “And if I do that, I am bound to be heartbroken.”
“Again?” Amelia asked softly.
Mabel nodded, shooting her friend a wry smile. “I tried to send him off to the navy with a lock of my hair. He soundly refused it.”
Shock spread over Amelia’s face. “Well, I never…”
“I did not tell a soul. I was utterly mortified.”
“I don’t doubt it.” Grasping Mabel’s hand, Amelia squeezed it.
“He was so charming then, I had believed…but that is neither here nor there. I am merely horrible at knowing when a gentleman is being kind, and when he might mean more than kindness.”
Shaking her head, Amelia frowned. “Do you want my advice?”
“Yes.”
“Stay away from him. I saw the way he looked at you, Mabel. He is clearly interested in you. And if you know that to be false, or merely friendship poorly disguised as more, then you are better off keeping your distance.” She searched Mabel’s face. “If you can, I would suggest doing your utmost to avoid being around him as often as you can. He mentioned he won’t be here much longer. If you put distance between you now, it will surely make that parting easier to bear.”
Mabel nodded, sucking in a breath. “I did not wish to hear that.”
“I’m sorry, Mabel.”
“No, don’t be. It is sound advice.” She turned, giving Amelia her full attention. “Thank you for being honest with me. I could not ask for a more supportive friend.”
“Friend? I like to think of us as sisters.”
A smile came to her lips and she nodded. She had long since thought of Amelia and Hattie as her sisters and now felt the same way about Giulia. She often thanked God for putting these supportive women in her life. She would not have been able to bear the difficulties of life without them. “Where is Hattie? I have not seen her yet.”
“Dancing,” Amelia said with a nod toward the center of the room.
“Mabel,” Gram said. “Mabel!”
“Yes?” Turning, she placed a hand on Gram’s forearm. “I am still here.”
