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Sylvia looked stunned. Her support of the orphanage was well known, and Eddy hoped she wouldn’t cost Mary the large sum of money by turning him down. She didn’t. In a voice as chilly as her eyes, she replied, “You have a date.”
Doc nodded approvingly and slapped the gold coins down on the table.
The evening began breaking up and people were saying their good-byes.
Zeke said, “Sorry I didn’t get the bid for your dinner.”
“So am I.”
“Maybe we can have dinner together sometime soon. Not many places in town that’ll serve us but we’ll figure out something.”
“That would be nice.” Eddy looked away for a moment to wave at Vera, who was heading to the door.
He brought her attention back by asking, “Do we still have a date for the music concert on Friday?”
“Yes and I’m looking forward to it.”
“Good. I’ll see you then.”
“Thanks again for contributing the window.”
“You’re welcome.”
He departed, and Eddy wondered if he was really the man for her, and if so why didn’t she feel the same challenging excitement that she felt with Rhine. Having no ready answer, she set the troubling question aside. For the next little while she made a point of speaking with everyone who remained, and they congratulated her on the successful auction. All the goodwill further solidified her feeling like a member of the community.
She’d just said good-bye to the Rossettis when Edgar Carter stopped her to ask, “How’d I do, MissEddy?”
“You were a grand auctioneer, Mr.Carter. Just grand. Thank you.”
“I had a good time, and what do you think about that Rhine Fontaine? When he gave me this champagne, you could’ve knocked me over with a feather.” He showed her the bottle in his hand.
“It was a generous gesture.”
“You think so?” Rhine asked from behind her.
Smiling knowingly at his timing, she turned and looked up into his handsome face. “It was extremely generous.”
“I’m glad you approved.”
Ignorant of the undercurrents between them, Edgar said, “Thanks again, Rhine. I want you to give the first toast. You are invited, you know.”
“I do and I’d be honored.”
“Good, then. Let me go and find my wife so we can start for home. I had a wonderful time, MissEddy.”
He left them then, and as they stood together, she felt the familiar pull of Rhine’s call.
“So, am I endearing again?” Rhine asked.
“I’ve always known you to be kind, Rhine.” She hoped those moving about the room thought they were simply having an innocent conversation about the event and nothing more.
“I think I prefer endearing.”
“You know we aren’t supposed to be doing this anymore,” she said. No matter how many times she put her foot down, the dance between them continued.
“I do. Can’t seem to help myself. And what’s your excuse?”
She laughed. “We’re back to incorrigible.”
