Page 69 of The Journal of a Thousand Years
“And to me, although I’ve been with—” Huon cleared his throat, taking great pains not to look at Petra, seated beside him. “That is to say, women are a mystery worth solving.”
“Fun, too,” Willie said, winking at Tilda.
With a light blush to her cheeks, Tilda rose. “I’d better check on my patient.” She kissed Willie on the forehead and left.
“What’s your romantic dilemma that requires opinions?” I asked Huon.
“I want to know what grand gestures a fellow can do for the woman he admires above all others.” He still didn’t look at Petra, and I realized I was the only one who knew they’d spent the night together. Although Daisy was aware of their previous encounters and probably suspected Huon was speaking about Petra, she didn’t look her way either.
Petra tore off a corner of her toast and popped it in her mouth. She tore off another piece, and another, giving the toast her full attention.
“I am unable to advise you,” Professor Nash said. “Alex?”
Alex’s looked somewhat startled. “Ummm…”
“I was thinking of a public declaration,” Huon added.
“Of your admiration for her?” Willie shook her head. “The thing is, grand public gestures are for the one making them, they ain’t for the one receiving them.”
“What do you mean?” Daisy asked.
“The one making the gesture only does it publicly if they wanteveryone,not just the intended recipient,to think they’re wonderful. It doesn’t make her feel special because she knows it’s not about her, it’s about the one making the gesture. That’s why some men propose in a public place. Steer clear of thosemen, ladies. They’re seeking attention for themselves, which means they’re too selfish to love completely.”
Daisy nodded thoughtfully. “I always suspected you were wise, Willie.”
Willie looked a little surprised. “I’ve always suspected it, too.”
“After all, one doesn’t get to be as old as you and not learn a few things along the way.”
Alex snickered, which made Daisy smile.
Willie threw a sugar cube at him, but he caught it deftly and popped it into his coffee cup.
“Right, so no public declarations of love,” Huon said. “Understood. What about public gestures of another kind, that are not romantic in themselves, but she will appreciate nonetheless?” When he realized none of us followed his meaning, he elaborated. “What if I place an advertisement in a newspaper stating that pencils are better for sketching than ink, and that as an ink magician, I fully endorse Petra’s pencils which are available exclusively from her shop.”
Petra choked on a crumb of toast.
Huon turned to her. “Will that prove to you that I’m serious?” There was no humor in his voice anymore, just the cadence of a man trying to make a good impression on a woman he admired, perhaps even loved.
We all leaned forward in anticipation of her response.
“He’s awake.” Tilda’s words, spoken from the doorway, caused a flurry of activity.
Willie was the first one out of the dining room. I thought Alex might be next, but he hung back. I had no intention of seeing Gabe, so I remained in the dining room, too. As Huon passed him, Alex caught his arm.
“Your families don’t get on, do they?” He nodded at Petra, already out of the dining room and heading for the staircase.Daisy walked by her side. “Putting an advertisement in the newspaper supporting her family’s magic will disappoint your own. I know you haven’t had a close relationship with your father in the past, but do you really want to be cut off now when you’ve recently got back into his good books?”
Huon’s lips curved with a knowing smile. “She’s worth it.”
“It’s a lot to give up. Are you sure?”
“If my family can’t accept her, and accept that I love her, then losing them is a sacrifice I’m willing to make. That’s what love means, Alex. It means making a sacrifice when necessary and making it willingly. If someone is prepared to do that for you, then it’s pointless trying to oppose them because it means they are very much in love with you.” Huon’s gaze followed Petra and Daisy, climbing the stairs. “You may as well embrace her sacrifice, my friend. She’s not going to change her mind.” He rather ruined the lovely sentiment by adding, “Once a woman’s mind is made up, it’s almost impossible to get her to change it.”
Huon left, and Alex went to follow him, but seemed to notice me for the first time. “Coming, Sylvia?”
“You go on. I need to speak to Bristow.”
I found Bristow in the basement service rooms, instructing Murray on how to present Gabe’s breakfast on the tray.
