Page 59 of In Just a Year
Esther caught Raphi’s sharp look, the same glance he’d given her that night—alarm mixed with conspiratorial mischief.
Chawa rose from her seat next to Eve and went to Raphi. She pulled him down to whisper something in his ear. They both cast Esther a look and left without another word.
One question rang in Esther’s mind.Where was Ben? If Stone was here, where was her Ben?
“Mister Nagy, you must forgive us, but this is a closed family gathering. My son’s wedding is not the place to conduct business.” Again, Pavel spoke with royal dignity.
Nagy tapped his foot on the floor. “You haven’t told me where the Jew boy is.”
Greg inclined his head and gave Pavel a quieting stare. “As I said, I just returned, Mister Nagy. This is the first time I’ve seen the Klonimus family.” He bowed to Pavel with a hand on his chest. “My apologies for the intrusion, Mister Klonimus.” He nodded at Gustav, Fave, and Arnold. “I bid you a good day.”
“Stop it! I know you hid him! He hasn’t been around for months!” the Bailiff roared.
Everyone stared at him as if he were a madman throwing a tantrum.
“How is Benjamin?” Greg addressed Pavel politely. “I heard he’s had yet another glorious term in Edinburgh and that he’s advancing exceptionally well in his studies. He’s a talented jeweler for the Crown; I’ll be sure to mention it to the Regent at the Christmas banquet.”
Esther covered her smile at Greg’s clever covering for Ben.
“My wife and I are very proud of our son, Your Grace. Thank you.” Pavel had caught on and was playing along.
“Why’s the Jew boy late for his own wedding then?” the Bailiff asked again.
The question hit the room with such weight that Esther nearly swayed.
Tate’s arm was already there to steady her. “Er vet kumen.” He’ll come.
CHAPTER29
Ben hired a hack, but traffic was so busy that he paid the driver and got off at the Embankment Pier. He started running toward home. He sprinted faster than he’d ever done before. Air scorched his lungs, but he couldn’t wait to return. The closer he came to the tall trees along Pall Mall, the faster he ran. Almost there. The noisy cough and burn in his chest made him light headed but still he ran. He was going home. Finally.
When he turned the corner to 35 Regent Street, he paused. With a hand on the knob of their back door, he tried to breathe again. He was home. He was…
“Benny!” his mother called. “Oh Benny!” She opened the door and behind her stood Raphi.
Both pulled him into the workshop and wrapped themselves around him. Nobody else was there. All the worktables were neatly swept. Why wasn’t anyone working?
Ben barely allowed himself to enjoy the warmth of his mother’s hug. She mumbled a blessing in Yiddish but he didn’t listen. Something was amiss. “Where is everyone?”
Raphi raised the right corner of his mouth and his eyebrows. “At your wedding.”
“What?”
“Oh Benny, I’ve been so worried. Darlingyingale, what happened to your hands?” His mother examined the rope burn.
“Oh, the crew was dying and I took over the deck work.” He shook his head. “What do you meanmy wedding?”
“Who died? What happened?” Mother said in alarm as she combed through his messy hair.
“You told Esther you wanted to marry her as soon as you return,” Raphi said. “She’s been waiting for you under the chuppah all day.
At least his brother knew what he needed to hear.
His mother smiled. “She’s a good girl, Ben. She’s—”
“She’s waiting under the chuppah forme?” Panic rose in his chest and his voice reached an uncomfortably high pitch. Esther had accepted and was a bride. “Today?”
“Right now!” Raphi smiled but gave Ben a critical once-over.
