Page 22 of The Secret of Drulea Cottage
Her heart rate rose even more at the sound of her name on his lips. She didn’t turn, couldn’t turn, not when it meant having to face him.
“Thank you for listening today and for the advice. Also, do be careful, please. You’re making it very hard not to consider you a friend.”
Anything she might have been about to say dried up on her tongue when she heard those words. Before she knew what she was doing, her feet were flying from the room. In almost no time, she had fled down the corridor and out the main door.
She placed a hand on her chest, feeling like she’d just run five miles.What am I doing? All he said was that he was starting to think o’ me as a friend. Why did I run away?
Adaira has been my only friend fer so long… What if I can’ be what he’s hoping fer? ’Tis only a matter o’ time before he finds out I’m illegitimate; once that happens, will he treat me the same way as my neighbors do?
Madness and Folly
The following day, it took all of Briony’s courage just to knock on Santiago’s door. She was so nervous that he was going to ask her why she’d run off before that she couldn’t even look him in the eye when she entered.
“Good morning, Briony.”
She nearly jumped when he spoke, especially since it was so strange to hear him use her first name. She looked up at him, surprised at the chipper tone in his voice. “Hello, Mr.—Santiago. Is there anywhere specific you’d like to visit today?”
Santiago smiled at her as if she was a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. “I’ve been hearing from my sister about the interesting trinkets at the market. Can we go there?”
Briony found herself smiling back before she could stop herself.Why should I bother stopping myself though? I might as well enjoy being friends with him while I can since he will probably shun me as soon as he knows about my background.
“I think that’s a splendid idea. Perhaps you’ll discover something you have na seen before.”
“Great! Then let’s go.” Santiago pushed himself up and grabbed Briony’s arm.
They walked gingerly once they were outside, avoiding leftover puddles from the previous night’s rain. When they arrived at the market, Briony quickly realized the whole place was abuzz with energy. Visitors were uncommon enough in Everton, but a group of forty foreigners was practically unheard of.
Many of the unmarried women flirted with the sailors as Briony and Santiago browsed the stalls. The language barrier was off-putting for some, but the most persistent ones didn’t let that stop them from trying to get the men’s attention. Briony watched the displays with disgust as several women practically threw themselves at the sailors. Briony suspected, though, that most of the men weren’t interested in anything more than a good time, and she feared those “good times” might make a lot more work for her very soon.
“Do you know the crew members well?” Briony hazarded to ask.
Santiago turned his attention from the merchants’ wares. “Nay, Captain Costa handpicked the crew. They’re all quite excellent sailors. Why do you ask?”
“I was merely curious,” she replied.
Santiago’s eyes lingered on her face for a little longer than necessary before shifting back to the nearest booth, which just so happened to have a lot of fine jewelry. Briony, too, set her focus on the necklaces and bracelets, admiring their beauty.I wish I could buy one fer myself, but I’m sure the prices are especially high right now since we have visitors.
A particular pearl necklace caught her eye, and Briony extended a hand to it. It was one of the prettiest things she had ever seen. “Sir, how much—”
“Hello, there!” came a voice, cutting Briony off.
Her stomach dropped when she recognized the speaker.’Twas only a matter o’ time before Santiago and the laird met, but I’d hoped na to be present when it happened. Especially since the last time I saw him was when we collided on the street.
She plastered on a grin and spun around. Laird Oliver was standing a little ways off, looking like a cat that had just caught a mouse, a very nervous mouse named Briony.
“Greetings, Mr. Mendes. I am The Much Honored Joseph Oliver, Laird o’ Harray. I would have come to introduce myself earlier, but my many responsibilities kept me from getting away.”
Briony rolled her eyes at the man’s bravado.If “responsibilities” means stuffing yer face and mistreating yer servants, then I’d have to agree. You weren’ even polite enough to ask me to introduce you to Santiago.
The young merchant nodded as Laird Oliver continued. “I hope yer having a pleasant time here in Everton. I do wonder how well things can be going, though, with this woman as yer guide—”
“It has been going quite well, actually,” Santiago cut in.
Briony’s heart swelled, but the portly man’s eyes widened in surprise. He frowned at the two of them for a moment before raising his eyebrows suggestively at Briony.
She looked away, embarrassed and angry.I really hate that man. Despite all the rumors, I’m a virgin. I may have followed in my family’s footsteps professionally, but that does na mean I intend to do everything my family did.
“Still, Dr. Sherwin must have been feeling ill to have chosen her. Actually, Briony Fairborn, I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”
