Page 38 of The Secret of Drulea Cottage
Unless he’s lying to me.
Santiago sighed and returned his eyes to hers. “I apologize. My sister has been a nuisance lately, and she’s the one I’m truly upset with, not you. I shouldn’t have lashed out at you.”
Briony gave him a sympathetic smile. “I understand having a temper that flares up at the wrong people sometimes. I’ve been trying to be more controlled in that area myself.”
His lips twitched as if he wanted to smile. “And are you having much success?”
“What do you think?”
A full-on grin spread over Santiago’s face at that, laughter dancing in his eyes. “Now, don’t think you can trick me into getting myself in trouble.”
Briony smiled back, feeling herself fall into his green eyes. Her heart began to throb, and she was suddenly aware of the fact that they wereveryalone, sittingveryclose to each other. Santiago’s knee was practically brushing against hers, and her hand was only inches away from his arm.
How did I na notice that before?Sweat broke out on Briony’s palms, and she brought her wayward hand into her lap.
Something dimmed in Santiago’s expression, though it was difficult to tell if it was because of Briony’s subtle withdrawal or something else.
Briony drew in a shaky breath. “A-Anyway, Johnsmas is a holiday to celebrate Midsummer. We light a bonfire on Everton’s highest hill, sing ballads, and dance. ’Tis one o’ the happiest nights o’ the year. Out o’ all the times to come to Orkney, this has to be the best one. You do have to be careful about the naughtier lads though. They like to snatch the burning heather from the flames and light the grass on fire! Their parents usually stop them before that happens, though, and if anything does catch on fire, the men are quick to put it out. Some o’ the boys even try to prove their bravery by jumping through the flames! We’ve had a few complaints o’ burned bottoms, but whether they’re from the fire or their parents’ beatings, I could na tell you!”
Santiago laughed heartily before gripping the cane beside him with a more somber look. “I’m glad I’ll get to attend the festivities, then. I only wish I could be on my feet without this cane long enough to dance with you.”
“Oh, that is sad to think about. Are you a good dancer?”
“Tolerably good. I wouldn’t say I have any great talent.”
“I must admit I do love to dance. The world melts away fer a moment, and I feel as free as a bird.”
“In that case, I hope to dance with you as soon as I recover. Then when the world melts away from you, I can come along.”
Briony searched Santiago’s face, but there was nothing pretentious, nothing humorous in his countenance.
Instead, there was an intensity in his eyes that soon proved too much for Briony to take, and she turned her attention to the floor. “You must na say things like that. People will start indecent rumors if they hear you.”
“What will they say? Surely they can’t think you’re an immodest woman,” Santiago said confidently.
This is it. I’ve been keeping this from him long enough. He deserves the truth, even if that means he wants nothing more to do with me. I’m illegitimate. I have to say it!
She took a few deep breaths and opened her mouth. “I…appreciate how certain you are o’ my modesty. You don’ know my family history like everyone else does though. If you did, you would na treat me as well as you do.”
“Briony,” Santiago whispered. The earnestness in his voice drew her eyes to his. Within their green expanse, she saw nothing but kindness and honesty. “Nothing you tell me will change the way I see you.”
His words gave her the courage she needed, and she said, “I was born out o’ wedlock, just as my mother and grandmother were. The town looks down on me fer it. Everyone expects I will follow the same path and end up with a ‘natural’ child.”
There was silence. Briony groaned inwardly, for it seemed like confirmation of her worst fears. She felt moisture spring up in her eyes as she mentally said goodbye to their friendship.
A few moments later, she heard something she never imagined he would say. “I’m sorry this has been going on, but you’re not your mother or your grandmother. The rest of Everton should be able to see that too.”
Briony almost jumped from her seat. “What?! You can’ mean that! I’m illegitimate, so ’tis normal fer my neighbors to act as they do. ’Tis the way o’ the world, and ’tis the wayyoushould be reacting right now.”
Santiago gave her a look of disbelief. “How can you say that? Do you truly think me that shallow? Do I think it was right of your family to have children out of wedlock? Nay, I believe my mother would turn over in her grave if I did! But, Briony, you had nothing to do with how you were born. How can anyone judge you for others’ choices? I believe in judging a person based on their character alone.”
An incredulous smile made its way over Briony’s face. It started small, but soon her happiness grew so strong that her entire being seemed to glow. “Do you mean that?”
Santiago placed his hand on her shoulder. “Aye, Briony. I do.”
“You can’ know how nice ’tis to hear those words.” Briony felt like her tongue had loosened, and before she could stop herself, more words began to spill out. “Santiago, there’s something else I need to tell you.”
Morta
