Page 26 of The Secret of Drulea Cottage

“I was down by the dock yesterday and overheard two o’ the sailors speaking. I don’ know any Portuguese, but I thought you might be able to help me translate.”

Santiago’s lips turned up into a smile, but the motion seemed strained. “I can certainly do that for you. What did you hear?”

This is where I must be careful.

She racked her brain for all the Portuguese words she could remember. “Ah, I only remember a few words: são, morta, pelo, mim—”

Santiago went as stiff as a board. “You heard these wordsyesterday?”

Briony’s face flushed, but she didn’t want to admit her lie. She nodded and attempted a casual grin.

Santiago’s voice became deadly serious as he said, “I don’t want you to go near the ship by yourself again. Stay away from it, all right?”

Briony frowned. “But why—”

“Promise me you won’t.Promise me.”

What’s going on? Why does he sound so desperate?

The force of the man’s gaze was almost painful, but Briony held her ground. “I can’ promise that when I don’ know why.”

“You can’t just trust me?”

She wanted to trust him, this man who told her of places she’d never been, places she could only dream of.I don’ want to hurt him by saying nay. I can’ do that to him.

She opened her mouth, but then she stopped. She thought of the meeting she had just overheard in his room. I want to believe he’s a good man, but Santiago Mendes has secrets. And secrets are dangerous.

“Is there something yer na telling me?” Briony whispered, barely able to force the words past her lips.

Santiago huffed. “That’s entirely unfair of you to askmethat. Your whole life is surrounded by secrets. Is it even possible to know the real you?”

Briony’s anger flared up. “What are you talking about? I’ve been nothing but myself around you. All you’ve seen is the real me!”

“Yesterday, that fisherman said something about your mother. And the other man—Laird Oliver… He had nothing but ill intent toward you.”

“And you suppose I deserve it?!” She was shouting now, but she didn’t care.

Santiago touched her arm gently, but then he pulled it back. “Briony, you’re burning up!”

She looked down at her arm and noted the pinkish tinge on her skin. She didn’t feel any warmer, though, just angry. “I’m fine. Don’ act like you care. Some friend you’ve turned out to be.”

Something in Santiago’s face broke. All visible signs of anger disappeared, leaving only sorrow behind. “I spoke too hastily when I said that before. I don’t think friendship is in the cards for us.”

“Well, I can agree with you on that,” she sputtered, but her heart wasn’t in the words.

“Please ask my sister to come here. She should be able to walk with me today.”

Tears welled up in Briony’s eyes, but she pushed them back.I won’ let him see that I care, especially if we’re na even friends.

Briony walked out the door with her head held high, but as she stumbled through the hallway, the dam sprung a leak and those same tears began to trickle down her face.I should have known this friendship was too good to be true. How could I let myself think ’twas real? And worse, I was starting to hope fer something impossible.

“Briony! Whatever is the matter?!” Adaira appeared from one of the bedrooms, her brown eyes full of concern. One arm carried a basket of laundry, while her free hand pressed against her hip. She looked ready to either embrace her friend or beat up whoever had made her cry.

“I can’ talk about it right now! Please, tell Mistress Mendes that her brother wants her. I have to go,” she blubbered. She slipped around her friend and ran to the back door before Adaira could react.

“Dearie, will you be all right?”

“Aye, don’ worry!” Briony wrenched open the door and raced up the path. She walked briskly, not pausing to glance at the people she passed. She needed time alone, and there was one place in particular she often went when life felt difficult.