Page 34 of The Secret of Drulea Cottage

Niall blinked in surprise. He opened his mouth but thought better of it and closed it again. He stood silently for a moment and then replied, “If yer so certain she’s changed, then perhaps I…misjudged her. With time, she can prove her true character to me.”

Briony jerked back in shock at the sudden change.Is he being sincere? I can’ tell one way or the other.

He dazzled her with a strangely white smile. It was so beautiful that Briony just gaped at him. But then she remembered herself and realized they were standing closer than she liked.

“Hmm, well, good. I’m glad yer seeing reason now. However, before you go back in there, you need to think up a really good apology fer how you acted. That will give you a chance to prove yer character to me as well.”

Niall frowned as if he’d expected her to forgive and forget more easily, but then he nodded. “As you wish. I can see this is important to you and that you need some time. I suppose I can get some food down at the tavern fer now. Just know that getting forgiveness from the two o’ you shall be my highest priority until ’tis attained. After that, I have more interesting things in mind.”

For reasons unfathomable to her, Briony felt a blush rise to her cheeks.What’s wrong with me? I know almost nothing about this man except that he has a fearsome temper.

Niall grabbed her hand and kissed it, drawing a slight gasp. He smirked and stepped away. “Until later, then, lovely Briony.”

Briony stood in a daze as she watched him stride out of Everton Inn, only managing to recompose herself once he was no longer in view.

When she returned to the dining room, everyone was in a much merrier state. Adaira was flitting about like a butterfly as she served her guests, Santiago was telling lively tales, William was stuffing himself with food, Lucia was flirting with Mr. Burgess, and Mr. Burgess was—

Briony stifled a laugh as she sat down next to Santiago. Mr. Burgess looked far too uncomfortable as Lucia tried to feed him from a spoon. He leaned away and—

CRASH!

Mr. Burgess had tilted back so far that he’d collided with Adaira and they’d both ended up on the floor with mashed potatoes all over them.

“Are you all right, mistress?” Mr. Burgess asked, gripping Adaira’s hand as the two of them rose to their feet.

Adaira cleared her throat. “Aye, o’ course! How clumsy o’ me! I—”

“You? Nay, I was the clumsy one! ’Tis my fault since I’m the one who…”

At that moment, Briony stopped listening to their words and realized something their body language was screaming loud and clear.They fancy each other!

O’ course they do! How could I na have seen it sooner?

She chuckled at how oblivious she’d been, unintentionally catching Santiago’s attention. He gave her a questioning look.

Briony leaned over. “I never noticed how perfect they are fer each other.”

Santiago smiled and looked back at the couple. “Are they?”

“Aye. I’ve never seen Adaira act like this before. Mr. Burgess is a good man, and she deserves someone who will treat her well. I’m happy fer them both.”

“Yer a good friend, Briony. I’m sure Senhorita Stubbins would say you deserve the same.”

Briony turned away shyly. “If you knew me better, you would na say such things.”

“I doubt that,” he mumbled, almost as if he hadn’t meant for her to hear.

Briony looked back at him.There’s something else behind his words, something below the surface. But what?

The man continued, “I’m glad we decided to give our friendship another chance. If the way you care about Adaira is any indication of how you treat your friends, I’d say I’m quite fortunate.”

She didn’t have anything to say to that, so she returned her attention to Mr. Burgess and Adaira as they continued to awkwardly and adorably speak to each other.

“‘Twas a mighty fine dinner you prepared, Mistress Stubbins.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it, Mr. Burgess. Are you certain the stew could na have used a wee bit more salt though?”

“Nay, ’twas wonderful, mistress! I’m sure everyone else thought so too.”