Page 37 of The Secret of Drulea Cottage

“Greetings, sir.”

The man nodded to say he was leaving and started moving past her.What was he discussing with Santiago? Was it that same topic as before: morta?

Suddenly, Briony’s curiosity became too much to bear.I have to know what ’twas!

“Sir!”

Captain Costa turned to her. “Aye, senhorita?”

“I have a question fer you. I came across some o’ the sailors talking about something the other day. They used the wordmorta, and I wondered if you could tell me what it means.”

The man’s eyes narrowed infinitesimally as though he was deeply considering something. He drew in a breath—

The door opened behind her. “Briony, you’re here! I was hoping you’d arrive soon. I’ve been wanting to talk to you.”

Santiago leaned against the doorframe, trying his best to smile even though Briony could see that it took some effort. Somehow he had made it across the room on his own, so quickly that she hadn’t even heard his footsteps until he was already opening the door.

Santiago gave his captain a pointed look as Briony tried to respond. Unfortunately, she just stood there gaping like a fish. Not only had she almost been caught talking aboutmorta, but seeing Santiago again was making her stomach do flips.

The man continued waiting for her reply, but his body was still angled toward Costa.

After a few seconds, the captain broke the silence by saying, “My apologies, senhorita. I’m needed down at my ship. I’ll be happy to answer your question later if you come by to see me.”

“Briony doesn’t need to do that.I’lltake care of any questions she has.”

Briony’s eyes widened at the sudden shift in mood.I thought they were friends, but Santiago’s tone reminds me o’ when he was talking to Niall.

Briony’s mind swirled with emotions as Mr. Moreland returned to her thoughts.Part o’ me would like to never speak to him again after what he said to Adaira, but…another part o’ me wants—nay, longs—to see him again. Surely he can’ be all bad. He does na know how much Adaira has changed; once he does, I hope he’ll understand why I’m such good friends with her.

He was quite rude to Santiago, though, too, and ’tis na like I know much about him—

“Briony?” Santiago prompted.

Briony looked up, noticing that his gaze was now fixed on her. Her eyes shifted over to Costa, but the man wasn’t there.

“I’m sorry, Santiago. I guess I got sidetracked fer a moment. Are you ready to start our walk?”

*

“Everyone seemed a lot busier today. I’ve never seen so many people out and about at once. Is something special going on?” Santiago asked. They had just finished their stroll and were in the sitting room, alone but for Adaira’s cat, who lurked behind a chair in the corner. Santiago’s walking was much better today, and he’d even gone several steps with just his cane.

“’Tis a busy time fer us, with Johnsmas being only a few days away.”

He gave her a blank look, which surprised her.

“How could you na know what Johnsmas is? Norway recognizes it as well, from what I hear. Surely yer business partners told you.”

Santiago frowned in confusion and shook his head. “My business with Norway is only a recent development. I don’t normally go this far east in June.”

There was a quiver in the man’s voice as he spoke. Briony almost didn’t notice it, and had it been someone she was less familiar with, she wouldn’t have thought it strange at all. But something about it tugged at her awareness. She looked at him closely, noting his clenched fingers and the way his gaze had shifted away from her.

He’s hiding something.

“Are youpositiveyou’ve never heard o’ it?”

Annoyance sprung onto Santiago’s face, and he snapped, “Aye, that’s what I said!”

Briony drew back in her chair at the outburst. I know we sometimes get under each other’s skin, but I don’ think I said anything to warrant that.