Page 57 of The Secret of Drulea Cottage

“I was na trying to frighten you this time. Truly! I just was wondering, where are the Burgesses?”

The unmistakable blush that appeared on Adaira’s face was all too heartwarming, and Briony had to smile.

“They went to the market fer me, and then they were going to go fishing fer our dinner. ’Twas too thoughtful o’ them. I did na wish fer them to trouble themselves, but John insisted on getting more ingredients fer me since I’d be cooking so much today.”

“Aye…that was so thoughtful o’John.” She drew out the man’s name, all while smirking at her friend.

Adaira gasped, no doubt just realizing her slip of the tongue. “Now, Briony, don’ be coming to any conclusions—”

“What sort o’ conclusions are you talking about? I merely agreed with you thatJohnwas being sothoughtful. What’s there to conclude? He must just be a thoughtful person. I’m sure he would have done that fer justanyone.”

“Briony, stop it. Yer imagining things.” Adaira turned her back on her and resumed stirring.

Briony hummed in agreement. “O’ course. I must be. Then I suppose it does na matter to you that a certain young,beautifulblond happens to be speaking to him right now?”

“What?!” Adaira spun around and almost dropped her bowl.

Briony gestured to the foyer, where Lucia was in the process of conveniently slipping right toward Mr. Burgess’s arms. The only problem was that Mr. Burgess’s arms were already full of bags—

“Lucia!” Briony called in a vain attempt to stop her.

“Mistress!” Mr. Burgess shouted at the same time as he tried to catch her.

Both Lucia and Mr. Burgess landed on the floor in a heap of sugar, salt, and flour.

Santiago and Niall must have heard the noise, for they soon appeared and hurried over from the other room.

“Lucia, are you all right?” Santiago extended a hand to his frazzled sister. She had managed to fall onto Mr. Burgess, who had received the brunt of the mess. His clothes were stained all over, and his hair was as white as Nathaniel Levins’s. Lucia, not nearly as dirty, had several speckles along her neck and arms, but her dress appeared unsullied.

Lucia trembled as she gripped her brother’s helpful hand and stood. “I-I…” She looked from one concerned gaze to another, her eyes landing on Mr. Burgess last.

Then she burst into tears and ran off down the corridor before shutting herself up in her room. Santiago hurried after her, and the others heard him knock at his sister’s door several times before finally being let in.

Adaira held out her hand to Mr. Burgess. “Here, let me help you.”

“Da’, I just don’ see why—What happened?” William asked as he stumbled inside with far too many bags to carry safely. He set them down and gripped his father’s other hand as Adaira pulled the man up.

“Just an accident, son. Don’ worry.I’m fine.” Mr. Burgess gazed at Adaira as he said the last part, and a sweet smile came over his face.

“But what about all the food?” William stared down in dismay. Everything John had been carrying was now on the floor, and very little of it looked salvageable.

“‘Twill be all right, William. I do believe I’ll have enough fer tonight, and I can buy some more morn.” Adaira rubbed William’s shoulder soothingly.

“What an awful morneen!” The boy scraped his foot against some of the sugar, creating a small white cloud.

Briony touched Adaira’s arm. “I’ve got some extra things at home. ’Twill be enough fer morn’s breakfast, at least.”

Adaira gave her a grateful smile. “Thank you, dearie. I’d be most grateful fer them.”

“I’ll go get them now, then.” She turned to leave.

A hand suddenly grabbed hers. “And I’ll help you.”

Briony jumped at Niall’s voice as well as the strange tingling sensation in her fingers. It was not unlike the heat she’d felt the day before when that freak lightning appeared.

She stared up into his dark eyes. They swirled like violent waves in a storm. They were full of energy and passion.And danger.

But what sort o’ danger? Does it mean I should stay away?