Page 72 of The Secret of Drulea Cottage

“Please don’ be offended,” she said when he drew back with a grimace. “I know we have na always gotten along—”

Dr. Sherwin raised his eyebrows as if to say,Oh, really?

“But recently, I’ve felt like that has been changing. That you’ve changed. And I’m willing to forgive fer what happened in the past—”

“If yer referring to what happened years ago on the beach, then don’ expect an apology. I was only trying to—”

Briony rolled her eyes. “Dr. Sherwin, please! I’m trying to say somethingniceabout you. Don’ ruin it by making me angry.”

Dr. Sherwin huffed. “Well, you have an awfully backhanded way o’ saying it.”

“As I was saying, I misjudged you, and fer that, I’m sorry. I hope that you might call me Briony, na as a way o’ saying I’m na respectable enough to be called ‘mistress,’ but as a way o’ saying we’re…”

Dr. Sherwin hadn’t met her eyes since she’d transitioned into this topic, and now he looked like he would rather be anywhere else but there. “Out with it, already! You know I’ve got places to be.”

“We’re friends!” Briony sputtered, though it came out sharply because he had such a great talent for getting under her skin.

Dr. Sherwin was so surprised that he tripped forward and almost fell over. His flush came back full force until he was as red as a tomato. He gripped his glasses to adjust them, but his hand was shaking so much that they fell on the floor. “I-I would na say… ’Tis really na…”

Briony said nothing as she watched the flustered man retrieve his glasses. It was all she could do not to giggle in amusement.

“I…” He broke off with a snarl. “Fine! You win, Briony. I’ll say it just this once. Aye, we’refriends.”

“Really, I should na have been surprised that you havesomekind bones in yer body. After all, Adaira changed, so why na you? Does that mean I can call you Ewan, then?”

The man glared, finally making eye contact with her. “Nay, it does na! I’ll na answer to anything but Dr. Sherwin. Is that clear?”

Briony sighed. “O’ course. As fer what you asked before, I’m na sick. And I do feel safe with Mr. Mendes and his sister. They’re good people.”

Dr. Sherwin glanced over at the two in question, but he didn’t look convinced. “There’s something about that Mr. Mendes in how he looks at you. I don’ know what his intentions are, but he does na look at you like a friend would. Be careful.”

“I appreciate yer concern.” Briony pulled the blanket off and slowly stood. “Now, have you seen Mr. Moreland? I need to talk to him.”

“Nay, nay, don’ even think o’ going outside right now. ’Tis still raining, though na as hard, and ’tis far too late fer that. You need to rest to make sure yer truly all right. I’ll take Mr. and Mistress Mendes to the inn.” Dr. Sherwin pushed her back by the shoulders and forced her to sit.

“But—”

“No arguments. You can see him morn.” He turned toward Santiago and Lucia. “Let me take you back to Everton Inn. I’m sure you both must be exhausted.”

Santiago and Lucia stopped arguing and looked over. Lucia smiled at the suggestion and immediately went to the doctor’s side. Santiago, on the other hand, slipped over to Briony and leaned close.

With a determined set to his jaw, he whispered, “We’ve been interrupted far too many times, amorzinho. There’s still something I need to tell you. Tomorrow, just after midday, may I meet you here?”

He was so close that Briony felt his breath against her ear. She suppressed a shiver and nodded, all too aware of how rapidly her heart was now beating.

I don’ know if I’m excited or terrified. This time, will I truly hear what he wants to tell me?

A Dangerous Ally

The morning arrived so slowly that Briony feared it wouldn’t come at all. She’d slept fitfully, her mind a mess of thoughts and feelings. She was still trying to come to terms with what Niall had told her, along with what her long-buried memory could mean.

If only there was someone else to talk to about this besides Niall… Someone who would na think I’m mad.

Mad…The mad fisherman’s face came to her mind. She thought about the things he had said, the little comments that hinted at something more:

“…I imagine na many people see you either.”

“You should be more careful.”