Love's First Flames (Banished Saga, 0.5) (11 page)

The door burst open, letting in a waft of cold air, the hint of autumn clinging to Jeremy. Jeremy glanced toward Mr. Smithers’s sleeping form and grimaced at the amount of noise he’d made upon entering the room. He mouthed the word “sorry” to Gabriel as Jeremy took off his jacket and slung it over the back of a chair at the table. Gabriel fixed the pot of tea, placing the pot, cups and sugar bowl on the table soundlessly. He watched as Jeremy fixed himself a cup and wolfed down a piece of the soda bread Mr. Duncannon had brought during his visit.

“This is nearly as bad as Mum’s,” Jeremy whispered as he choked down the bread with a swig of tea.

Gabriel grunted his agreement. “I think that’s why Mr. Duncannon was so relieved to give it away. Mr. Smithers was out this time, and I’d always wondered why he’d been so cagey on refusing Mr. Duncannon’s offer of baked goods in the past.”

Jeremy gasped, nearly choking on a piece of bread. Gabriel pounded him on the back, and Jeremy swallowed the piece of bread. “Seems like the man wants to continue living and so gives the bread away.”

“Doesn’t much care for his friends though to keep trying to gift us with that slop,” Mr. Smithers said from his pallet. “I dread his weekly visits. For days before he comes to the workshop, I think of reasons why I can’t accept his offerings. I’ve about run out of ideas.”

“You could tell him the bread about killed me,” Jeremy said.

“Do you think the man’d care? He’s trying to prevent his own death.” Mr. Smithers sighed as one does when relaxed and with friends. “No, he’s no regard for those around him. Knows the longer it’s in the house, the staler it will become and the more difficult to swallow.”

“This can’t be freshly baked,” Jeremy said incredulously, holding up the crumbly bread and staring at it.

“She baked it this morning, son. Imagine how much worse it would be tomorrow, toasted? That’s poor Duncannon’s fate. Married to a buxom woman with no ability in the kitchen and no sense to know it. Thus, she’s nearly poisoned him on six occasions that come to mind. I have a feeling there’s more, but he’s not as quick to share them anymore as I laughed a bit too heartily at his last tale.”

“Poor man,” Gabriel said.

Mr. Smithers sat up, his gaze meeting Jeremy’s. “Brave man, for eating her food.”

Jeremy paled as he set down the piece of bread he’d been gnawing on.

“So, sonny, are you here to learn more from your brother?” Mr. Smithers asked as he rose with a groan, his knees cracking with the movement. He nodded his thanks as Gabriel poured him a cup of tea.

“Yes, although I need to study. I have a test tomorrow in math, and I need to do well.”

“That goes without saying,” Mr. Smithers said. He scratched at his thinning gray hair. “I haven’t seen much of Richard lately. He used to stop by after his work at the smithy and head home with you.”

“He’s been meeting up with a friend after work,” Gabriel said.

Mr. Smithers watched Gabriel curiously for a moment. “A friend. This friend wouldn’t happen to be one of a female inclination, would she?” At Jeremy’s laugh, Mr. Smithers nodded. “Thought as much. You’re out of sorts because your brother’s sweet on some girl.”

Gabriel glared at Mr. Smithers but remained silent.

“It’s about time, and you should follow his lead. Find a young woman you fancy and live that life you’ve dreamed about.”

“You don’t know my dreams, sir,” Gabriel growled as he rose and paced toward his workbench.

“I’ve a far better idea what goes on in that brain of yours than you think. And you deserve happiness just as much as the next. Just as much as sonny, here,” Mr. Smithers said, patting Jeremy’s arm. “What’s this young lady like?”

“An orphan, like us. Smart. A survivor,” Gabriel said.

“Well, seems your brother has chosen well,” Mr. Smithers said. “When the woman you love is smart and feisty, fights for what she wants, that’s a fine thing. But when she’s also loyal and honest, well, that’s a rare gift that shouldn’t be squandered.” He nodded once to Jeremy who was doodling on his paper, yet listening intently to Mr. Smithers’s speech. “You mark my words, boys. Find a woman like that, and you’ll have a good life.”

“A contented life?” Gabriel asked with a raise of his brow.

“That’s a namby-pamby word if I’ve ever heard it. No, you’ll be happy. For once your eyes will shine because of your own joy, son, not because of something your brothers did. But for yourself.”

“Mr. Smithers,” Gabriel said in warning with a glance toward Jeremy.

“He should understand all you’ve sacrificed to give him this life.”

“I do. Rich and I know what Gabe’s done for us.” Jeremy looked at his math.

“And you shouldn’t feel guilt for it,” Mr. Smithers said as he set down his tea mug. “If you’d been the elder brother, you’d have done the same.”

Jeremy raised startled green eyes to Mr. Smithers.

“Never discount your good fortune in having each other. But don’t become so self-reliant that you won’t allow others into your little group.”

Gabriel watched him with an arrested expression and nodded. He focused on his work, Mr. Smithers’s words turning over and over in his head.

***

GABRIEL LEFT THE WORKSHOP the following day in the midmorning. Although Gabriel had advised Mr. Smithers that he was to meet with a new client, he took a trolley and headed toward the South End. He disembarked near Chester Square and walked to Mrs. Kruger’s house.

Florence opened the door to his knock. “Mr. McLeod. Has something happened? Is Richard all right?” She gripped the doorknob until her fingers turned white.

“He’s fine. He’s no idea I’m here.” Gabriel rubbed at the back of his nape and looked down the block. “I know this is highly improper, but might I speak with you?”

“I have duties, sir,” Florence said. “And I must complete them.”

“I understand. I wish you no disrespect, Miss Butler.”

“However,” Florence said, “I’ve yet to make it to the bakery today. Mrs. Kruger was quite unsettled last night and required more care than usual this morning. In a few minutes, I will be on my way.” She watched him pointedly before closing the door.

He nodded and headed toward the square. He walked around the fountain three times before he heard soft footsteps approach. “Miss Butler,” Gabriel said.

“Hello, Mr. McLeod. I must admit I never expected to see you on Mrs. Kruger’s doorstep alone.”

“I will not take much of your time. Nor do I want to harm your . . . friendship with Richard in any way.” He walked next to her, not offering his arm, but ensuring that she moved through the crowded streets with ease. “I want to apologize.”

Florence paused at his words, her shocked gaze meeting his. “Why?”

“A good friend made me realize I’ve been unfair to you.” Gabriel gripped her arm for a moment, helping her around a delivery cart. “For nine years, it’s been my brothers and me against the world. It’s hard to imagine anyone else entering our little group. And yet I know that’s not realistic. I wanted you to know that I’m sorry I’ve not been as friendly as I could have been when we called for tea.”

“Mrs. Kruger enjoyed scolding you.”

“She’s good at it.” Gabriel laughed with fondness. “When I imagine a grandmother, it’s someone like her.”

“I’m sure she’d like to hear that. She’s terribly lonely.”

“Would you mind if we visited for tea on Sunday? I think Jeremy should come too.”

“I’m sure Mrs. Kruger would enjoy the visit.” At his searching stare, she blushed. “I’d like more time to get to know all of you too.”

“Until Sunday, Miss Butler.” Gabriel walked her to the bakery and then departed.

***

“RICH,” GABRIEL SAID as the three of them wandered the Boston Common on a cold Sunday in November with an abundance of free time and a desire to be out of their aunt’s house, “let’s go take tea with your Miss Butler.”

“I don’t know as that’s a good idea, Gabe.”

“Mrs. Kruger seemed eager to have us back, and I think she’d like to meet Jer.” He glanced pointedly at Jeremy who nodded his enthusiastic agreement.

Richard looked at his two brothers and knew he wouldn’t succeed in evading a visit to Mrs. Kruger’s house on Chester Square. They boarded a trolley headed in that direction and got off to one side of the square. The harsh early winterlike weather and recent frost had frozen the blooms on the late-season dahlias and roses. They walked through the central part of the square, past a large pond with a bronze fountain in the middle. Trees lined the walkways and leaves crunched under their feet.

They crossed the street and continued to Mrs. Kruger’s mansion. “This is where your Miss Butler lives?” Jeremy asked as he stared at the impressive home.

“She’s a maid, Jer, not a lady of the house,” Richard snapped as he raised the knocker and gave it a hard rap.

“I bet she doesn’t go hungry,” Jeremy muttered as the door opened.

Richard nodded to the same maid who had granted them admittance before. After a few moments of waiting in the hallway, they were led into the front parlor.

“I had about given up hope you’d return. I’d thought you’d visit me weekly after your first visits were on Sundays,” Mrs. Kruger said, her silver-blue eyes shining with delight. “I’m glad I sent Florence out for cakes this morning.”

Gabriel, Richard and Jeremy sat, pulling up chairs to join her around her small table. “Mrs. Kruger, this is our youngest brother, Jeremy.”

“Youngest, but not smallest. I fear you’ll grow to be as tall or taller than your brothers,” Mrs. Kruger said with a warm smile. “My, you’ve the most striking eyes of the three of you, such a beautiful green. I’m told you’re in school. What do you hope to do with all of your studying?”

“I’m not certain, ma’am. I might see if I can obtain a job as an accountant.”

She squinted as she studied him. “Seems a bit tame for a boy so young, but it might do. I’d think you’d want a bit more of an adventure at your young age.”

“Jeremy doesn’t need adventure, ma’am,” Gabriel said. He flushed at her stare, quelling any further objections.

Mrs. Kruger smiled at Gabriel after he became silent and shook her head again in disagreement. “I don’t believe a life behind a desk is your future, young man. However, if you do decide to become an accountant, I know plenty who would only be too fortunate to have good help. I’d be happy to aid you in your search, young man.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Kruger,” Jeremy said.

Florence bustled in carrying a heavy tray. She shook her head, warding off Richard’s attempt to help her. “Hello, Mr. McLeod,” she said. “I should say that three times but consider it a hello to all of you.”

“Miss,” Gabriel said. “This is our youngest brother, Jeremy.”

“He wanted to meet you,” Mrs. Kruger said. “And I think he wanted to try some of that delicious fruitcake.”

Florence nodded as she handed out cups of tea. Gabriel sat the farthest from her, so she walked around behind Mrs. Kruger’s chair and handed his cup to him. As she was passing it to him, it slipped out of her hand, and a large portion of the tea spilled on his pants. He stood up, blanching at the hot liquid and patting at his leg.

“Oh, please forgive me. I’m so sorry!” Florence said in a near wail. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you where you can wash up.”

She led him from the room with a worried glance. Richard saw Gabriel share a small conversation with Florence in the hallway and frowned.

“Never fear, young man. I won’t let her go for such a small mistake,” Mrs. Kruger said.

“Do you consider scalding my brother inconsequential?” Jeremy asked as he took a bite of fruitcake. He sighed with pleasure at the delicious cake, his frown easing.

“Of course not. But it’s my fault. I’m trying to teach Florence how to pour and serve as a lady would, and it’s harder than you’d imagine. She should have kept ahold of the cup for just a moment longer . . .”

“These are the types of skills you believe will aid her in her future life?” Richard asked. “I would have thought you’d have her spend more time at her studies rather than learning such frivolities.”

“You might consider the proper running of a home and treatment of a guest frivolous, but a woman doesn’t. Florence shall have her own home one day and should know how to act.” She speared him with a disapproving stare. “As you failed to return for tea until today, I was forced to make the assumption you were no longer interested in my young charge. Thus, I’ve felt it necessary to teach her skills that others would consider necessary.”

“Other
suitors
,” Richard said in a hard voice.

Gabriel returned with a large wet area on his left thigh. He gave a chagrined smile as he settled again in his chair, pouring a cup of tea for himself. “I know you’d advised me on our previous visits to cease glowering at her, but that was a bit excessive, Mrs. Kruger,” Gabriel teased.

When Mrs. Kruger apologized, Gabriel raised a hand and smiled again. “I’m fine, and the tea won’t hurt these pants any.” He pointed at his worn gray pants before looking around the room. “I hope I haven’t scared off Miss Butler.” He heard a clearing of a throat behind him and grinned, setting down his teacup. “Rich?” he prodded as Richard glanced toward the door.