Page 100 of Hearts of Briarwall

He tugged her closer. “Am I to assume, then, that I may see you, regularly, Miss Wooding?”

“YoutellAndrew, but you ask me?”

He nodded, bringing up her hand and placing a kiss on her wrist, lingering there at her scent.

She sighed. “Have I told you how much I like you, Mr. Hayes?”

“Please, tell me again.”

She nodded, her smile growing, drawing him to her once more. She whispered in his ear. “I like you better than thunderstorms in the temple.”

A pleasant current moved down his arm. He smiled and whispered back. “I like you better than motorcars.”

She pulled back with a gasp, her mouth a perfectO.

He made good use of that pretty formation.

Chapter 19

A band sat in the gazebo playing the traditional songs of May Day as locals strolled by carrying branches of blossoms and young men danced with strings of bells tied to their legs. Florrie had just crowned the new May Queen, as she had once been, and the rosy-cheeked young girl was now paraded around the park in a flower-covered cart while children followed in their promenade to the Maypole. Linen-draped tables filled with sweets, pastries, and more flowers lined the walking paths and beckoned merrymakers to sample the tastes and scents of spring.

Lydia walked with Violet and Ruby, a basket over her arm filled with suffragette posies. Among the stern looks they’d received, they’d also handed out many posies in a happy exchange.

“Hello, ladies,” Oscar Burke called out from behind.

The girls turned, finding Oscar, Cyril, and Spencer in their sack suits, high linen collars, and handsome derby hats.

Lydia found herself expecting Andrew to be with them, but quickly squelched that idea. She had always attended the festivities with her brother, but Andrew wasn’t altogether thrilled with her involvement with the suffrage, tolerating it out of respect and gratitude for the Whittemore women.

Plus, she was still at Florrie’s. Andrew had sent her another letter containing his approval of Spencer’s romantic suit and an apology for being an overbearing antique. Her reply had simply promised that she would return to Briarwall after the May Day celebration.

Spencer’s voice sounded in her ear. “What can I do to clear your head of whatever unhappy thoughts have caused you to frown?”

The scent of cedar drew her in, so her cheek met his ever so briefly before he pulled away from her ear. His hand found hers, and he lightly squeezed her fingers.

“That’s a good start.” Her smile lifted, and her pulse picked up as he threaded his fingers with hers. It was all they were allowed in public, but she adored any touch of Spencer’s.

“As long as you realize it’s just a start.” He lifted a roguish brow, and she laughed, flushing at the same time.

“I’m starting to regret pairing you two for that impromptu musicale.” Violet scrunched her nose.

“You don’t get to take all the credit,” Florrie said, joining them. “If I hadn’t kept Andrew away while they searched for that clock key, who knows how long it would’ve been before they realized they were meant for each other.”

Lydia smiled at Spencer, knowing they’d both already felt a spark of something before then. But would they have had the courage to do something about it?

“And who do you think challenged Andrew to that rousing game of chess so Lydia and Spencer could make nice, hmm?” Violet said.

“Ah, but the perfume wasmyidea. Let’s not forget that,” Florrie said with a triumphant grin.

“Oh, for the love,” exclaimed Cyril. “Shall we get you each a crown of flowers and declare you both Queens of ‘I’m Better Than You at Matchmaking’?”

“Well, what would that prove, if webothhad crowns?” Florrie rolled her eyes.

“I’ve a better idea,” Violet said, setting her basket on the grass. She stepped to Cyril, who startled back half a step. “Oh, come now, you big brute, hold still.”

Cyril held one hand on his hat, watching warily as Violet worked at his lapel.

She stepped away. “There. Better than a crown, I say.”

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