“A freedom we’re slowly taking to heart.” Sterrett turned toward the river, unmistakable awe in his gaze.
Tonight the Powhatan was misted, a deep pearl gray. The mourning doves were cooing on high, undisturbed by themelee around them. Xander spied Oceanus coming out of the summer kitchen, nearly spilling the punch bowl he was carrying. How keen he’d been to help, yet from the look of things, that might not be happening. Biting his tongue, Xander swung his attention in another direction.
Walking uphill from the bridle path alongshore was a sight that set his heart to beating hard as a smitten boy’s. At the front, skipping merrily along, was Watseka, bright as a candle flame in her yellow dress. Behind her at a more sedate pace were Selah’s mother and father. Ustis was leaning on a cane, always seeming a step shy of recovery.
And his beloved?
Selah had her head bent as if navigating the uneven ground in new slippers. Her skirts swirled becomingly as if she were dancing with the wind. And her gown ... purple as a Scottish thistle. Did she know it was his favorite color?
Pleasure gave way to guarded hope. If they could somehow secret themselves away for even a few minutes tonight...
McCaskey moved in front of him, blocking his view. “Renick, a fine gathering you’re hosting.” Already at the ale, he held up his tankard in a sort of toast. “Your first, so your aunt said.”
And mayhap my last.
Other guests were appearing, his nearest neighbors on foot or horseback, others by water, the distant wharf now teeming. Virginians enjoyed these gatherings. Hospitality wasn’t something he paid much attention to, though his aunt often set an extra place at table for any who might come by, even if it never happened.
“Are we among the first to arrive? Rose-n-Vale has never looked so festive.” This from Ustis, speaking in windedbursts. “Selah told us about your new portico. A worthy addition.”
“I’ve been wishing I’d seen to it earlier. There are chairs if you want to take in the view.” Xander gestured toward them as Candace smiled her appreciation.
Selah appeared from behind her father. Smiling coyly at him. Watseka was standing nearer him, and he gave a little bow, complimenting her new dress. She chattered to him in her tongue, asking about Oceanus.
“Last I saw, he was wrestling the punch bowl.”
With a little laugh, she dashed toward the house, and he noticed her pockets were bulging. What was she up to?
“Where are your faithful hounds?” Selah asked as he fell into step beside her.
“Tied behind the smokehouse and nursing a bone, well away from the guests. My aunt rightly insisted.”
“Of course. We shut Watseka’s pup inside the stable lest he follow us all the way here.” She smiled at him again. In fact, she hadn’t stopped smiling. “You’re looking in fine form since I last saw you. I feared with all the illness of late and your own special malady—”
“Which worsens by the hour.” He came to a stop by the rose arbor. “When was it I last saw you? I’ve lost track of the time.”
She looked up at him, pushing back that maddening tendril of hair he’d once righted. “Five days, eleven hours, and fifty-six minutes.”
His own smile could be no wider. “You flatter a man.”
“Only you. And ’tis not flattery, truly.” The light of a pine torch illuminated the flush of her features. “The time seems long without you.”
“Agreed.” He studied her, wanting to imprint every detail to last him once she’d gone. “Your gown ... Purple looks well on you.”
“Thank you.” She raised a hand to the lace falling band covering her shoulders, appearing suddenly shy. “Don’t look too closely or you might see a great many hasty stitches.”
“You could say the same about my weskit. My aunt’s eyesight isn’t what it once was.”
“Yet handsome nonetheless—”
“Master Renick, what a fine occasion you’re hosting!” The warm voice turned them both around. “I have yet to welcome Mistress Hopewell upriver.”
The wealthy widow from Martin’s Hundred? Selah greeted her warmly. “Good to see you again, Mistress Hastings. I hope all your family is well.”
“Aside from the usual summer maladies, quite well, thank you.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m surprised to find you two quite clannish by the garden.”
“Clannish, nay,” Xander returned easily. “Rather reacquainting ourselves after a long absence.”
“Ah, I see,” she replied, stepping nearer him and leaning in to smell a blooming rose. “Such a lovely garden.”
