This was a challenge, pure and simple. They’d not spoken since the intimidating interaction the previous night. No doubt he planned to ridicule her or make her appear unstable.
Ella’s tongue felt thick in her mouth, yet she had no choice but to feign complete composure. She smiled sweetly and straightenedher seated posture. “While I appreciate the offer, sir, I respectfully decline. Several other guests here have not had the benefit of one of your readings. I defer to them.”
“Oh, come now!” Mr. Bauer’s boisterous laugh boomed from the great hall’s paneled wall, and he extended his arm toward her. “I know that your family had concerns about discussing phrenology at Keatley Hall, but I do think I’ve managed to share the truths of phrenology. Can we not celebrate it? Together?”
She glanced at her father. His face paled.
She was not ignorant. The biting memory of how Mr. Bauer had spoken to her burned. She’d never allow him to touch her—to place his hands on her head. Even more alarming, she knew that the members who opposed the girls school would take Mr. Bauer’s fraudulent assessment as truth and use it against her.
She needed to respond. “Mr. Bauer, I assure you, I—”
“I’ll do it.”
Ella knew who spoke the words even before she saw him.
Gabriel Rowe.
Gabriel stepped farther into the great hall. “I’d appreciate an assessment.”
Gabriel had just returned from speaking with Clark, and even though he was not entirely sure what he’d walked in on, it was obvious Bauer was singling out Ella, and he’d not allow it.
Without waiting for a response, he made his way toward the stage. Gabriel rubbed his hands together as he wove through the crowd, exuding enthusiasm and noting the flash of pained annoyance on Bauer’s face.
He sensed the eyes of the other guests following him. He forced brightness to his tone, determined to take Bauer’s calculated attention from Ella. “The symposium is almost over! What better way to convince me of phrenology’s merit than to assess me and let me judge for myself.”
Satisfaction soared as Bauer fumbled for a response.
“Where should I sit?” Gabriel forged ahead, refusing to give Bauer the opportunity to protest. “There?”
Bauer chuckled and recovered from the shock. “Why, yes! You’ve been one of our outspoken skeptics over the last few days. I look forward to changing your mind on this topic.”
Gabriel ran his fingers through his own hair, preparing for the odd sensation of a man touching his head. Ever so briefly, he snuck a glance toward Ella.
She stared at him, unblinking, her mouth slightly agape.
“Just to reassure those watching us,” Bauer said as he rounded the chair. “I’ve become vaguely acquainted with you during our time here, but can you confirm for the guests that you and I do not know each other? That you and I have never interacted before this symposium?”
“I can.”
“Very well. Let’s begin.” Mr. Bauer began measuring his head with a set of tools and ribbons—the circumference of his head. The distance between his eyebrows and hairline. The distance from the crown of his head to the base of his skull. Bauer then dragged his heavy fingers over Gabriel’s skull and shifted his body to observe it from different angles.
After completing his assessment, Bauer straightened. “As always, I can ascertain a great deal about your personality. You’re a humorous man. You enjoy lighthearted conversation and will jokewhen the situation grows uncomfortable or serious. The width between your eyebrows indicates a strong sense of individuality. You crave new information, and your power of perception is enviable. There is another side to your personality, however. One that I fear will be seen as problematic.”
Gabriel was not surprised at the negative finding. “Please continue, Mr. Bauer. Say what you must.”
Bauer looked out to the crowd. “Based on my assessment, Mr. Rowe has a tendency toward deception. Now, remember, all these traits I mention are on a spectrum, from nonexistent to dominant. It’s not unusual for men especially to exhibit this trait, but I find that Mr. Rowe might struggle with it greatly.”
A murmur resounded in the crowd.
Gabriel, however, could only see humor in the supposed finding. Was this Bauer’s best shot at him?
After Bauer finished speaking, the guests applauded and Gabriel shook Bauer’s hand. The reading had communicated everything Gabriel needed to know.
It was time to act.
Chapter 32
AFTER THE DEMONSTRATION, Gabriel was determined not to let Bauer out of his sight.
