A small crowd had gathered on the platform, and Deirdre joined it, nodding at a few folks she knew. Jeremiah was feeling better, but still tired easily. He’d insisted on going to the livery yesterday evening, and that simple walk had worn him out. She’d told him about Liam’s arrival today, but slipped out while he was sleeping to come to the depot.
She clenched her jaw as the whistle sounded in the distance. Liam was coming home with good news, and perhaps that would soften the blow of her nuptials. He would also be glad to hear of Jeremiah’s intentions to purchase part of the livery. Her brother respected fellow men of business, and perhaps that would lift Jeremiah’s status in his eyes.
A billow of steam indicated the train’s approach, and Deirdre stepped closer to the other people waiting—until a hand on her shoulder made her pause.
“Jeremiah,” she said, startled to see him awake and fully dressed. “You’re supposed to be resting.”
“I’ve rested enough. It’s time I get back to living.” Despite his words, his face was still pale.
Deirdre chewed her lip, debating whether she should argue with him.
“Don’t bother. You won’t change my mind.” Jeremiah’s jaw was set, and Deirdre settled for a deep frown instead.
She twisted her hands together as the cars pulled up alongside the depot. She didn’t know what to say. Jeremiah was perfectly aware of how Liam might react.
“This is something I should do alone,” Jeremiah said. “Why don’t you go back to the boardinghouse? I’ll return shortly.”
That wasn’t what she’d expected at all. “Jeremiah—”
“Deirdre.” His green eyes were serious and entirely focused on her. He reached for her hand and squeezed it. “Go back to the boardinghouse. Let me talk to your brother alone.”
She glanced at the train, where passengers were just beginning to emerge, and then back to Jeremiah. He gestured with his head toward the street as his hand continued to hold hers.
“All right,” she finally said. “I’ll . . . I’ll see you soon.”
He let go of her hand, and all she wanted was for him to take it into his again. What a ridiculous notion, considering he was about to break the news of their marriage to her brother, who might or might not hit Jeremiah square in the jaw when he found out.
Clutching her skirts, Deirdre made her way back toward the Darbys’ and sent up a little prayer that Liam would be amenable to Jeremiah as her husband. And that Jeremiah would make it back to the boardinghouse without wearing himself out entirely.
Then she smiled as she thought of the gentle way he’d taken her hand in his. With any luck, that would be the first time of many.
Chapter Thirteen
LIAM HANNAN WAS NOTdifficult to spot when he emerged from the first passenger car. He was well-dressed, wore his auburn hair in a fashionable style under a tilted hat, and raised his chin to glance around the crowd at the platform as a man who knew his place in the world.
If Jeremiah wasn’t afraid Hannan would look down his nose at him once he discovered Jeremiah had wed his sister, he’d admire the man’s assured state. Even when he officially became part owner of the livery, he doubted he’d walk with as much confidence as Hannan.
