He didn’t disabuse her of the notion.
“Just thinking,” he replied, burying the guilt of his duplicity. “We've come a long way, haven't we?”
“We have. I never thought I'd feel this content again.”
Jackson wrapped an arm around her shoulders, drawing her close.
As they stood, gazing out at their land blanketed by a clear starry sky, he acutely felt the weight of duty that had forced him down this path. But also the unexpected blessing. This was his life, his family. Despite the lingering ache in his heart, he would cherish every moment.
Caroline strolled alongside Walsh through Greenvale's bustling market square, inhaling the cool autumn air scented with spiced apples, trying her best to enjoy the first real outing they’d had since her father fell ill. How she wished she could travel back in time...
“What do you think of these?” Walsh asked, holding up a pair of pale-blue gloves with ecru stitching. “Winter's coming, and I recall you saying yours were wearing thin.”
“They're lovely, and you’re kind to remember, but mine will last another year.”
“Are you sure?” He leaned down, close to her ear. “Simon is doing a splendid job.”
Walsh meant well, bless him. “I know he is, but the purchase can wait.” So far, her family’s bills were paid with money tospare, but she couldn’t assume they would always be. Her father had recovered the ability to eat, but not to speak clearly or walk. He would never work again. And he’d require care for years to come, possibly decades.
“I wish you wouldn’t deprive yourself of something that is arguably necessary,” Walsh said, laying the women’s pair aside and sorting through the men’s, “but I have to admire your self-control.”
“Your moral rudder is slipping if that’s younot arguing with a lady,” she tossed back with a smirk.
He let out a chuckle then paused and turned serious. “I want you to have the best of everything. On that topic, I might have to break my own rule.”
Walsh went back to perusing the gloves on offer. He pulled a lovely brown pair from the stack and tried them on.
Watching his fair, blemish-free fingers tug the first glove on, Caroline imagined Jackson’s hands and how different they must look, tanned by the sun and roughened from farm work. She gave her head a tiny shake and forced the thought away.
Walsh returned the gloves to the table and indicated they should walk on.
“Those looked as if they fit you perfectly. Why did you put them back?”
“Your frugality inspired me. There are things I desire more than a new pair of gloves.”
Caroline held her tongue and kept walking, even though his answer left her curious. The desires he referred to might be as simple as a new hat or repairs to his carriage, but if it involved taking a wife, she’d just as soon avoid the conversation.
“You’re unusually quiet,” Walsh remarked as they meandered through the market.
“Sorry. Just lost in thought.”
“About your father?”
She nodded and let him assume that was her only concern.
“I think about him, too. It’s hard on a man’s pride to lose his ability to work. Harder still to accept assistance with the most basic of needs.” Another duty that had fallen largely on Simon.
“Are you hungry?” Caroline asked to change the subject, and because the scent of meat pies wafting by was making her mouth water. “Malvinia can’t have gone far. I’m sure she’d love to picnic at one of these benches.”
“I would enjoy that, too. But first, I’d like to have a few more moments alone.” He gestured to a stone bench that sat apart from the crowd.
She went along, despite the twinge of panic gripping her chest, making her want to turn tail and run.
The topic of discussion could be something exceedingly minor, or Walsh could be working up to a full-blown proposal. As often as he’d been in her house over the last few months, lending help with the ledgers, he could have sought permission from her father—or even Simon—and she wouldn’t be the wiser.
“Walsh,” she said as they sat, hoping to steer the conversation, “I want you to know how grateful I am for you. You’ve been such a help to my family, so selfless in this difficult time, most especially to Simon.”
“I have great respect for your father, and, frankly, I adore your entire family. I don’t view time spent helping as work.”
