He withdrew a jam tartlet and then bit into it. Satisfaction spread across his face. Tabitha smiled, relieved that he enjoyed them. The blacksmith sighed heavily. His gaze met hers and the look in his eyes told her she had gained his favor. At least with her pastries.
“Miss Tabitha, I’ve never tasted anything so wonderful. Indeed, you are a magnificent cook.”
She laughed. “You may want to hold that thought until after you have eaten a meal I’ve prepared. I fear you may change your mind.”
“Never.”
“Well, your compliment is very kind, nonetheless, and I shall cherish it always.” She stood quickly, and Sally rose as well. “I believe we have stayed too long,” Tabitha continued. “I hope to see you again very soon.”
Mr. Jacobs scrambled to his feet, using the crutch to lean on. “Indeed you shall.” He limped toward the door and opened it. “It was lovely visiting with you, Miss Tabitha. And I thank you again for these delicious pastries.”
“You are very welcome.” Tabitha stepped outside and stopped. “I’ll send Sally back later to collect the basket. But you had better save some of those treats for your daughter, Mr. Jacobs, or I shall be very vexed with you.”
“Not to worry. I shall save her some.”
“Good day,” she said and turned to walk back toward the street.
Once they were far enough away from the house, Sally quickened her step until she stood next to Tabitha.
“Miss Tabitha, I must admit, I was quite surprised at you.”
She glanced at Sally and arched an eyebrow. “You were? Whatever for?”
“You were being mighty sweet on that man. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you act in such a way.” Sally giggled. “I was rather proud of you, in fact.”
An unlady-like laugh escaped Tabitha’s mouth, and she quickly covered it with her hand. “You wereproudof me?”
“Yes. I do believe you are finally acting like a lady instead of the servant you’ve been for most of your life.”
Shaking her head, Tabitha twisted her hands, keeping her gaze ahead of them. “I don’t think I shall ever become the lady my half-brothers wish me to be. But I’m tired of trying to protect myself from men like Lord Elliot…and Lord Hawthorne.” When Sally opened her mouth to talk, Tabitha held up a hand to stop her. “I know Hawthorne is nothing like Lord Elliot, but in the same respect, he is because he enjoys breaking women’s hearts. Nevertheless, I’m moving on with my life and away from Hawthorne. At the moment, I find Mr. Jacobs interesting, and that’s why I acted as I did while we were at his house.”
A light wind blew from the east, flinging a lock of Sally’s hair across her face. Swiping her finger around the curl, she hooked it behind her ear. “I think Mr. Jacobs took notice. You will see more of him, I’m quite certain of it.”
Tabitha couldn’t stop a grin from stretching across her face. Perhaps there was a reason she came to North Devon. For the first time in her life, she felt as if this might be where her future was. Since there was no such thing as love at first sight, she knew she would eventually come to like Mr. Jacobs and hopefully, he would create the same kind of havoc inside her body that Nic created whenever he was around.
Up the street a group of people were gathering. The closer Tabitha walked, the louder their voices grew. Confused and panicked faces were on all of them. Something was definitely wrong. When she finally reached the group, they were standing in front of the good physician’s home.
Mrs. Stiles broke away from the crowd and hurried toward Tabitha. The older woman’s pale face and watery eyes caused Tabitha’s heart to lurch.
“Oh, Miss Tabitha.” Mrs. Stiles’ voice shook as she clutched Tabitha’s hands. “Something awful has happened.”
“Aunt Clara?” she whispered brokenly.
“No, dear.” Mrs. Stiles shook her head. “Your aunt is still at home.”
A wave of relief swept over Tabitha. “Then what is wrong?”
“Mr. Woodland found a dead body buried in the beach not too long ago.” She brought a quivering hand to her throat. “The name of the person is still unknown. Mr. Woodland is in with Doctor Cope right now.”
Both Tabitha and Sally gasped at the same time. Tabitha squeezed Mrs. Stiles’ hand. “That is horrific. Poor Mr. Woodland.”
The older woman nodded. “Yes, I can only imagine how it would be.” She shivered and wrapped her arms around her bosom. “Actually, I don’t want to imagine how it would be. I may faint dead away.”
“As we all would.” Tabitha patted the older woman’s shoulder as she scanned the crowd again. Sickness grew in her stomach. Not another murder! After what had happened six months ago with Lord Tristan and Lady Diana, Tabitha didn’t think she could stand it. She prayed they found the culprit soon, or she may have to rethink staying in North Devon.
*
Nic’s mind swirledin confusion. Not more than thirty minutes ago, the doctor had identified the body. David Griffin, nineteen-year-old son of Daniel and Lucy Griffin, had been the person Nic found buried in the sand. He didn’t know much about David, buthe seemed to be a good son and he helped his father out on their farm. From what Nic could see while in church, David had been a charming fellow and made many girls sigh with dreams in their eyes as he walked by.
