Chuckling, she nodded. “Indeed, it’s very relaxed here.”
Mrs. Stiles walked to the chair next to Mr. Jacobs. Just before reaching it, she stumbled and her foot kicked against Mr. Jacob’s ankle. Groaning, he quickly pulled it away, but his hand shot out to steady the older woman.
“Oh, forgive me, Mr. Jacobs. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” She glanced at his foot. “Are you all right?”
“Not to worry, Mrs. Stiles. I’m on the mend.”
“Mr. Jacobs,” Nic said in a rush. “I thought it was your knee that you had injured.”
Nodding, Mr. Jacobs turned to look at Nic. “It was my knee.”
“But Mrs. Stiles bumped into your foot and you grimaced. Have you by chance, injured your ankle as well?”
During the disturbing pause, Tabitha gritted her teeth. What was Nic getting at now? His tone of voice was most accusing, too. She glanced at Mr. Jacobs who appeared at a loss for words. After a few awkward moments passed with nothing said, she held her breath. Was Nic precise in accusing Mr. Jacobs of something?
Chapter Nineteen
Nic waited patientlyfor Mr. Jacobs to answer, but as each second passed, curiosity built inside him. Mr. Jacobs was now climbing to the top of Nic’s suspect list of being the church’s thief.
Finally, the other man pulled back his shoulders and raised his chin stubbornly. “Mr. Woodland, I’m not quite certain what you’re asking. I had injured my knee while working in my barn, but not too long ago, I sprained my ankle as I tried to rescue my daughter when she fell in a hole.” He arched an eyebrow. “You were there and saved Joanna. Do you not remember?”
“Of course I remember.” Inwardly, Nic kicked himself fornotremembering, but he wasn’t going to let Mr. Jacobs know.
“I had twisted my ankle at that time.” He glanced at Tabitha. “Miss Paget and her maid assisted me home because I had a hard time walking.”
“Forgive me then,” Nic said. “I didn’t realize your ankle was still sore.”
Mr. Jacobs shrugged. “It’s starting to feel better. However, whenever it’s bumped a certain way, it does sting.”
“Once again, Mr. Jacobs,” Mrs. Stiles said, frowning, “I’m truly sorry for knocking into you with my foot.”
He reached over and patted her hand. “No need to apologize. It was an accident.”
The air seemed to crackle throughout the group, and Nic realized he should start a new topic. Tabitha wasn’t looking at him any longer, and although he wanted her attention more than anything right now, he knew it wouldn’t be wise to obtain it yet. Not when his feelings were ready to burst from his chest whenever he looked at her. She was so very lovely this afternoon, it was extremely hard not to stare. If only they were alone.
“Mr. Woodland,” Mrs. Burls said, finally breaking the silence. “I want you to know I’ve noticed a change about you lately.”
Alarm rattled through Nic and he froze. From the corner of his eyes, he noticed Tabitha snap her head toward her aunt, as well. If Mrs. Burls had seen a change in him, then who else had wondered about the clergyman?
“Uh…you have?” he asked the older woman as he lifted his punch to his mouth and sipped.
“Oh, yes. Of course everyone has noticed how much weight you’ve lost since you were sick, but it’s more than that.” She narrowed her gaze on him. “I have noticed a twinkle in your eyes that hasn’t been there before.” She grinned. “Am I correct in assuming you have finally decided to start looking for a wife?”
The drink caught in his throat and he choked. He lifted his hand to his mouth, and covered his coughing fit. His eyes watered, so he quickly blinked away the liquid.
“Are you quite all right?” Mrs. Burls asked in a concerned tone.
He nodded. “Yes.” His voice broke, so he cleared his throat. “Your question caught me off guard, I’m afraid.”
“Oh, dear.” The older woman’s cheeks reddened. “I do that sometimes. It’s my worst fault. But when a question comes to mind, I can’t help but blurt it out.”
“I understand.” He smiled. Now he knew where Tabitha got this trait.
“So?” The older woman arched an eyebrow. “Have you decided to start looking for a wife?”
Chuckling, he shook his head. Good grief, this woman was forward…or just being too curious for her own good. “Actually, I haven’t decided anything, Mrs. Burls. In fact, the thought hasn’t come to me as of yet.”
“Oh, don’t you be saying that, Mr. Woodland.” Mrs. Burls wagged her finger at him. “I’m wise beyond my years, and I can see a spark in your eyes…the kind of spark that only a woman can create.”
