Read Online All in Good Time by Maureen Lang - Free Book Online Page B

intent upon helping. Had she not researched other institutions like the one she was trying to establish? He would be fully withinreason to blame Tobias for not having been more diligent about the sort of expectations that should be fulfilled.
    Just when he might have begun such a lecture, Miss Caldwell took the smallest step closer to him. Henry wanted to step back but knew he was too close to the table to do so. He had no choice but to look at her, though he wished he didn’t have to.
    She was truly beautiful. If she had something to say, she waited an extended moment to study him in the way he wanted to study her in return. They might have been alone for all Henry cared about either Tobias or Mrs. White, particularly when he saw the look of utter gratitude on Miss Caldwell’s face.
    He tried pulling his gaze away but failed. He didn’t want her gratitude. He should tell her without hesitation that he’d never been in favor of this loan. If it hadn’t been for the fragments of loyalty Henry still harbored for Tobias, he’d have sacked him for his insubordination. A foolish loan was a foolish loan, no matter how lofty the intentions. Or how lovely the borrower.
    “I know Pierson House is off to a humble beginning, Mr. Hawkins.” Her voice was soft, easy to listen to. “But the need is here. Right here. I’m so very grateful for the chance you’ve given me, the confidence you’ve shown me, the generosity you’ve proven in such a tangible way toward the vulnerable women of this city. Thank you.”
    She extended one hand, and Henry knew if he touched it he would swallow the words he might have used. He had not the slightest hint of confidence in her, nor a smidgen of generosity.
    But something—some idiotic, childish, primitive force inside him—made Henry raise his hand to take hers in his own.

    Dessa had never seen eyes quite like Henry Hawkins’s. Gray, like those of a newborn baby whose parents would have to wait fortheir child to unveil which way the color would go: blue or brown. How was it possible his had stayed so thoroughly gray, not even tending toward hazel?
    He’d been reluctant to accept her hand, but now he held it firmly. His touch couldn’t help but broaden her smile. Each day since the loan had been approved, she’d wanted to assure him he’d been right to trust her. Somehow, wanting to prove herself to him had become more important than she’d expected. He was, after all, just a man. And men could prove so troublesome.
    He cleared his throat, and she withdrew her hand. She hadn’t realized she’d held it overlong.
    “Lunch will be on the table in a moment,” she said softly. “Won’t you—” she glanced at Mr. Ridgeway—“both be seated?”
    “I can’t help but notice there is another place set,” Mr. Ridgeway said in his familiar friendly tone. “Are we expecting someone?”
    Mariadela was already in the kitchen, so Dessa answered. “We’d hoped William White could join us, but he sent a message that he’ll be here only for dessert. We’ll leave the plate, though, just in case.”
    “Ah, dessert,” said Mr. Ridgeway. “I spotted that pie right off.”
    With a laugh, Dessa hurried away to help Mariadela bring in the food, everything from a cool gazpacho soup with hearty bread to an herb-crusted chicken she’d been enthusiastic about preparing.
    In the kitchen, she wanted nothing more than a moment to ask Mariadela what she thought of Mr. Hawkins’s attitude, but her friend was already laden with a tray, and so there wasn’t time. Had Mariadela even noticed his frown? Did she know if he was always so serious? Dessa grabbed the covered tray of fowl from the oven and followed Mariadela back to the dining room.
    If the success of a luncheon could be measured solely by the taste of the food served, then Dessa’s was a resounding triumph.If measured by polite and interesting conversation, some might call it enjoyable.
    But if success were measured by the look of Mr.