The Bareknuckle Groom - Holly Bush Page 0,34

stood in the center of the room and made a slow turn. “It’s going to be perfect, MacAvoy.”

The next thing he knew he was wrapped up in MacAvoy’s long arms, hugging him, his friend’s fists pounding his back. MacAvoy released him and wiped at his face, his lip trembling.

“I never thought I’d have anything to call my own. Not a fancy flat like this or a woman willing to be my missus or a precious little girl. I never thought or expected it. If it weren’t for you and your family, I never would have,” MacAvoy said.

“You would have done fine without us.”

MacAvoy shook his head. “I don’t think so. Ma never really took any notice of me other than to filch her a bottle of gin. It was the Locust Street house where I learned what a family looked like, what respect was, what hard work got you, and when Ma died, I’d have been living on the street and she would have been resting in a pauper’s grave if it hadn’t been for all of you.”

“You’ve got to give yourself some credit too, MacAvoy. You worked hard and did your schooling even when things were bad at your house. I remember you hungry and cold in too-small clothes, but you kept your chin up, and that’s why you have Mrs. Emory willing to marry you, a good job at the mill, and you’re the best corner man in any boxing ring on the East Coast. You did it, MacAvoy. You had some help, but you did it.”

“Malcolm? Have you given our guest a tour?” Mrs. Emory said from the doorway. Mary ran to her and nearly disappeared in her voluminous skirts. “How are you today, Mr. Thompson?”

“Well, Mrs. Emory. Thank you,” he said. “This is going to be a perfect spot for you and MacAvoy. Congratulations. My sister thinks the world of you.”

“Mrs. Pendergast is a delight to know and to work for. Is there anything I can help you with? I’ve just stopped by to check on my painting crew.” She smiled at a grinning MacAvoy.

“I’ve just come to drop off tickets for my next match for Alexander. Is he home?”

“Yes. He’s in his study. Would you like me to come in with you?” she asked.

“I know the way,” he said and nodded to his friend and Mrs. Emory.

James made his way to the back of his sister’s massive home. He wondered if he’d see her beating rugs with the maids or peeling potatoes with the kitchen staff as he stepped through the servants’ door and up the steps to the family’s floors. He went down the long, wide carpeted hallway toward his brother-in-law’s office and heard his sister’s voice coming from a room on his right. He hurried to the open door and looked inside. Elspeth stood near the entrance with her back to him, examining a piece of paper. He picked her up, twirled her around, and dropped a loud smacking kiss on her cheek.

“James! You devil, you! You scared me!” she said after shrieking with laughter.

“How is my favorite sister? Now don’t you go telling Muireall or Kirsty I said that!” James said.

“I’m fine. Wonderful,” she said. “And enjoying some lovely female company.”

James tilted his head at his sister and turned as she began to walk farther into the room toward the fireplace and seating area. It was then he realized they were not alone. His eyes lit immediately on Lucinda Vermeal.

“You are blushing, Mr. Thompson,” she said.

Elspeth laughed. “Do you remember Miss Susannah Delgado from our meeting at the college, James? And of course, Miss Vermeal and Miss Vermeal.”

“I do,” he said and pulled his flat cap from his head. “It’s a pleasure to see you all again, ladies.”

“Won’t you join us, Mr. Thompson?” Louisa Vermeal said. “We’ve exhausted all the female conversation.”

“Did I hear a shout from this direction?” Alexander asked from the doorway.

“Perhaps a shout of desperation since we’ve asked Mrs. Pendergast’s brother to join us for some conversation and tea,” Louisa Vermeal said with a smile.

“It was me shouting, Alexander,” Elspeth said. “James snuck up on me and frightened the wits out of me!”

“Won’t you join us too, Mr. Pendergast?” Louisa asked.

Lucinda was enjoying his discomfort, and she thought he knew it too. He was embarrassed to be caught surprising his sister and certainly hoping to elicit a shout from her, which he had. She’d swallowed a lump in her throat when he twirled his sister around and kissed her