Winning the Spinster's Heart (Clear Creek Brides #1) - Kit Morgan Page 0,41

is.”

“He can’t be that good,” Merritt said. “He probably hasn’t played since they left Savannah. Speaking of which, has anyone ridden out to the Jones ranch and invited them? Does Savannah even know about it?”

“Father was going to. But if Savannah’s smart, she’ll stay there and keep helping Cutty and Imogene with their book.”

“If any of us were smart, we wouldn’t be here …”

Merritt was cut off by a rapid set of musical scales. Her jaw dropped. So did everyone else’s as Benedict followed with a quick folk piece, then just as quickly went into a waltz.

“My, my,” Matt quipped. “I must apologize for my brother’s playing. It’s been over ten years since he’s sat at a piano, so he’s a little rusty.” He smiled at Merritt. “I do hope he can keep up with you when you practice for that musicale. That goes for Ruby too.” He glanced at Ruby across the room. She looked just as flummoxed as the rest of them.

Benedict switched to a classical piece – Mozart, maybe. Clearly the man could play anything. “I had no idea,” Uncle Harrison said. “Sadie, he’s been holding out on us.”

“He certainly has,” Sadie said.

Merritt sighed in defeat and backed to the edge of the crowd as Benedict stopped and flexed his fingers. “I apologize for that. I needed some sort of warm-up.”

Betsy, her mouth hanging open, nodded. Leona started clapping. “That was wonderful, young man! What a treasure you are!”

“I wouldn’t say that, ma’am. But I have been playing since I was four.”

Leona grinned. “Let’s start with something I’m sure everyone knows. Mr. Comfort, could you play a waltz?”

“Certainly, ma’am.” He turned back to the keys.

“All right now, everyone partner up,” Leona called.

“May I have this dance?”

Adele spun to find Liam bowing, one hand extended. She smiled, took his hand and he led her to the middle of the room.

“I had no idea this is what they planned,” he said.

“None of us did. You got here after they announced it.”

“A nasty trick on their part.” He put a hand on her waist, then held up their joined hands. She put her free hand on his shoulder. At least she knew how to waltz because her parents and other relatives did. Like the Comforts, they were familiar with social functions and different dances from their previous lives – in their case, in England.

But Liam … “You know how to waltz?”

“I am not without some proficiency,” he said with a smile.

She noticed the brightness in his eyes. “You’re in a good mood.”

The music started, drawing their attention. “Okay, everyone,” Leona called. “Show us what you’ve got.”

“Oh, dear.” Adele noticed that all several couples near them had “got” was the ability to stand and stare at each other.

Betsy seemed to realize it too. “Well, if you know how to waltz, continue. Those who don’t, leave the dance floor and watch the others.”

“Shall we?” Liam said.

She nodded and they began to dance. “Who taught you?”

He grinned. “I took a class.”

“You did what?”

“You forget I went to college.”

She laughed. “Oh, yes. Sometimes I do forget.”

“Don’t feel bad. Pa and Ma sometimes do too.”

“I see.” She watched him another moment. “You’re smiling.”

“I have reason to. I spoke with Doc Drake earlier today.”

“And?” She wondered if he heard the hope in her voice. If anyone could talk Liam into staying in Clear Creek, it would be Bowen Drake, who’d arrived from back east almost thirty years before and never left. After all, wouldn’t it be best for Liam’s family if he stayed on?

Liam smiled at her again, his eyes twinkling. “The die is cast. I’m leaving Clear Creek.”

Chapter Fourteen

Adele stumbled at Liam’s words and almost fell. “Whoa, are you okay?” he asked.

With his help she righted herself and took a deep breath. Even though she knew she’d hear him say it one day, his words still shocked her – he made it sound like he was leaving soon. So did his happy expression, which meant… well, that she didn’t mean as much to him as leaving did. Unfortunately for her, she’d realized over the last few days that Liam was, if not perfect, good enough. Six yeses and seven maybes, and she could probably clear the maybes up with five minutes of conversation.

But after what he’d just said, was there any point in asking him?

“Adele?” he said gently. “Is something wrong?”

She shook her head, her stomach in knots, her feet like lead weights. She let go of his hand and left the dance area.

Unfortunately, he