She heard him follow but knew as soon as he saw her head down the hall that he’d know where she was going. He’d return to the dining room and mingle with the others, she’d have a cry, sneak out the back to her parents’ wagon near the livery stable and … feign a headache or something. Just as long as it kept her away from Liam. She didn’t want to dampen his joy. If he wanted to leave town, then so be it. Who was she to tell him to stay just because she’d fallen for him?
In the bathroom, she let a few tears fall but mostly stared at herself in the mirror. “You’re an idiot.” She turned away, went to the door and leaned against it. Better to cry here than at home where her parents would ask what was wrong. She’d been able to keep this from them but didn’t know how much longer that could last.
She wiped her eyes and squared her shoulders. She’d just have to get over him. And there was no sense in sticking around Clear Creek just because Liam was leaving – she’d go to England and find herself a suitable husband. She didn’t want to go through this again, especially not here.
But until then, what was she to do? The dance was tomorrow night, and she was in charge of several things, like making sure Henry Fig and Lucinda Stone were ready to play some of the music. (She had a feeling Leona and Betsy would talk Benedict into playing the rest.) This wasn’t like a Triple-C barbeque, where her family could afford to hire a group of musicians from elsewhere. Henry, Lucinda and Benedict would have to suffice, and Adele would have to supply them water and whatever else they needed.
And that wasn’t all – she was also stuck checking on the refreshments, handing out prizes for the scavenger hunt, making sure everyone was having a good time … “Everyone but me.” But there was no use lamenting over it. In time she’d get over Liam. But she might never get over the regret of not discovering who he was long beforehand.
Adele wished her stupid list was in her hand right now – just so she could tear it to shreds.
The next evening Adele stood on Grandma’s porch and brushed at her skirt. There’d been no time to make a new outfit, so she spruced up an old green dress, one of her favorites, adding some lace at the hem and on the bodice.
“You look lovely, sweetling,” Father said.
Before she could thank him, the Wallers came out their front door. “Land sakes, what a turnout,” Grandma said. “We need to have these more often.”
“I dare say the whole town is here,” Father said. “Shall we get the music started?”
“Leona and Betsy are in charge of that,” Adele reminded him. They’d been in charge so far, they might as well handle that too. She scanned the crowd and she spied the two meddlesome matrons speaking with Mother and Aunt Sadie. Great-Aunt Irene stood off to one side glowering at them. She must still be upset at Betsy’s comments about her displays.
“What’s the matter with you?” Grandma asked Adele.
She sighed. “Nothing of importance.”
“Cheer up, dearest,” Father said. “I’m sure we’ll hear from Duncan any day.”
“Father, it’s only been a week. You know how long it takes to get a letter back.”
“Can I help it if I don’t like to see you sad?” He brushed some hair from her face. “I can tell something’s upset you. You have hairs out of place.”
She smiled. “I’m sorry I’ve been melancholy. I have my reasons.”
He looked over the crowd, his eyes settling on someone. “Anything I can help you with?”
She followed his gaze and saw he’d spotted Liam. “No. But you can dance with me later.”
He smiled. “I’d like that very much. But right now, I’m going to have a slice of Grandma’s pie.” He headed for the refreshment table.
“Good evening.”
Her heart stopped. Liam was standing at the bottom of the porch steps smiling at her. How did he get over here so fast? “Evening.”
The music started. Liam offered her his hand. “May I have this dance?”
Her heart sank. Now more than ever she noticed how amazing he was. How did she go all these years and not notice? She wanted to kick herself, toss herself in the creek, jump off the roof of the hotel, anything to punish herself for her foolishness.
Instead, she said, “All