Chapter 17
CHAPTER 17
O ver the next several days, Abigail and Ewart worked hard to get things ready for the ball. Workers came and went while setting things up on the grounds, and she rushed about bringing them food, coffee, or tea. They appreciated her efforts and joked good-naturedly with her.
She loved watching Mr. Tugs with his friends; people he’d known from his circus days. Some he’d worked with in a carnival before joining the circus. They laughed, told jokes, and did all sorts of acrobatic moves, even at their age. She was amazed some of them were still alive.
“Abbey,” Ewart said softly behind her.
She spun around. “Heavens to Betsy! You scared the life out of me.”
He laughed and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m sorry. Are you all right?”
She enjoyed the warmth of his hand as it seeped through the fabric of her dress. “Well, I didn’t fall over and hit my head or anything, so I suppose so.”
His eyes roamed over her. “You look very fine today, Abbey.”
“I look the same every day, sir , ” she scoffed.
“ Ewart, ” he corrected.
“ Ewart, ” she echoed with a roll of her eyes.
“Do I make you uncomfortable?” he asked.
She startled at the question. The last few days had been heavenly, truth be told. She’d spent so much time with him, she’d nearly forgotten she was supposed to be ignoring him. Of course, that was next to impossible with Mrs. Pettigrew constantly throwing them together like two pawns on a matchmaking chessboard.
“Do I?” he repeated.
His question pulled her back to the present. “Do ye what?”
He shook his head and smiled. “Your mind is elsewhere today. You’re working too hard.”
“I appreciate all yer help.”
“Things would be better if there were fewer distractions,” he said, glancing around. “There’s been no sign of Rebecca. Once she shows up, no one will get anything done.”
She laughed at that. “That’s right. Where has she been?”
“She’s been busy designing the kissing booth. Or so I’m told. Her mother came by while we were out running errands the other day and told us that Rebecca had drawn up plans. If she wasn’t careful, the thing would be the size of a house. Even Mrs. Harringtonthought it was ridiculous.”
Abigail laughed. “For sure it would be. But that’s Rebecca for ye. She wants everything on a grand scale, whether her family has the money for it or not. I don’t think she’s known for restraint.”
“So if someone throws a party, she has to throw a better one,” Ewart said.
“Aye,” Abigail said. “Probably why she’s so disagreeable most of the time—no onewantsto attend. It’s a miracle she stayed friends with Joseph Bradshaw.”
He nodded. Chastity, Holly, and Hattie’s fiancés were all nearby, helping the workers put things together for the ball. They both glanced at Dalton Simpson, who stood not fifteen feet away, speaking with Mr. Tugs and one of his old associates. The little group laughed, and Abigail wondered what was so funny.
“Everyone seems to be having a good time,” Ewart said. “This is going to be a glorious success for Adelia.”
“Trust me, Ewart,” Abigail said, “any party or ball that Mrs. Pettigrew throws is a success. She’ll have it no other way. And then there’s the fact that people would give their front teeth for an invitation.”
He looked around. “Why is that?”
Abigail laughed. “If ye haven’t heard or figured it out, Mrs. Pettigrew is the richest woman this side of the Mississippi. She might be the richest woman in the entire country.”
“Well then,youhave a rather prestigious position,” he said with a grin.
“Oh, don’t I know it,” she huffed.
“Rebecca threatened it, didn’t she?”
His words took her by surprise. Her chest tightened. “What if she did?”
He put a hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You can tell me, Abbey. We work together, yes—but at this point, I hoped we’d become friends. And friends watch out for each other.”
She swallowed hard as his face softened. “Aye… that they do.”
He placed his other hand on her opposite shoulder. “If she threatens you again, will you tell me?”
She gulped and slowly nodded. How could she say no to the concern in his eyes? Concern for her , of all people. She didn’t know why that affected her so, but it did.
“Good. I’m glad,” he said, giving both shoulders a gentle squeeze.
She closed her eyes a moment, unable to help it. His hands were large, warm, and she could feel the strength in them.
“Now,” he said, letting her go. “We should get back to work. Can I help you with anything?”
“Ye want to help me serve coffee and cookies?” she said, blinking in disbelief.
“Why not? Right now, I find I have nothing to do.”
“Ye might be more useful somewhere else. I’m sure your strong hands and back are needed in this mess.”
She looked around and couldn’t believe how much had been accomplished in the last few days. Food booths had been built from fresh-cut lumber, a couple of tents had gone up, and Mr. Prosser was busy building a corral for the elephant. Shecouldn’t waitto see that.
“Abbey,” Ewart said behind her again.
She turned to him and her breath caught. My, but he was handsome.And the look he was giving her…goodness gracious,how was she going to escape it?
“Abbey,” he said again, amused, “you’re hesitating.”
She noted his smile. “So…so what if I am?” she stammered.
His smile broadened. “Do I make you nervous?”
“No! Of course not. Why would ye…” She looked away before she said something she shouldn’t. Of course she was as nervous as a cat around him. For heaven’s sake, he was so handsome, and she was…oh bother. Nothing but a lowly housemaid.
“You are delightful. Do you know that?” he said.
She shook her head.
Ewart tucked a finger under her chin and gently brought her face up to his. “You don’t know, do you?”
She swallowed hard. “Know what?”
“How attractive you are. How beautiful.”
She sucked in a breath. “Ye…ye think I’m beautiful?”
“Oh yes. You’re very beautiful. Has no one told you?”
She shook her head and tried not to gape at him.
“Well, youare,” he went on. “And do you know what?”
“What?” came out a whisper.
“I think you’re going to be the prettiest young lady at the ball.” He winked at her, let go of her chin, and headed for the mansion. “Coming, Abbey?”
She couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe. Goodness gracious.He’d rendered her speechless!
“Abbey?” he said again, glancing over his shoulder with concern.
“Coming!” she called, hurrying after him.
They crossed the grounds, entered the house, and went straight to the kitchen. Mrs. Fraser looked up from her work and smiled. “So, another batch of coffee?” She turned to Abbey. “What happened to you? Why are you so red?”
“It’s the exertion,” Ewart said before Abigail could open her mouth.
Yes, that’s it, exertion!The effort it took not to fall into the man’s arms. It was killing her!
Mrs. Fraser arched an eyebrow at her. “Well, you can stop running all over the place and take another pot of coffee out and give the men out there a second cup. I’ve got two pots ready to go.”
“I’ll take the second,” Ewart said. “I’m helping her.”
“Are you?” Mrs. Fraser asked with a smile. “Well, I suppose that’s all right. Go ahead. I’ve got another batch of cookies coming out of the oven in a moment. You can wait for them if you want.”
“One batch isn’t going to go far,” Abbey pointed out.
“That’s why you’ll take a bowl. It’s over there on the counter, covered with the napkin,” Mrs. Fraser said, nodding in that direction.
Abigail headed for it, tossed the napkin aside, and brought the bowl to the worktable. “Can ye handle carrying two pots of coffee?” she asked Ewart.
“Not a problem. You handle the cookies. I’ll handle the coffee.”
She nodded, and together they grabbed what they needed and left the kitchen. Outside, they went from person to person, serving coffee and cookies. It was late morning now, and soon they would break for lunch.
“Oh, Mr. Baileeeey!” someone called from across the large garden area.
Abigail saw Ewart stiffen. He closed his eyes, both coffee pots still in hand. “Ye know,” she said in a low voice, “if either of those pots still have coffee in them, you could always dump some on her.”
Ewart opened one eye. “I’m a gentleman. I would never do such a thing… though Iwouldbe tempted.”
“Mr. Bailey!” Rebecca called again. “There you are!”
“Great. She spotted us,” Abigail muttered. “Brace yourself. Here she comes.” She watched Ewart stiffen further as Rebecca trotted across the lawn and into the garden area.
“Here you are,” Rebecca said as she caught up to them. “My, what a bustle of activity around here. I knew I should have come earlier, but I had to find some help to get my booth put together.”
Ewart looked past her. “Where is it? They can bring whatever they’re carrying through the alley and come in through the gate near the stables. It would be much easier than trying to get it through the side gate near the house.”
“Oh, I couldn’t find anyone, so I’m here to askyou for help . ” She put a hand on his chest.
Abigail wanted to slap it away.
Ewart looked down at it and plucked the hand off like a piece of lint. “I suppose I can round up a few men. Is everything at your home?”
“I’m afraid it is,” Rebecca said prettily. “Ready?”
“Excuse me a moment while I fetch some help. Abigail, come with me.” He turned to leave.
“Oh, no, there’s no need forherto do that,” Rebecca said, grabbing his arm. “What help can she be?”
“Plenty. She’s been helping me all morning.” Ewart nodded toward Mr. Bradshaw—Holly’s fiancé—and headed his way. Rebecca lifted her skirt and trotted along behind him.
Abigail rolled her eyes and followed.
Mr. Bradshaw saw them approaching. “Mr. Bailey, Abigail. I haven’t finished the coffee you just gave me! I don’t need more.”
“That’s not what I’m here for,” Ewart said. “It seems Miss Harrington needs help bringing her booth onto the grounds.”
Mr. Bradshaw looked past them at Rebecca, who gave him a jaunty wave. “She has a booth?” he said, eyebrows raised.
“Aye,” Abigail said. “A kissing booth.”
Mr. Bradshaw dropped his coffee cup. “What?” Thankfully it landed in the grass and didn’t break. He quickly snatched it up.
“You put Rebecca in charge of a kissing booth? Are you mad?” He glanced at Rebecca, who was glaring daggers at him.
“Adelia put her in charge of the kissing booth,” Ewart corrected.
Mr. Bradshaw’s eyes widened. “Well…if Adelia thinks it’s okay, then I suppose—oh, good grief—let me fetch Dalton and a few of the others. We’ll help you.”
“Thank you,” Ewart said. He smiled at Abigail. “In the meantime, we’ll return these things to the kitchen. I’ll meet you back here in a few minutes.”
Mr. Bradshaw nodded and set off. Thankfully Rebecca followed him.
Back in the kitchen, Abigail and Ewart put the coffee pots and bowl back where they belonged, then returned outside. “Can I help ye at all?” she asked.
Ewart shook his head. “No, that won’t be necessary. Lumber is heavy, and I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Her heart melted at his words. Oh dear. She had to stop this! “Well, then I suppose I should find something else to do now that everyone’s served. Mrs. Fraser will be needing my help in the kitchen. I can take care of that. Lunch is in about an hour and a half.”
“And there are a lot of people here,” he added. “Adelia said she’s planning a picnic lunch down by the pond.”
“She is,” she confirmed. “It’ll be a nice break for the workers.” Abigail lingered, against her better judgment, and tried to will her feet to move. They didn’t. “Oh dear.”
“Oh dear what?” he asked.
“It’s nothing. You had better go.” With that, she hurried back to the house before she made a fool of herself.