When a loud burst of laughter in the far corner of the room snapped them out of their daze, he took a deep breath as he gave himself a mental shake. He glanced around the busy tap as though trying to figure out why he was there, before he focused once more on her.
He couldn’t stop staring at her, but was aware that they had already drawn the rather interested gazes of several of the patrons who were seated at the tables. Determined not to embarrass her, he nodded toward the bar.
“Your brothers are over there,” he told her, and held out his elbow in a gentlemanly fashion that was at odds with the working man’s tavern. He didn’t ask her to take it, but didn’t move either.
It was clear that he would wait for her f
or as long as he needed to.
Hetty eyed the pro-offered arm, and smiled at him as she reluctantly took it. Although he seemed completely oblivious to the lull in conversation, or didn’t care, she was painfully aware that his simple, gentlemanly action had drawn the attention of several of the patrons who smiled widely at them as they made their way through the assorted drinkers.
She daren’t look at anyone for fear of being the subject of ribald banter that would make him uncomfortable. At the moment, she wasn’t sure she could find the words to respond to them without making herself look foolish.
“What can I get you?” he asked, and winced when he realised that the choices were really only ale, ale and, well, ale.
“Nothing, thank you,” she replied regretfully. “I can’t stop. I was just on my way out to see my friend, but need to have a word with Wally before I go.”
On Friday nights, she usually had a drink in the tavern with her brothers. However, in light of the concerns that had been raised in the market earlier, she had decided that it was wiser to avoid the man beside her as much as possible. Now though, she rather wished she had decided to have a drink as usual because she would prefer to get to know Charlie a little more.
Before he could reply, she turned to Wally and had leaned toward him so that he could hear her over the din. When she had finished, she turned away and smiled at Charlie again, aware that Simon was now watching the interplay avidly.
“I will say goodnight.” She pierced Simon with a warning look. “Try not to get yourself too far into your cups tonight. As much as it enlightens me to have to crawl out of bed to drag your carcass through the door, it is cold out tonight, and I might just not let you in. Remember that there are two carts due first thing tomorrow morning, and you have to be up bright and early to help unload them.”
She rolled her eyes when he had the good grace to look a little embarrassed.
“I will be there, I promise,” he assured her weakly.
“You had better,” she warned.
He sighed – deeply. “I will.”
“You had better,” she said again.
She knew that he was going to ignore her, and shook her head in disgust. Unfortunately, she couldn’t quite make her mind up whether she wanted Charlie to make another appearance on her doorstep with Simon or not.
To her surprise, she was prevented from leaving by Charlie, who placed his hand on her arm to stop her when she turned to go.
“Where are you going?” he demanded with a scowl.
Hetty felt her heckles rise at the querulous look on his face but, before she could reply, he glared at Simon.
“She shouldn’t be walking about at night all alone,” he growled accusingly. “Anything could happen to her.”
Simon shrugged unconcernedly. “She does it all the time.”
Charlie stared at him for a moment before he turned his attention to Hetty. “I am sorry for my rudeness. I didn’t mean to pry into your personal affairs. It is just that a beautiful woman like yourself shouldn’t be walking alone after dark.”
He threw a look at Wally, who shifted a little guiltily.
“Are you going somewhere in the village?” Charlie asked casually.
“I was going to my friend’s house, but she only lives down the road,” she replied hesitantly. “I have lived in Hemsley all of my life. I am sure I will be fine,” she added, but didn’t think he heard her because he was already putting his ale onto the bar.
“I will escort you,” he declared firmly.
He gave her brothers a look that dared them to argue, but they were too astonished to speak.
Hetty looked at Wally, who looked at Charlie as though he couldn’t understand what he was doing.