The Spinster (Emerson Pass Historicals 2)

I chuckled, nodding my head. “As long as I’m not run out of town, I’m here for good.”

“I hadn’t known how special it was until I was no longer here. One doesn’t know what they have sometimes until it’s gone.” Her brow wrinkled as she peered into her punch.

Theo watched her lift the glass to her mouth and take a sip.

“Father tells me you and Flynn have taken out a path of trees from the mountain for skiing?”

“That’s right. We’re copying slopes we saw in Europe.”

“I do hope it won’t bring too many people. I like our sleepy town the way it is.” Louisa’s gaze traveled across to the doorway as Flynn entered the room. “There he is,” she said under her breath, as if she’d forgotten us entirely.

I stole a glance at Theo as he downed his drink.

Louisa raised her hand in greeting as Flynn approached.

“Hello, Louisa, welcome home,” Flynn said as he kissed her hand.

She’d flushed pink. “Thank you. You as well. Did you get my letters?”

His face, in direct juxtaposition to Louisa’s, paled as he shot a guilty look in Theo’s direction. “Sure did. Thank you.”

“I thought maybe they hadn’t arrived since I never heard back from you,” Louisa said.

“Um, right. Sorry about that. I’m not much of a letter writer,” Flynn said.

Her gaze returned to her drink as she spoke just above a whisper, clearly trying not to cry. “I should go say hello to some of the others. Have a nice night, gentlemen.”

She scurried across the room and out the door, leaving the three of us in awkward silence.

“I’m sorry,” Flynn said. “I didn’t ask for her to write.”

“It’s all right.” Theo downed the rest of his drink. “I know how it is.”

“I didn’t want you to find out, especially not like this.” Flynn spoke softly. “I’m sorry.”

“I already knew. I saw the letters.”

“Oh. Damn, I’m sorry. I feel like a heel.”

“It’s not your fault,” Theo said. “You’re naturally charming and funny. I don’t stand a chance.”

“She’s just one girl,” Flynn said. “Look at all the others right in front of you.”

“Easy for you to say,” Theo said. “You could have any of your choosing.”

“Why her, anyway?” Flynn took a flask from his pocket and took a swig.

“Why does anyone fall for anyone?” Theo held his glass out. “Give me some of that, will you?”

Flynn poured from the flask into Theo’s empty punch glass. “Forget her. She’s not in her right mind if she chooses me over you.” Flynn said this lightly, obviously trying to cajole Theo out of his dark mood.

“Sure. Whatever you say.” Theo took a sip of whiskey, then coughed. “I’m going outside for some air.” He put up a hand as both of us seemed to be about to offer to go with him. “Alone.”

We both watched him cross the room and walk out the door.

“What am I going to do about this?” Flynn asked.

“I’m not sure. I feel terrible for both of them. She’s obviously got it bad for you.”