He pressed my hand tighter and drew me a little closer and repeated. “That’s not the warmth I seek.”

I understand that I had tried to be flirtatious earlier, but standing there in his bedroom, just the two of us, I felt that we may have gone too far.

I told him that it was a lovely house but then I began to feel like a fool for putting an end to our fun.

He appeared disappointed and led me back downstairs.

He showed me to the front door and we stood on the porch.

“If there’s anything that you need, let us know and we’ll bring it straight away,” I said.

He took out his billfold and extracted a ten-dollar bill. He held it out to me.

I reached for the bill, but he pulled it back.

“On one condition,” he said. “Whenever I make an order, I want you, and only you, to deliver it.”

I was feeling flirtatious, again, and anxious to make up for my behavior upstairs.

“I think that can be arranged,” I said, giving him my own wicked little smile. In that moment, I remembered, and brushed my hair from my shoulders to reveal the silver butterfly necklace I had purchased with the money he gave me before. I could tell that all was forgiven when he extended his hand.

“Thank you for your business, Mr. Carrington,” I said, taking the money.

“Please, call me Thomas.”

“Well, thank you, Thomas.”

I deposited the money in my pocket and held out my hand to shake his. You’ll never believe what he did.

He gently took my hand and raised it to his lips. “My pleasure,” he said and then he kissed the back of my hand! All the while, he held me with his striking blue eyes.

I felt like my face would burst from smiling as I walked down the path to the bicycle and he went back inside. I stole a look back towards the house as I mounted the seat and saw him watching me from the window of the study.

Father was thrilled at the prospect of more business from Mr. Carrington, but I didn’t tell him about the money. Why should I? He was clear that it was for me. I may have to pay another visit to the jewelers.

It’s been a long, wonderful day.

Good night.

10

‘Will someone please turn off that beeping?’ I mentally plead as I slowly come into consciousness.

I try to move, but every joint in my body objects. I groan and lift my chin off my chest. My head weighs a ton.

Please, make the beeping stop.

I open my eyes. The bookcase fills my field of view.

Oh no.