His wife, May, stood up and enveloped me in a hug that nearly knocked the breath out of me. She was at least a foot taller than her husband, and her voice was loud, deep and a little raspy.

“Well, darlin’,” she began, “my name is Mayflower Humboldt. Welcome to the great Republic of Texas. This ain’t like any place you’ve ever seen or are likely to see. Don’t you mind my Hans; he thinks he needs to act as proper as if he was still in Germany. Now, sit down here beside me and tell me all about yourself.”

Mayflower Humboldt was American, but she sounded nothing like anyone I’d met in New York. She drew out her words in a long drawl, often adding syllables where there was no need for them. She was what the Irish would have called a handsome woman. She was tall and lithe and had high cheekbones and wide-set, brown eyes. Her skin was tanned, and her black hair was coiled thickly beneath her extravagantly adorned hat. But for a few wispy lines at the corners of her eyes and mouth, I would have guessed she was years younger than her husband.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she went on. “I was afraid Aidan would come by himself and he and Hans would be so preoccupied with their little ole business that I’d be left out entirely. Mary and I were the best of friends, and I surely miss her. But here you are, another Irish girl. I aim for us to be great friends too.”

I nodded and smiled, although my heart sank at the mention of Mary’s name yet again. I was relieved when Rosa brought in the drinks and Mayflower turned her attention back to Aidan and Lily. When Rosa announced dinner, I excused myself, intent on going to my room. I had never dined with Aidan or his guests in New York and did not expect to do so here.

“Where are you going, Delia?”

I turned around to see Aidan standing behind me.

“I am leaving you to your guests.”

He smiled directly at me, and my heart missed a beat.

“We’re not in New York now. In Texas we have no such stupid rules. Come!”

He took my elbow and guided me to the dining room. His closeness and the heat of his hand on my arm unsettled me to the point that I wanted to flee. Instead, I braced myself and took my seat without daring to look at him. When Mayflower led us in a prayer of thanksgiving for the meal, I bowed my head and thanked fate again for bringing me to Texas.

* * *