“I don’t want to need you, Thomas Gadwell, and here I am blubbering over a man who actually believes Reverend Beecher was innocent of the adultery charges.”
Thomas chuckled. “Is that the best you have?”
Mary caught her breath. “For now.”
“You’re beautiful.”
She patted her eyes with her cloth. “That’s hardly the point. Thomas, these past weeks have been unlike any time in my life. I can’t believe I’m actually going to say this, but what will I do without you? I know that sounds ridiculous. I’m just going to miss you more than I know how to put into words.”
“Darling, I promise we’ll be together again soon. Your father just needs to give me a chance. It’s strange; most people have to know me better before they object to my liberal politics and boyish charm.”
“I can believe that.” She smirked then shook her head. “It’s really unlike my father to act secretive and so blame …” She slapped her hand over her mouth.
Thomas laughed at her wide eyes. “You won’t go to hell for saying ‘blame.’ ”
“Or for sitting alone in a dark courtyard with a handsome man?”
“You think I’m handsome?”
“I think you missed my point,” she said.
“So you say.”
“I say,” Mary snickered. “You really are silly sometimes.”
“True. And you really are the most wonderful woman I’ve ever met. I’m in love with you, Mary Harting, completely in love with you.”
Her laughter stopped, and Thomas swallowed against a lump in his throat. Though he had written it many times, hearing the words aloud made it more real. His voice sounded as if it belonged to someone else—someone cleverer and deserving of loving such a woman.
She was silent, and he worried she did not want his declarations of love. He was leaving, putting down his sword and walking away. She had asked him to, but he wondered if it was too late to stay and fight. Thomas was ready to suggest just that, when Mary lifted her head. Fresh tears streamed down her face.
“I love you too, Thomas. I love you more than I ever thought it possible to love anyone.”
She collapsed into his arms, and he felt her silent sobs against his chest.
“Everything will be all right. I promise.”
Her tears turned to deep shuddered breaths, and when she lifted her head, Mary stared at him for a few moments. “You know your mother’s right. You do have the mischievous eyes of an attorney.”
“And what do you know about lawyers? Should I worry?”
She shook her head. “The only lawyers I know are old men with sagging bellies.”
“Not handsome like me.”
Mary tilted her head. “Who said you were handsome?”
He moved closer. “I believe a certain young lady mentioned my fine looks not minutes ago.”
“Well, now you’re just bragging,” she said.
“Am I? So if I kissed you right now you wouldn’t fall under the influence of my gifted appearance?” He leaned toward her, “And my wild charms?”
“Now I’m certain there was no mention of wild charms.”
“Poetic license,” he whispered.
They embraced in the quiet courtyard until Thomas noted the late hour. While Thomas checked the street, Mary replaced loose hairs that had escaped her chignon and put on her bonnet.
They went through the gate and stepped onto the sidewalk. The pavement felt callous and the air cooler than in the shelter of the thick shrubs. Unsure what to say, they walked together in silence.
The restaurant and street were quiet so Thomas was disappointed when a hackney-coach appeared and stopped at his signal. He helped Mary into the carriage and shut the door.
“Mary, I know he’ll change his mind. He just needs more time to accept the situation,” Thomas said.
“I hate not knowing when I’ll see you again. I don’t like the unknown.”
“Then you’re missing the adventure, my love. Living is what we do between the expected and the mundane.”
“A quote from your novel?”
“Not mine, but it’s true just the same. I know it will all turn out as it should.”
Mary sighed. “Sometimes your optimism is maddening. Aren’t you even a little bit afraid we’ll never see each other again?”
Thomas shook his head with confidence. “We’ll have a lifetime of courtyards, my love. I give you my word.”
Mary nodded, but her lower lip quivered and fresh tears pooled in her eyes. Thomas winked and tapped the side of the buggy. He waved until the carriage disappeared around the corner.
