When Robins Appear (Book 3)

Chapter Six

Two days had passed since I moved back into the Valentine house and it was as though I'd never left. I was due to leave for Campbell Town in a few days and being back here, falling into my old routine, was making me wish I could've just continued on with my previous governess job with Isabella's children.

I was grateful for the new job, and was flattered that the Valentines recommended me, however, was having second thoughts about accepting the offer.

Maybe I was just nervous. I was nervous when I first started here and it turned out to be the best job I'd ever had.

I was on my way to the barn - I had woken in a panic this morning, realising I hadn't yet bought any school supplies for the children, so asked Robbie if he could get Ruby and the buggy ready for me so I could go into town. Apparently the Bellinghams were well-off, but even so, I had no idea what they had in the way of school supplies and didn't want to appear unprofessional by arriving empty-handed.

As I stepped into the barn, I found Robbie checking the buckles on the harness one last time. "Thanks, Robbie," I said to him, and he turned his head at the sound of my voice.

"She's all good to go, Tilly," he replied with a smile.

"Is there anything you need in town while I'm there?" I asked, as I pulled myself up into the buggy and wiggled into a comfortable position onto the seat cushion. Mr. Valentine's buggies were much more comfortable than Nicholas' cushion-less one.

He shook his head in response. "No-no, I went into town yesterday. Got all that I needed then. Thank you, though."

"I should be back by lunch. I have left Teddy snoozing by Mr. Valentine's feet in the sitting room." I was just about to flick the reins when I noticed Robbie staring off into space, seemingly having something on his mind. "You good, Robbie?"

His eyes snapped to mine, mouth opening slightly before closing again, not sure if he was ready to share what he was thinking. I waited patiently for him to speak, really hoping he wasn't about to reveal that he was having more second thoughts about marrying Isabella. "Tilly, I-I'm really going to miss you when you move to Campbell Town." His eyes shifted to his feet as though a little embarrassed by his confession. Robbie was a shy man, the complete opposite to Isabella, but yet they were perfect for each other. In their case, opposites really did attract. "I just, I just wanted you to know that. You're one of my closest friends."

I placed my hand over my heart. "Aww, Robbie. You're one of my closest friends, too. And Nicholas'. And that is why we want you standing next to us when we get married."

He furrowed his brow. "I'm sorry?"

The look of confusion on his face told me that Nicholas hadn't  yet asked him to be his best man. Well, that's just great. Trust me to ruin the surprise. "Um, I just meant that you'll be there, you know, at the wedding, because- Oh, forget it. There's no hiding it now." I growled in frustration, annoyed with myself. "Nicholas was going to ask you to be his best man at our wedding."

Robbie grinned from ear to ear and I wish it had been Nicholas to be the one to see it.

"Tilly, I-I would be honoured!"

"Please, please, please don't tell Nicholas I said anything. When he asks you, you have to act surprised. Your reaction has to be exactly like the one you just did.

He let out a small laugh. "All right, all right. You have my word."

I sighed in relief. "Thank you. Bloody hell, Nicholas," I grumbled, more so to myself than to Robbie. "If you had just done what you were supposed to do, then I wouldn't have spoiled the surprise."