All That Glisters

Six

Miss Campbell slowly relaxed into the dance, and as she gave herself over to the music and the movement, Thomas let the tension drain out of his own muscles. Still, he kept an eye on Hackerton, until he saw the man push his way to the front door and leave.

Thomas had tried to do business with Hackerton when he first arrived in Dunedin, but soon realised the man was a bully and a coward, and a poor businessman, at that. Thomas had found other suppliers for the local products he couldn't easily ship in. Hackerton had not been pleased.

He hoped Miss Campbell was telling the truth when she said she was not betrothed to Hackerton. The thought of this timid, little mouse in the hands of that brute made him firm his grip, pulling her a little closer, and he was thrilled to his core when she came willingly, trustingly, looking up into his eyes, smiling as he swung her around a turn in the dance, then reluctantly let her out again to the socially acceptable distance.

He could dance with her all night, hold her in his arms for a lifetime, protecting her from any chill wind that shrivelled that sweet trust... He tried to remind himself she was wrong for him—wrong faith, wrong country, wrong in every way. He needed a strong woman who would be an asset in the business, not a shy, wee lassie that needed to be sheltered and cosseted.

Though she was a hard worker, he would give her that. And she stood up to Hackerton, right enough. He chuckled. Hackerton had not expected that. Thomas had thought the man would explode.

Rose, oblivious to his thoughts, chuckled with him. "This is such fun, Mr O'Bryan. Lovely to watch, but even lovelier to do!"

"You've never waltzed before?" He could not believe it. She followed his steps as if they had practiced together half their lives.

But she shook her head, vigorously. "Not in company. My father taught me the steps, but I have never been to a ball before."

"You dance beautifully," he assured her, looking down into her laughing eyes. How lovely she was. And stronger than she knew, with her ability to put the nastiness with Hackerton aside and simply enjoy the moment.

"Will you be in Dunedin long, Mr O'Bryan?"

"I return to the fields tomorrow, Miss Campbell. I need to supervise the store until Mrs Moffat arrives, and then I will move to the new store in Arrow."

He told her his plans for the second store, barely listening to what he was saying, only knowing how good it felt to dance with her, talk to her.

The music was ending. The dance was over, and he had to let her go. He swallowed, abruptly breathless with longing to keep her in his arms forever.

It was difficult to speak past the yearning, but he managed to sound calm as he asked, "What do you wish to do now, Miss Campbell? Is there someone else I can take you to? Do you wish me to stay with you?"

"I am sure the MacTavishes will see me home."

But when Thomas escorted her to the people she pointed out, the younger members of the family turned their backs, and the mother said, "You have chosen this outsider over one of our own, Miss Campbell. Let him see you home. If, indeed, you dare to return to your uncle's house, after showing such ingratitude."

Without a word, Miss Campbell turned and walked stiffly away, two high spots of cover on her cheeks, and Thomas, after tossing the woman a scowl that should have shrivelled her where she stood, hurried after her.

Miss Campbell said nothing until they had collected their coats and were walking through the silent streets, their breath condensing into small clouds as they walked. "She lets her own daughters waltz," she burst out. "And she would not marry them to Mr Hackerton, either!"