Keeper of Enchanted Rooms

“Because then I would have to know the ending, and why would I finish a book when I already know how it ends?” There was mirth in the question, but she sensed his reasoning was entirely serious. “Actually.” He turned his chair toward her, and Hulda became very aware of how close his knees were to hers. She could feel heat emanating from them . . . but that was preposterous. Who had hot knees?

She flushed, realizing she’d completely missed what he’d said. “I’m sorry, would you repeat that?”

“Would you help me?” He clasped both hands over his knees, as though hiding them from her scrutiny. Her chest tightened. She hadn’t been staring at his knees of all things, had she? “Your idea for the beginning unfolded so well. I’d like to pick your brain again, if you have a moment.” Suddenly sheepish, he glanced around the room. “I, uh, will clean this up afterward.”

She waved the barter away. “I hardly care for the mess considering you’re under deadline, Mr. Fernsby.” She was grateful for the excuse to talk with him. She felt . . . better . . . around Merritt Fernsby. There was a simple wood chair in the corner, so she pulled it over, ensuring adequate space separated their knees. Fixing her professional self into place, she asked, “For what, precisely, do you need my assistance?”

He pulled over several papers and scanned them. “It’s for this blasted romance subplot.”

Her warm feelings dissipated, and the professional mask cracked. She stood. “I should go.”

“Oh please.” He grasped her hand. “Just hear me out.”

Her gaze shot to his fingers. He definitely noticed that, given how quickly he released her afterward. He cleared his throat. “That is, if the others aren’t waiting on you.”

Rolling her lips together, Hulda sat, wrists and neck pulsing. “All right.” Her upright tone was slipping. “Tell me.”

“I’ve only just started it. I’ll go back and allude to it. Longing glances and the like,” he replied, and Hulda was grateful his eyes had focused on his papers and not her. “But I’ve got them alone together at this Quaker’s house, and I’m wondering . . . should I do this now? And do what? Though with her being an heiress and him being from Hartford, I intend for them to go their separate ways at the end. But I don’t want female readers to think—”

“Mr. Fernsby.” Straight back. Firm voice.

Pausing, he met her eyes. His looked especially blue when he was tired. “What?”

“I am aware my reading background does not make me an expert on the subject,” she went on, “but that is not a romance.”

“Sure it is—”

“If you don’t intend for the couple to have a happy ending, then don’t involve them with each other at all. You’ll lose readers. The general populace prefers comedies, not tragedies.”

He pondered this for a moment. His nose dipped when he pursed his lips. “So I should have them, what, kiss?”

Hulda fidgeted, trying to ignore the heat creeping up her neck. “I don’t know about that. But I’m sure as long as they’re together, perhaps married or engaged by the end . . .”

“They have to kiss before they get married. He’s a liberal.” He winked and glanced at the papers. “Might be too soon for that . . . unless I add some tension to this scene where they’re hiding in a shed.”

“I-It’s your book, Mr. Fernsby. I’m sure whatever you think is best will be right.” She stood and picked up her chair, meaning to return it to the corner.

“I’m just asking your thoughts.” He sounded inquisitive. “Surely you wouldn’t kiss a man in a stranger’s shed if he hadn’t . . . what, held your hand first? Perhaps a declaration is needed? Or am I getting ahead of myself and the kiss should come at the end of the story?”

Her ears were burning. “Everyone is different.” She set the chair down with more force than intended, then made the grievous mistake of turning back.

Mr. Fernsby was watching her, his papers forgotten, his right eyebrow raised, his upper lip quirked like a mischievous school boy’s.

She felt like she was in her underwear all over again.

“Mrs. Larkin.” Two of the usual three lines appeared between his brows. “Have you never been kissed?”

Fire. She was on fire.

“If you’ll excuse me.” The roughness of her voice only embarrassed her more. She made a beeline for the door.

He stood, papers shuffling. “I’m sorry, it was impertinent of me to ask.”

She hesitated at the door.

“I’m just comfortable with you.” Regret lightened the words and carried them like candle smoke. “Don’t answer. Just . . . forgive me.”

Letting out a slow, calculated breath, she glanced back, hardly daring to meet his eyes. Her heartbeat was erratic, but she didn’t want to leave. “I fear my reaction has already answered it for you.”

She expected a jest at her expense, but Mr. Fernsby sat down, set his manuscript aside, and asked, “What’s it like to have magic?”