“I Feel Sorry for the Man Who Marries Her,” He Said — By Autumn, He Was the One Saying the Vows
Chapter 3
Summer passed quickly.
Daniel began finding reasons to visit the Bennett farm.
At first, he claimed business.
He brought seed.
Then tools.
Then a new harness for Thomas.
Clara always questioned him.
“You don’t have to do this.”
“I know.”
“Then why?”
“Because your brother needs it.”
“Thomas has managed before.”
Daniel smiled.
“Then perhaps I’m helping myself.”
She frowned.
“What does that mean?”
“I don’t know yet.”
She shook her head and returned to work.
Daniel watched her.
She was not like the women he had known.
She did not pretend to enjoy things she disliked.
She did not flatter him because of his money.
She did not care that his family owned half the mill district.
Once, Daniel brought her a silk ribbon.
She looked at it.
“Why?”
“I thought you’d like it.”
She handed it back.
“I don’t need it.”
“It’s pretty.”
“So are flowers.”
“You don’t like flowers?”
“I like flowers.”
She smiled.
“They don’t expect anything from me.”
Daniel laughed.
“That’s the most sensible thing anyone has said to me all week.”
She looked at him.
“You’re learning.”
“I hope so.”
One evening, a storm rolled across the county.
Daniel arrived at the farm just as rain began pounding the roof.
Thomas had gone to town.
Clara was trying to secure the shutters.
Daniel grabbed the other side.
“Hold this.”
She did.
Their hands touched.
Neither moved.
Thunder shook the house.
Clara looked at him.
“You should go before the road floods.”
Daniel shook his head.
“Not in this.”
“You’ll be trapped.”
“Then I’ll help you until morning.”
She stared.
“Why?”
Daniel looked at her.
“Because I don’t feel sorry for the man who marries you anymore.”
Clara’s eyes narrowed.
“What do you feel?”
He smiled.
“Jealous of him.”
Her breath caught.
Neither said another word.
