“Of course you do. Now, this discussion is over.”
They ignored him completely and continued to discuss any and all the young women they knew. Daniel sighed and thought of Abby.
The woman intrigued him, there was no getting around the fact, and he hadn’t been intrigued by a woman for some time.
Chapter 7
The annual Smitherton floral display was an event that most Londoners, no matter what their station in life, turned out for. It was held in a small park not far from where the Dillinger family lived; therefore, they always walked there.
The day was clear, the sky cloudless, and Daniel was feeling a sense of well-being as he strolled beside a sister. He even found himself humming softly.
“Why are you looking smug?” Kate asked. “And why are you humming off-key?”
“I am not looking smug; I am looking content. Please note the difference. And I hum in perfect tune, I’ll have you know. You’re confusing me with your other brothers. Now, tell me, why are you walking with me and not beneficent Bernard?”
“He is generous.” Kate sighed in that way people in love often did when speaking of their beloved. “And kind, and I can’t believe I found him, Daniel.” Her straw bonnet framed her pretty face, and the smile she gave him only enhanced that.
He bumped her shoulder gently.
“You found him because you are kind and generous, sister.” All he’d ever wanted was for his siblings to find happiness, and that this one had pleased him greatly. “Those things, plus you have a wonderful brother.”
Kate took his hand and swung it as they walked along, just enjoying being there and part of their family. Around him, the others chatted, nieces and nephews dashed between his legs, and parents attempted to control them.
“Remember also that if he isn’t kind and generous to you, then he will answer to your brothers,” Daniel said.
She giggled. “Bernard told me once that you all terrified him when first he met you.”
“I remember that night. Oliver, Peter, and I greeted him at the door.”
“Deliberately intimidating him.”
“Because we love you, and if he is strong enough to withstand our combined intimidation efforts, then he may just be worthy.”
She snuffled. “He said Oliver was intimidating and Peter cutting with his wit. Father is kind unless he needs to be firm, but you, now he said you would be the one he feared the most if he stepped a foot out of line.”
“I find that hard to believe. I am all that is benevolent, surely?”
“Yet another B word.”
“I have a bountiful supply.”
“You are the silent one among us, Daniel. The one who first looks, anticipates all the risks, and then steps. The sobering voice among the impetuous,” Kate said.
Daniel sighed and swung her hand. “You make me sound boring.”
“Not boring, but careful, and I know that if you say something it is usually correct or the right thing. Bernard said your revenge should he step out of line would be served cold and be all the more deadly, as you’d take time to plan and execute it.”
“That sounds better than boring; in fact, it makes me sound sinister. Now go and walk with your beloved Bernard, and I shall gather a niece and nephew and ply them with something sweet to annoy their parents.”
“I love you, brother.”
“You too, sister.” He kissed her cheek. Happiness radiated from her, and it really was a wonderful thing to see when once she had been somber, as had all the Dillinger siblings.
They had shared a bed with two others, and every night he’d done that, kissed her cheek as he sang her and the others to sleep. Those days seemed so long ago now. Good and bad memories.
Entering the park, Daniel and his family stopped to take in the sights and scents before them.
Large trestles were filled with bright blooms. People walked, children ran and played, and everyone seemed in a mood to enjoy the exhibition. A temporary market was set up for sellers, and more tables for those participating in competitions.
“Sally has worked hard on a bonnet for the best headwear category,” his mother said. “We shall make our way there.”
“Up, La La.”
Bending to pick up his nephew Leo, who was two years old, he settled him in his arms.
“La La.” He patted Daniel’s cheek. No one was quite sure why he’d been named La La, but as that would change over the years, hopefully, Daniel was not overly perturbed to have been given a special name.
“Don’t fill him with too many sweets, Daniel,” Mary said. As the child’s mother, she had a right to that request, but as the uncle, he didn’t have to comply.
“Of course. I will see if there is a piece of grass somewhere for him, then.”
She rolled her eyes as siblings tended to do when another annoyed them.
“We are going this way to inspect the bonnets, so behave for Uncle La La, Leo.” Mary’s husband, Anthony, winked at Daniel.
“Wish Sally luck. I shall join you shortly. We men have manly things to do.”
“Well, when you find those men, you be sure to tell us,” his father drawled over his shoulder as he walked away with the rest of his family
“Well now, Leo, what trouble shall we get into?”
“La La!”
“Exactly.” Daniel headed in the direction of the food stalls. Surely he could find something there to annoy his sisters with. Something to smear over his nephew’s cheeks that was sticky.
“I shall give you sugar so you run around the house annoying your mother for the remainder of the day, nephew.”
He wondered if Abby had ever seen the flower displays here or attended this event? Surely she would love it. Would that fish-faced employer of hers allow her out to attend? Unlikely. Tomorrow was Tuesday, and anticipation hummed through him at the prospect of seeing her again.
He saw his brother’s back and made his way there. Thea was there, and also their children, Iris and Harry.
“Good day.”
Oliver’s smile was open and honest and still had
