even here, where so many others permeated the air.
“Good evening, Gus.” He and the barman now knew each other well enough to pass a few words, as he’d come to the Duck and Goose every night since meeting Abby.
“He’s back, Eros,” Gus told him.
“I see that.” Daniel looked at the lute-playing man. His songs would have the women sighing.
“I’d make him a rich man if he played here more, but he’s the kind who don’t count wealth in financial terms,” the barman said, pointing to the singer.
Daniel didn’t understand why anyone would not want to increase their coffers if the opportunity presented itself. When you were born into poverty, you certainly understood the benefits of having money when you obtained it, which he and his family had.
“You’ll not get a seat at the rear again, but there’s likely a spot to lean against the wall.”
“Thank you.”
He took the drink Gus handed him and walked slowly through the people, searching the rear wall as the people there came into view. The breath whooshed from his lungs when he saw her.
She stood on a chair, hair in a long dark braid hanging over one shoulder, face alive as she clapped and sang along with Eros. Her heart-shaped face was flushed with excitement and perhaps exertion, the ridges of her cheekbones colored. She was captivating, even more so to him as the anticipation had been building for nights, just for this moment.
He kept his eyes on her as he moved closer, almost like she was pulling him toward her, which was foolish, but he couldn’t seem to either look away or move in the opposite direction. She had yet to see him. Would she feel the same way? They’d shared a connection; he was sure of it.
“Excuse me.” He passed an elderly couple who were attempting to spin in a circle with arms entwined, then a young man who was dancing a jig.
“More!” The crowd roared as the song stopped. Abby clutched her hands to her chest, and Daniel just bet she sighed. He couldn’t wipe the smile from his face at seeing her again.
“Mr. Dillinger!”
“Toddy.” He acknowledged the man to his right and the others with him, reluctantly dragging his eyes from her. They worked for Daniel’s family often on building projects. “Are you enjoying the performance?”
“We are. Will you sit?”
“I’ll just stand at the rear as I cannot stay long, but thank you all the same, Toddy.”
He heard Toddy say Daniel was a good fair man for one of his standing, and it almost made him laugh, but he swallowed it down. When you were a coal miner’s son, you didn’t have “standing,” but you straddled several different worlds as if they were made of broken glass, fearing at any time you may slip. You also didn’t always fight fair to get to where you wanted to be, like a gentleman would.
Before he could reach Abby, a man approached her. His hands gripped her waist. A beau, perhaps? The thought was not a happy one. Looking at her face, he revised that. She wasn’t pleased to be in his clutches. Daniel’s anger was swift. Lowering his drink to the nearest table, he moved closer.
“Unhand me at once, sir!” Even in anger, her voice was like his sister-in-law’s, who was the daughter of a duke. That too had intrigued him. Why did she speak like nobility?
“Come and dance with me.” The man was pulling her off the chair. Abby was struggling to get his hands off her. “I like a snooty woman in my arms.”
“No!”
No one was looking their way, even though Abby had raised her voice. Those nearby were caught up in the entertainment and likely the alcohol they’d consumed.
“Aw, come on now. I just want to dance with you, and maybe a wee kiss.”
“No!” She was struggling.
“Remove your hands,” Daniel said, reaching the man’s side. He carried more weight, but that was mainly in his belly. Daniel was taller and fitter.
“Daniel!” He didn’t look at Abby as she said his name. Never turn away from your enemy. He’d learned that lesson early in life.
“Who are you to tell me what to do?” The man glared at him.
“The lady would like you to release her. Do it now, or I will make you.” Daniel pitched his voice so the man could hear, but he kept calm.
“This isn’t your business. Me and her, we’re going to dance.”
“I don’t want to dance with you. Unhand me.” Abby pushed against the man’s shoulders. He