Clarence had not imagined feeling quite this nervous.
They had made quite a splash, walking in together, all four of them. He felt very aware of Wilhelmina’s small hand on his arm, even though she was only grasping it with the lightest of touches. It seemed as though every eye that glanced upon that contact added weight.
Adeline was also aware of the feel of Bennie’s arm. Mostly, she was concerned with how very warm he was. Would she really have to share a bed with this man? She’d surely die of heat stroke in such close proximity.
Clarence waited until everyone was seated before glancing over to Bennie, for a moment hoping that he would begin. But nerves compelled him to stand and get it over with, and soon his mouth was moving without his fully being aware of it. “Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished friends, I have a pro -- an announcement, I mean, something ... I’d like to tell all of you.”
Adeline did her best to hide her laugh as a coughing fit. Clarence was fooled, but he might have been the only one.
“It is my great pleasure to tell you that ... after getting blessings from both her family and my own ... that I have asked the lovely Miss Cleary to be mine ... And she has accepted.” A wide smile spread across his face. “We are to be married.”
General gasps and words of congratulations and astonishment filled the room. Adeline locked eyes with Wilhelmina and gave her a look that only she would be able to decipher. She doubted Mercier would be smiling when he gave the news.