“We must hurry, Timothy!”
Offering his arm, we quickly made our way down Charter Street en route to Chestnut Street. In short time, we arrived at the Hathorne’s home. It was one of the grander homes in Salem, as was proper considering Mr. Hathorne’s uncle was a very well-known author.
I inhaled a deep breath and gave a hasty knock on the door. My nerves had been rattled for days, but I was not entirely certain why. I had the oddest notion that I was being watched.
The door slowly opened to reveal Mr. Timmons, the Hathornes’ butler. “Miss Soloman, Mr. Hues. Good evening.”
With a nod of my head, I offered a smile and replied, “I received an urgent note from Mr. Hathorne stating I was to seek him out immediately.”
I could feel Timothy’s stare, but I ignored it as best I could. Mr. Timmons searched my face for a moment before stepping back and ushering us into the front hall.
“Mr. and Mrs. Hathorne are entertaining guests in the parlor. Please follow me to the library, and I will announce your arrival.”
“Certainly.” I studied the many family pictures around the room. My mouth rose into a smile when I saw the picture of Mr. Hathorne’s uncle, Nathaniel Hawthorne. One of my most favorite pieces of literature was his grand novel, The Scarlet Letter. My father would surely lash me if he knew I had read such a novel… three times.
The door quietly shut and Timothy appeared in front of me. “What else did the note say? From your reaction, I dare say it held something far more interesting than Mr. Hathorne requesting your attention at once.”
Narrowing my eyes, I gave Timothy an intense look, similar to the look my mother gave me when she swore me to secrecy. “Do you swear you will not utter a single word of what I’m about to share with you? If you do, harm will come to you!”
He nodded frantically. “I swear.”
The door opened, and Mr. Hathorne entered the room. A young man stood behind him, but I could not see who he was until they stepped further into the room. My breath caught at the sight of him.
Jonathon Young stood next to Mr. Hathorne, looking devilishly handsome. I had to place my hand over my stomach to settle the jitters.
“Mr. Young,” Timothy and I said in unison. I was positive Timothy had noticed my reaction.
“Mr. Hues, may I ask you to step outside for a moment. This is a… private conversation.”
Timothy stood taller. “I am her escort; it would not be proper for me to leave her alone in the presence of two men to whom she is not related.”
“Her abby is also here. I assure you, Miss Soloman will be fine.”
My body trembled at the way my surname came forth from Mr. Hathorne’s lips. As if it pained him to speak it.
Timothy turned to me, and I said, “I shall be fine, Timothy. Ayana is with me.” I glanced over at my dearest friend, and she took a step forward as if to reassure Timothy.
He nodded. “Do not be long, Quinn. We must return shortly.”
The best I could offer was a slight nod of my head. Fear gripped at my throat, but I had no idea why.
The door shut. I glanced to Ayana, and she smiled. If she wasn’t concerned, there was little reason for me to be.
“I’ll keep this brief as it seems you have snuck away from your dinner party.”
My mouth fell open, but I quickly closed it when I noticed Mr. Young smile.
Oh dear. He has dimples on each cheek.