Love's First Flames (Banished Saga, 0.5) by Ramona Flightner Page A

his knees cracking with the movement. He nodded his thanks as Gabriel poured him a cup of tea.
    “Yes, although I need to study. I have a test tomorrow in math, and I need to do well.”
    “That goes without saying,” Mr. Smithers said. He scratched at his thinning gray hair. “I haven’t seen much of Richard lately. He used to stop by after his work at the smithy and head home with you.”
    “He’s been meeting up with a friend after work,” Gabriel said.
    Mr. Smithers watched Gabriel curiously for a moment. “A friend. This friend wouldn’t happen to be one of a female inclination, would she?” At Jeremy’s laugh, Mr. Smithers nodded. “Thought as much. You’re out of sorts because your brother’s sweet on some girl.”
    Gabriel glared at Mr. Smithers but remained silent.
    “It’s about time, and you should follow his lead. Find a young woman you fancy and live that life you’ve dreamed about.”
    “You don’t know my dreams, sir,” Gabriel growled as he rose and paced toward his workbench.
    “I’ve a far better idea what goes on in that brain of yours than you think. And you deserve happiness just as much as the next. Just as much as sonny, here,” Mr. Smithers said, patting Jeremy’s arm. “What’s this young lady like?”
    “An orphan, like us. Smart. A survivor,” Gabriel said.
    “Well, seems your brother has chosen well,” Mr. Smithers said. “When the woman you love is smart and feisty, fights for what she wants, that’s a fine thing. But when she’s also loyal and honest, well, that’s a rare gift that shouldn’t be squandered.” He nodded once to Jeremy who was doodling on his paper, yet listening intently to Mr. Smithers’s speech. “You mark my words, boys. Find a woman like that, and you’ll have a good life.”
    “A contented life?” Gabriel asked with a raise of his brow.
    “That’s a namby-pamby word if I’ve ever heard it. No, you’ll be happy. For once your eyes will shine because of your own joy, son, not because of something your brothers did. But for yourself.”
    “Mr. Smithers,” Gabriel said in warning with a glance toward Jeremy.
    “He should understand all you’ve sacrificed to give him this life.”
    “I do. Rich and I know what Gabe’s done for us.” Jeremy looked at his math.
    “And you shouldn’t feel guilt for it,” Mr. Smithers said as he set down his tea mug. “If you’d been the elder brother, you’d have done the same.”
    Jeremy raised startled green eyes to Mr. Smithers.
    “Never discount your good fortune in having each other. But don’t become so self-reliant that you won’t allow others into your little group.”
    Gabriel watched him with an arrested expression and nodded. He focused on his work, Mr. Smithers’s words turning over and over in his head.
    ***
    GABRIEL LEFT THE WORKSHOP the following day in the midmorning. Although Gabriel had advised Mr. Smithers that he was to meet with a new client, he took a trolley and headed toward the South End. He disembarked near Chester Square and walked to Mrs. Kruger’s house.
    Florence opened the door to his knock. “Mr. McLeod. Has something happened? Is Richard all right?” She gripped the doorknob until her fingers turned white.
    “He’s fine. He’s no idea I’m here.” Gabriel rubbed at the back of his nape and looked down the block. “I know this is highly improper, but might I speak with you?”
    “I have duties, sir,” Florence said. “And I must complete them.”
    “I understand. I wish you no disrespect, Miss Butler.”
    “However,” Florence said, “I’ve yet to make it to the bakery today. Mrs. Kruger was quite unsettled last night and required more care than usual this morning. In a few minutes, I will be on my way.” She watched him pointedly before closing the door.
    He nodded and headed toward the square. He walked around the fountain three times before he heard soft footsteps approach. “Miss Butler,” Gabriel said.
    “Hello, Mr. McLeod. I must