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using a cloth afterwards. “What is it?”
    “I…” he glanced at Ellen, “It’s private. I…just wish a word with you.”
    Now panic truly set in. I had burned that letter! I never said another word about it to anyone. How on earth could this be happening? “Very well.” I followed him down the hallway to the stairs. It was too cold to go outside without a jacket, and I hadn’t brought one, but he suddenly gave me his, handing me a heavy overcoat. “Th-thank you.”
    He opened the door, as we stepped out into the crisp morning, my feet encountering snow. The kitchen garden had long since perished. A new round of growth would have to wait until spring.
    “I’m sorry to bother you, Willow.” His hands went into his pockets.
    “Aren’t you cold? You should have your jacket back.”
    “No, I’m fine. This won’t take long.”
    I gazed at him, finding his features as pleasing as I remembered. “You seem to be doing well with freighting.”
    “Things have slowed now, but that’s not what concerns me at the moment.”
    “What’s the matter?”
    “I’m going to marry Cybele.”
    I waited for the jab that I was sure to feel piercing my heart, but it failed to materialize. “Congratulations.”
    “She’s accepted me.”
    “That’s wonderful.” Yet I had to wonder why his expression was so morose, or did I have to wonder?
    “I should be over the moon with elation, and I thought I would be…” He gazed at nothing in particular.
    But?
    “I can’t help thinking….”
    What?
    “If things had been different between us…”
    If I hadn’t been stricken with the smallpox and scarred for life?
    “I don’t know.” He met my gaze; his pale blue eyes were filled with confusion. “We were once so close. You were always my first choice, did you know that?”
    I swallowed with effort. “I remember your companionship. I think back fondly on it.”
    “I want to apologize to you.”
    “For what?”
    “For being stupid and immature.”
    “I…don’t understand, sir.”
    “When you got sick…when you nearly died, my mother wouldn't let me see you.”
    “She was protecting you from catching what I had. That’s to be commended.”
    “But after…after you recovered. There really was no excuse for not resuming our friendship. I missed your company greatly. I always felt we had an easy rapport. Even today, you’re one of the most companionable women I’ve ever met. You listen without interruption; you’re supportive and wise. I’ve missed that over the years.”
    “We grow up and change, William. Nothing stays the same.”
    “But it should have!” he exclaimed. “Mother had a point, but, after you recovered, I should’ve treated you the same. I feel dreadful about it. You must’ve thought I stayed away because of the scars. That’s not true.”
    “You were always fond of Cybele as well, from what I remember.”
    “I suppose.”
    “Are you asking for my forgiveness? If so, then you have it. I feel no ill will towards you. I wish you nothing but the best.”
    “I don’t deserve that.” He glanced at his feet. “I’ve been a terrible friend.”
    “It’s my fault too. I could’ve sought you out. I stayed away as well.”
    “You’ve become reclusive and shy. I think I know why.”
    “My face frightens people. I…loathe their reactions, to be honest. It’s easier to keep to myself.”
    “But you shouldn’t. You mustn’t feel that way.”
    He hadn’t a clue what it was like to be stared at wherever he went, with people whispering behind his back. “I’m perfectly happy in my life, sir. I’ve enough work to keep me occupied, a family who loves me, and a strong desire to continue to be of service to them. I also love to cook. It brings me a measure of joy.”
    “I’m keeping you from your work.”
    He seemed utterly dejected, which was perplexing. For someone recently engaged to the prettiest woman in town, his attitude was quite the opposite of what I had expected. “Again,