Startled awake, I sat up quickly, thinking I was late for Jessica’s wedding. Rubbing a hand over my face, I blinked the fog from my eyes, and looked to see where I put my phone, only to find that I was in my bedroom, still in 1865.

“What the . . . ?” Patting the covers around me, I felt like I was losing my mind. It couldn’t be right. This had to be the longest dream of my life. Not that I was complaining, but it was getting weirder by the minute.

What made it worse was that I had to spend the day cooking a meal to give to some eligible bachelor I wouldn’t be interested in. Why couldn’t they cook the women a meal? After fretting over the fact that I might be truly sick from something I ate, causing me to hallucinate and have this dream, I decided there was nothing I could do about it at the moment.

Hopping out of bed, I headed into the adjoining dressing room. Finding the wash basin, I poured some water into the bowl and washed my face. Next, I found a jar of what I believed to be primitive toothpaste. Thank heavens it had been invented by this time, or I’d be running around feeling like my teeth had sweaters on them. Brushing with an odd, overly large toothbrush, I rinsed my mouth out, and felt halfway decent.

I made my way back into my bedroom and opened the closet to see what I had to work with. It was nothing but dresses—both day and fancy ones. But what I really needed was a pair of pants, and it didn’t look like that was an option. I picked a plain, navy dress and slipped it on, not even worrying about the corset. But I would be lying if I didn’t admit to admiring the details of the dress, down to the buttons carved from bone. I couldn’t help but wonder how my mind had put together every little detail with such precision.

Tummy growling, I decided to head downstairs. At the base of the stairs stood a woman with short, graying brown hair. Upon seeing me, she stopped mid-step and bowed her head. She was short and round, dressed in a long black dress and apron, just like Helen wore.

“Good morning, Ms. Hamilton. I’m Evelyn Chambers,” she said, her voice low and soft.

“Good morning to you, Evelyn. It’s nice to meet you.”

She waved her hand toward the kitchen. “Would you like some breakfast? I wasn’t sure what you would want. We do have some hot biscuits right out of the oven, and I can make you some eggs.”

I shook my head. “No, don’t worry about me. I know how to make them myself. Besides, I have to be in the kitchen today, to cook who knows what. Thank you though.”

Her mouth gaped wide and she looked confused. I knew I wasn’t speaking or acting correctly for the time period, and wished I had some Austen material with me to brush up on my speech.

Evelyn smiled a little unsurely and slowly stepped away. “If you need anything, please let me know.”

I nodded. “I will. Thanks again.” Pushing through to the kitchen, I found Helen sliding biscuits into a basket and covering them with a cloth. “Those look amazing.”

Her head snapped my way and she grabbed her chest. “Oh, Miss Hamilton! You should have rang for me. I would’ve helped you dress, and brought breakfast up to you.”

I held out my hands, attempting to put her at ease. “No, really. I just went over this with Evelyn. I’m fine. I might need a little help with my hair and evening gown later on, but I’m going to be cooking away in the kitchen today. No need to bother yourself. I’ve got it. Thank you though.”

Letting out a small noise that almost sounded like an exasperated giggle, Helen shook her head and grinned. “Well, then. Please feel free to have as many as you want.” She held up the basket of biscuits.

I walked over and picked one out of the basket. I broke it in half and it was fluffy inside, just like the ones I made. Closing my eyes, I took a bite and moaned. They tasted just like mine too. I was told the recipe had been passed down through the ages, and now I knew it to be true.

“What all do you use in these?” I asked.

Helen giggled. “Your grandmother made them. You’ll have to ask her. Evelyn and I don’t make them as good as her, so we quit trying. I’m not complaining. I love eating them. And she made extra, so you could put a few in your raffle basket.”

I took another bite, relishing in the familiarity. “Usually, I like to do things myself, but I might have to take her up on the offer. These are amazing.”

Helen agreed with a nod. “Everyone in town loves them. Whoever wins your basket will be ever so grateful. People are always asking for your grandmother’s biscuits.”

The thought made me smile. At all my family gatherings, everyone begged for mine, which was why I had to make them every time we all got together.

Popping the last two bites in my mouth, I explored the kitchen, wondering what I could possibly make for the raffle. Seeing all the different gadgets I wasn’t familiar with, I honestly didn’t know where to start.

“Are you still wondering what to cook?” she inquired.

I sighed. “Yep. I just need to figure out what we have here.” There was a pantry across the room, so I walked inside and looked at all the vegetables. “Is it bad that I’m not really excited about this?”

“Most of the women love it. They like to show the men how well they can cook.”

I scoffed. “I’m afraid if I do that, I won’t get rid of the guy who wins my basket.”

She burst out laughing. “Forgive me, but you are so very different, Adeline. You make me laugh.”

“Glad I could help.” I winked at her and went back to the stockpile of food. There were tons of dried and cured meats, so I picked out a ham and gathered up a few sweet potatoes and green beans. Add in the biscuits my great-grandmother made, and it would be the perfect meal. “All right, I think I have it.”

Setting everything down on the table, Helen looked pleased. “Do you want any help?”

I shook my head. “I’ve already cheated enough by using the biscuits. I need to see if I can tackle the rest of it on my own.” Back and forth, I stared at the food and then over to the wood stove, realization settling in. It was going to take all day without electricity.

Ready or not, here I go.

“Adeline, you’re pushing into your time to get ready,” my great-grandmother warned as she marched into the kitchen, dressed in her fancy emerald gown. She got a good look at me and inhaled dramatically. “Oh dear! You’re worse than I thought. How will you get your hair done in time? It’s in a state of disarray!”

Helen passed me a large cloth and I set it over the food and shut the top of the basket. “I’ve got this, Mrs. Hamilton,” she assured my grandmother. Holding onto my arm, she began to tug me out of the kitchen.

“Helen, no. I’ve got this one.” My great-grandmother gently grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward the door and past a stunned Helen. “Come with me and I’ll help you get ready, dear. We only have an hour and a half left.”

I followed her up the stairs to my room and I picked out a royal blue, silky gown from my closet. There was a sheer, white lace covering over the bottom of the dress that bustled in the back, giving it a bouffant style. The top of the dress was even more beautiful. The lace around my puff sleeves almost had a glitter effect to it. It was going to look amazing underneath the candlelight. I didn’t care about impressing the eligible bachelors, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to wear such an exquisite ball gown. I’d never get the chance once I woke up.

“Lovely choice, Adeline.”

Once out of my flour covered dress, she helped me put on a clean chemise and drawers, and a corset and three petticoats. Yes, three! Then came the hoop skirt, my over petticoat, and finally the gown. Before I could admire myself for too long, she was pulling me over to the toilet table chest.

“Sit down and I’ll fix your hair, dear.”

I did as she said and watched her as she rolled the hair off my face and braided a portion of it, so she could wrap it across the top of my head, like a headband of sorts. The other sections of my hair she crimped and braided, securing it over a cushion at the nape of my neck. It was a very popular hairstyle for the evening in the 1860s.

There was a glow about her, like she was an angel. For a moment, I could almost pretend we were spending time together in real life. “After my basket gets picked, do I have to introduce myself to the person?”

Her grin widened. “Yes. Your gentleman will need to know who he’s escorting to our party.”

“Since it’s our party, don’t you think I should get the privilege of asking who I want?”

She shrugged. “Maybe, but like I said, this will be good for you. And every year, a lot of the couples get together at the pond behind the town hall and ice skate afterwards.”

A slow smile spread across my lips. Ice skating, I could handle. I was actually pretty good at it. However, I wasn’t so sure how I was going to be wearing antique blades.

“You do know how to skate, don’t you?” she asked.

“I’ve done it a few times,” I replied, feeling excited. I didn’t want my date to know it, until I smoked him on the ice.

“Good. I already had Reginald put a pair of skates in the carriage for you.” Pursing my lips, I looked up at her reflection in the mirror and she winked.

A half an hour later, she finished my hair. Holding up a mirror behind me, I could see the intricate design of braids crisscrossing the back of my head, woven into a large roll of hair at the base of my neck. The hair style was unbelievable, and it accentuated the oval shape of my face perfectly. It was another Hamilton trait.

She placed her hands on my shoulders. “It’s time to go, my dear. Your grandfather and I are going to the Mason’s after the raffle, if you want to go there instead of ice skating. The men always like to play cards, while the women gossip.”

“I’m not much for gossip.”

She winked. “Neither am I, dear. I’d much rather go skating with the young folk. If only my knees were strong enough.”

“You could skate with me. I wouldn’t let you fall.”

“I know you wouldn’t.” She kissed the top of my head. “Come on, let’s go. Your grandfather hates to be late.”

We walked downstairs, and I grabbed my basket out of the kitchen. Helen stood by the door with my shawl and draped it over my shoulders. “Good luck,” she whispered.

“Thanks. I’m going to need it.”

My great-grandfather was already outside, and he waved me over to the two men he was talking to. There were two carriages, both with horses. “Adeline, this is Reginald and Edward. I don’t think you’ve met them yet.”

I bowed my head and curtsied. “How do you do,” I said, trying my best to play the part of an 1865 maiden.

My great-grandfather placed his hand on the older gentleman’s shoulder. His hair was almost fully gray, down to his moustache. The black suit he wore looked brand new. I was glad my grandparents took care of the people who worked for them. “This is Reginald, your grandmother’s coachman. He’ll be bringing you home tonight when you’re ready.”

Reginald held his hat in his hand and bowed his head. “Good evening, Ms. Hamilton.”

Then my great-grandfather placed his hand on the other gentleman’s shoulders. “And this is Edward, my coachman.”

Edward was a bit younger than Reginald. His blond hair didn’t have as much gray, and his face was less wrinkled. He wore the same kind of suit as Reginald.

“How do you do, Ms. Hamilton.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” I said sweetly.

Grandmother walked out at that moment, and Grandfather helped her into the phaeton. He held his hand out to me and I got in, taking the seat across from them. Once we were on our way, my heart started racing. Even though the baking tradition was silly, I couldn’t help but be nervous.

My great-grandfather smiled at me. “You and Mr. Blair had a lot to say to each other last night.”

I nodded. “We did. I enjoyed his company.”

“Good to hear, good to hear. I don’t know much about him, but he seems like a gentleman. You had many of the other young men jealous.”

“Which was most entertaining,” Grandmother added.

He chuckled and agreed with a single nod. “Yes, it certainly was.”

The carriage ride was much bumpier than I’d ever imagined it would be, and I had a hard time imagining what people would do when they were ill or injured and had to take long carriage rides to the nearest hospital. That’s probably why house calls were more prevalent in this time.

When we arrived at the town hall, there were almost too many people milling about. I must have looked stunned, because my great-grandmother patted my hand. “When your grandfather and I leave, Reginald will be here with you to take you home when you’re ready.”

“Thank you. I’ll probably be ready right after the raffle.”

She tried her best not to smile, and I could tell she didn’t believe me. “If that is your wish, my dear.”

Edward opened the carriage door and my grandparents exited. Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my basket and followed suit. We walked into the town hall and everyone was buzzing about like busy bees.

My great-grandmother pointed at a bald-headed man who was putting numbers on the baskets. “Take your basket to that gentleman. His name is Marcus McGee. He’ll give you a number and then you can go sit with the other women.”

I looked over at the group of women, and I was shocked to see I wasn’t the oldest. There was at least one woman older than me, and she didn’t appear to be very happy to be in attendance. That makes two of us.

Sucking up my insecurities, I walked to the front of the room, where I noticed William standing in a corner with other men. His lips pulled back slightly when he saw me, in a very devilish kind of smile. I bet the majority of the thirty women in the room wanted him to pick their basket. My chances of getting him was slim to none.

Marcus watched me approach and his grin widened. “Hello, Ms. Adeline Hamilton.”

“Hello,” I replied.

Taking my basket, he set it down with the others and handed me a number. It was number thirty. “Have a seat and we’ll get started shortly. Did your grandparents explain how this game is played?”

“Yes, they did.” Unfortunately. “Thank you.”

Turning on my heel, I headed over to the excited group of women and sat down beside the one who looked to be around my age. Her dress was navy with plum stripes and her chestnut colored hair was pulled away from her face in an elaborate up-do.

“Hello,” I said and held out my hand. “I’m Adeline Hamilton.”

Smiling meekly, she shook it. “Yes, I had a chance to see you yesterday, when I came to your party over at the Hamilton Manor. We were never introduced. My name is Hannah Gardner.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Hannah. I hate I didn’t get to speak to you there.”

She snickered. “Your attention was quite diverted. I don’t blame you. William Blair is most agreeable.”

I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks. Glancing over my shoulder, William was busy talking to another man with blond hair and glasses and a kind smile. “He’s easy to talk to. It’s hard to find that nowadays.”

“Yes, I dare say it is. My late husband and I could talk for hours.”

Her comment brought my attention back to her; shocked she was a widow at such a young age. Taking in her face, I noticed she had an angelic quality to her. “Is this your first time doing this then?”

She nodded. “I just moved to Asheville a few months ago with my parents. They said I should re-enter society.”

“You don’t seem happy about that.”

Her eyes glistened. “I’m not. I’m a thirty-one-year-old widow. My husband died two and a half years ago in the war, and I’ve just come out of mourning. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of him.”

My heart broke for her. I knew all too well of the lives that had been lost in the Civil War. “I’m sorry, Hannah,” I murmured. “I can’t imagine what that must feel like.”

Taking a deep breath, she let it out slow and smiled. “It’s not easy, but I must move forward.” She glanced at the men across the room. “Although, I’m not sure how I will fare. Most of the gentlemen here would prefer a young, vibrant woman.” She motioned her hand toward the other girls.

“Maybe. But you forget one thing; it’s Christmas time. Anything’s possible.”

Her grin widened. “Yes, it is.”

I bumped her in the shoulder and lowered my voice. “After the contest, I hear that everyone goes to the pond and ice skates. If we don’t like our dates, we can always keep each other company. What do you say?”

She nodded once. “I can handle that.”

About that time, Marcus raised his hands and cleared his throat. “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. As you know, every Christmas, we hold several social events. But this one is extra special because it’s how I met my wife. If it weren’t for her smoked pork and potatoes with fresh-churned butter, I don’t know if we’d be here today.”

Everyone chuckled at this.

“Not to mention, the pumpkin pie for dessert,” he added with a laugh. Turning to the table of baskets, he breathed in deep and grabbed his stomach. “I must say, these baskets sure do smell delicious right about now.” The crowd laughed again.

A woman in a silky, burgundy dress with her white hair pulled into a bun, walked up and handed him a bowl full of tiny pieces of paper. He smiled lovingly at her and bowed his head. “Thank you.”

“That’s his wife,” Hannah whispered. “At least this process worked for them.”

I already knew it wouldn’t for me. “Just pray you don’t get James Ferguson.”

A scoff escaped her lips. “In my age, it’s easy to see he’s an arrogant buffoon.”

“You and I will get along just perfectly,” I said, laughing.

“All right, everyone, let’s get started,” Marcus announced. “Gentlemen, when I call your name, come up here and pick a number.”

I lowered my voice. “What number do you have?”

Hannah opened her tiny piece of paper. “Eight.”

I showed her mine. “Good luck.”

She giggled. “You too.”

One by one, Marcus called the men up, they picked a number out of a hat, and they received the corresponding baskets, along with their dates. The room thinned out quicker than I’d anticipated. Luckily, William was still in the crowd with his friend in the glasses, but so was Mr. Ferguson. Heart racing, my stomach clenched every time one of the men walked up to get a number.

As the numbers dwindled, I couldn’t help but notice a woman dressed in an elegant, pinkish-rose gown, that matched perfectly with her golden blonde hair and creamy skin. Although it wasn’t her beauty that’d caught my attention, but how she couldn’t take her eyes off William.

“Who is that?” I whispered.

Hannah followed my line of sight and sighed. “Her name’s Elizabeth Ferguson, James Ferguson’s sister. She’s entitled and not very nice. I’d steer clear of her.”

“Must run in the family.” Now that she mentioned the relation, I could see the resemblance between her and her brother. They both had the same color hair and eyes.

“Number fifteen,” Marcus announced. Elizabeth snarled her lip and stood, clearly unhappy with her date. I was though, because it wasn’t William.

Hannah moved closer and clutched my arm. “I’m so ready for this to be over.”

“Me too,” I agreed. “The suspense is killing me.” It all came down to three men and three women: William, James, the man in the glasses, and me, Hannah, and another woman I didn’t know.

“Mr. James Ferguson,” Marcus called out. James grinned over at us and picked a number out of the bowl. I squeezed Hannah’s arm. Please, God, let him get the other woman. Mr. Ferguson handed Marcus the number and they both looked over at us. “Number thirteen.”

Hannah and I breathed a sigh of relief, and I looked up at the ceiling. Thank you, God.

The woman whose basket got picked, jumped out of her seat with delight. Mr. Ferguson glared over at William, who in return, tried to hide his smirk and failed miserably.

“It’s up to me and you, Hannah. We should be safe now. The guy in the glasses looks pretty sweet.”

She peered over at him and smiled. “Yes, he does.”

“Mr. Fred Simmons,” Marcus called.

The guy in the glasses walked up to the front and pulled out a number. Marcus patted him on the shoulder and handed him Hannah’s basket. “Number eight.” Hannah stood and sucked in a nervous breath.

“I’ll see you at the pond,” I said low.

She nodded. “Okay.”

Fred walked over with her basket and held out his arm. He seemed just as nervous as she was, which might bode well for Hannah. I couldn’t imagine losing a husband at so young an age, but hopefully, in my dream, she’d find happiness.

Marcus held up my basket and chuckled. “Mr. William Blair, if you would please come up here and claim the remaining basket.”

William looked over at me and we both walked up together. He drew the last piece of paper, and inside was my number thirty.

“I smell some homemade biscuits in there, young man. I might be stealing them out of your basket.”

William shook his hand. “Sorry, Mayor. I don’t think I’ll be sharing this one.”

Marcus burst out laughing and so did everyone in the crowd. William held out his arm and I took it. My great-grandmother waved at me, as William and I walked to the main doors.

“Who would’ve thought you’d get stuck with me?” William teased.

Well, it was my dream, so with me wanting him to pick my number, I was probably able to make it so. “Is that so bad?”

Chuckling, he opened the doors and everyone else was already by the pond. “Not at all. I’m glad I got you.” He set the basket down and opened it. “What all do we have in here?”

“Ham, sweet potatoes, green beans, biscuits, and a blackberry cobbler.”

His eyes widened. “You were busy today.”

I shrugged. “I love to cook.”

He shut the basket and picked it back up. “And you will share some of this with me?”

“No,” I gasped, grabbing my stomach. “I grazed all day long. That’s how I know the meal is good. There’s no way I can eat anything right now.”

He frowned. “What a shame. I was hoping to spend more time with you.”

Laughter echoed from across the pond. I looked back, and Hannah waved for us to join them. “Who says you can’t? Do you know how to skate?”

“Maybe a little,” he said, eyes twinkling. “I was told I’d need a pair for tonight, so I brought some. What about you?”

I shrugged. “I’ve gone before, but I’m not the best.”

Holding out his arm, he nodded toward his carriage. “Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall.” I linked my arm with his and shivered. I loved the way it felt to be close to him.

“Thanks. I don’t know how easy it’ll be to skate in this dress.”

William glanced down at my large hoop skirt and smiled. “I see your point. However, you look breathtaking in it.” Heat rose to my cheeks. “Do you mind if I drop the basket off at my carriage?”

“Not at all. I’ll just gather my skates and meet you over there.”

Parting ways, I made my way over to Reginald, who sat in the front seat with a newspaper and a pipe. It was cold outside, but he didn’t seem to be bothered by it.

“Hello, Reginald,” I called out.

Lowering the newspaper, he puffed out a cloud of smoke and took off his hat, his soft graying hair growing thin. “Good evening, Ms. Hamilton.” His brows furrowed. “Are you ready for me to take you home?”

I shook my head. “I just came to get my skates, but you can go back to the house without me. I don’t want you sitting out here in the cold. I’m pretty sure I can find my way back to the house on my own.”

“Sorry, Ms. Hamilton, but—”

“Adeline,” I cut in. “Please, call me Adeline.”

He bowed his head again. “I’m sorry, Miss Adeline, but I will wait here, if you don’t mind.” Taking in a deep breath, he smiled and let it out slowly. “I like being outside and reading the newspaper. It helps me escape.”

“Escape from what?” I asked.

His face drooped and he looked down at his pipe. “My wife died a few months ago from pneumonia. I asked the Hamilton’s to give me more work. My children are all grown, and busy with families of their own. I don’t want them feeling like they have to take care of me. And being out and about keeps my mind occupied.”

“I’m so sorry, Reginald. You’re right, staying busy does help. But that doesn’t stop me from feeling bad that you have to wait on me.”

He shook his head. “Don’t feel bad, Miss. Staying here also allows me to keep an eye on you. It’s not proper for a young lady to be out on her own, and the young men aren’t as honorable as they were back in my day.”

“You are absolutely right, Reginald.” If he only knew what life was like in my time, he’d croak. Times sure had changed. Even if things were a little harder in the 1800s—cooking without electricity, no hot showers, and toilet paper that gave your hiney splinters—it was still a less complicated time in life. I had time to breathe and not worry about checking my email or social media outlets. There were clear cut social rules, and I didn’t have to fret over dating apps or men ghosting me. It was a break from reality.

“Miss Adeline.” William marched over, his skates in hand. “Are you ready?”

“Yes. I just need to grab my skates.” Opening the carriage door, the skates were right inside. Thankfully, it wasn’t the kind that strapped around your shoes. They were real skates that slipped on and laced up. William took them from me and I nodded up at Reginald. “William, this is Reginald. He works for my grandparents.”

William reached up and shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, sir.”

Reginald relaxed back in his seat. “Be safe out there, and watch our girl.”

“Yes, sir.”

“We’ll be safe,” I said at the same time, taking William’s arm. Hannah and her date were already on the ice when we got down to the pond. “How do you know Mr. Simmons?” I asked.

William and I sat down on a fallen tree trunk and put on our skates. “His father owns the furniture store. They’re both excellent woodcrafters. In fact, I watched them make a table the other day. Fascinating stuff.”

“I’m assuming he’s nice though?” I pointed at Hannah who couldn’t stop laughing. Fred wasn’t a good skater at all, and neither was she. They kept falling left and right, both trying to help each other up and failing.

William chuckled as he watched them. “Fred’s a good guy,” he claimed. “Just a little shy.”

“So is Hannah. They look cute out there together.”

Once my skates were on and secured, William stood and reached for my hands. He pulled me up and winked. “Ready?”

I’d skated a gazillion times before, but never on a pond. It wasn’t smooth like a skating rink would be. I could totally see myself falling on my face. Taking a deep breath, I stepped onto the ice, and William pulled me along. The pond was uneven and choppy, but after a few minutes, I got the hang of it.

“Do I need to keep holding your hand?” William asked with a chuckle.

I let him go. “No, I believe I’m good. I can handle it from here.”

Not everyone from the contest was on the ice. A lot of them congregated around the pond, while others enjoyed eating together. There were a select few who weren’t even around their dates, Mr. Ferguson being one of them. I felt bad for the woman he picked. She sat on a bench with two other women who looked just as sad as her.

“What are you looking at?”

I shrugged. “Just at everything in general. I don’t think these raffles really bring people together. Granted, the mayor found his wife that way, but look at all the people who look less than pleased about their partners.” William followed my line of sight.

He skated closer to me. “You can’t force people to like each other. I guess you could call us lucky.”

“Oh, you don’t need to tell me. I was so afraid I’d get stuck with Mr. Ferguson.”

William snorted. “Me too. I spent the whole time trying to come up with a sinister plan to steal you away from him, if that became the result.”

I burst out laughing. “And what was your most menacing plan?”

He jumped in front of me and skated backward, so he could face me. “I’d thought about breaking his legs, the pair of them, but then I’d be hauled away. Not the best outcome; for you would be alone, and I’d be sleeping on the floor in a jail cell.”

I shook my head in mirth. “Lucky for us both, I’m a woman who can think for herself. I would’ve gotten away from him somehow.”

“Adeline!” Hannah called. We skated over to her and Fred. She grabbed my hands, out of breath from laughing so hard. “I don’t think I’ve had this much fun in ages.”

“I’m glad to see you’re having a good time.”

Fred and William shook hands and William patted his shoulder. “Fred Simmons, this is Adeline Hamilton.”

Fred bowed his head and I did the same. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Hamilton.” He smiled over at Hannah. “I have to say, I’m looking forward to the Christmas party at your house this year.”

I winked at Hannah. “Is there any particular reason?” I teased. Behind William and Fred, Mr. Ferguson and two of his friends skated across the ice toward us. “Uh-oh, we have incoming.”

William turned around smoothly, crossing his arms over his chest. He glided back toward me, our arms touching lightly. Hannah and Fred both stared at them with wide eyes.

James grinned devilishly at me, then turned a glare to William. “Congratulations are due, Mr. Blair. I see you’ve won the best basket this evening.”

William agreed with a nod, his posture tense. “I have, but then again, I’m sure all of them were quite nice.”

James scoffed. “You’re more than welcome to have mine . . .”

William’s gaze narrowed. “I’m happy with what I have.”

James shrugged. “How about a little competition then? Surely, you’re not afraid of that.”

“Seriously?” I snapped impatiently. “This is so childish, even for you. Why do men feel like they have to compete all the damn time?”

Everyone stared at me like I’d grown two heads. However, my outburst appeared to have had the wrong effect on Mr. Ferguson, who seemed impressed. That wasn’t what I wanted.

“She’s a pistol, Mr. Blair. She clearly needs someone who can keep up with her. You don’t strike me as that kind of guy.”

“I think she can figure out what she wants on her own,” William said, his voice calm, but I could hear the hint of anger behind it.

James skated around us. “How about we race to find out? The better man wins the girl.”

I threw my hands up in the air. “I’m standing right here.”

William glanced back at me, his gaze full of fire. He turned back to James. “She’s not a prize to be won. She can make her own choices. Judging by her tone, I’d say she’s not too interested in you.” James glowered and started to speak, but William held up his hand. “However, if you want to race to see who’s the best, I’m all for it. Otherwise, I suggest you move along.”

James’s friends snickered, and so did Hannah and Fred. He didn’t like being laughed at. “Fine,” he huffed. “The first one to the other end of the pond and back, wins.”

They both got into position and William shot me a glance and winked. “Want to count us down, sunshine?”

I couldn’t help but smile. I liked that nickname. “On your mark, get set . . . go!”

They took off down the pond and everyone moved quickly out of their way. William’s technique was different from James’s. They were both good, but William was just a bit quicker; his moves fast and efficient.

“Looks like Mr. Blair’s going to win,” Hannah said, clapping her hands while Fred whistled.

She was right. William made it back to us first, with James only a second behind him. William held out his hand. “Good race, Mr. Ferguson.”

Mr. Ferguson glared at his hand, but in the end, shook it. “I’ll beat you next time. When the stakes really matter.” Turning around, he skated toward the edge of the pond and disappeared behind the line of carriages.

Fred patted William on the shoulder. “I think you bruised his ego.”

William chuckled. “That was the whole point. He needed to be taken down a peg or two.”

Hannah squeezed my arm and smiled. “I should be getting back home. I’m sure I’ll see you around town? I work at the market.”

I nodded. “Definitely. I’ll stop by.”

Fred and William shook hands and we said our goodbyes, then Fred escorted her off the pond. William sighed and stuck his hands in his coat. “I’m sorry about the race. I wasn’t about to let him use you as a bet.”

My heart fluttered. “I appreciate that. In fact, if I’m being honest, I was shocked you said anything at all.”

His brows furrowed. “Why is that?”

I shrugged. “Most men would rather show their dominance over everything, including women. It’s probably the number one reason as to why I’m not married already.”

“You don’t have to worry about that with me. You have a mind of your own, and I trust you know how to use it.”

“Thank you, William.”

After a few more turns about the pond, the crowd started thinning, with small groups gathering on the sides, taking off their skates. “I should be getting home,” I said. “Reginald’s waiting for me.”

William nodded, and we slowly made our way to the edge of the pond. Taking my hand, he helped me onto the bank. “I’m really looking forward to the meal. I’ll drop the basket off at your house tomorrow.”

Excitement bubbled in my chest. “I’ll be there.”

Once our skates were off, William walked me up to my carriage where Reginald was still reading his newspaper. When he saw us approach, he was about to hop down, but William held up his hand. “If you don’t mind, I’ll help the lady in.”

Reginald nodded and stayed in the front seat. William opened the carriage door and held my hand as I climbed inside. “Goodnight, dear Adeline.”

“Goodnight, William. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”

He shut the door and stepped back as the carriage took off down the road. And I couldn’t help but think what I’d said was true; I couldn’t wait to see him again.