He was embarrassed.  That was why he didn’t seem excited. Bess had never considered how awkward it was for a young man to discuss love with his older sister.  She would have no problem at all revealing her feelings for William to Tobias and Nate, or even their father.  In fact, she longed to tell them.  She wished she could shout it loud enough for the entire world to hear.  Yet that was impossible and probably always would be.  She refused to think of William’s wife passing away.  He was unhappy in his marriage but his two little girls deserved to have their mother in their lives.

“A bit,” she admitted, "though perhaps I should have seen it coming.  The two of you have been inseparable since childhood.  And yes, of course I like Sally.  I think of her as my friend too.  I will not tell Nate when I write him about Father.  You can inform him yourself when he gets here.”

For a few moments, she sat in silence, as if pondering something.  Finally she spoke again.  “You know the owner of the jewelry store in Whitby sometimes buys my jewelry designs.  Would you like me to design a wedding ring for Sally?  I’m certain that Mr. St. Clair will be happy to make it for you and I will make sure that it’s something that you can afford.”