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

I also have the commission for Mr. Gilman to finish. It needs another coating of varnish, and then it will be ready for delivery.”
    “You’re caring for that piece as though it were your firstborn,” Mr. Smithers said. “It’s a chest of drawers for his daughter. I doubt she’ll notice the amount of time you’ve taken to ensure it is as you’d like.”
    “But I will, and that’s what counts,” Gabriel countered.
    “Exactly.” Mr. Smithers hacked again and sat at a chair at his workbench. “You’ll be a great success, my lad. I’ve never been so proud as the day you became a Master of this fine craft. I hope your brother will follow in your footsteps.”
    “No, sir. Jeremy will do something with his education.”
    “He’d be lucky to work with you. With the aftereffects of the Panic, there’s still too many out of work.”
    Gabriel grimaced at the mention of the Panic of 1893, and remembered the number of people who had lost their livelihood when businesses and banks had failed. Signs of recovery were around them, and he knew that he and Mr. Smithers were fortunate to continue to receive excellent commissions. “I know. It’s the only reason I agreed to Richard becoming a blacksmith apprentice when he completed his education. I have faith Jeremy will find a good job when he’s finished his schooling.”
    “You’ve cared for those boys as though they were your own. Something I’ve always admired. But you must allow them to live the lives they want, Gabriel. Without you hovering over them, advising them on what you think that should be.”
    Gabriel stiffened at Mr. Smithers’s words.
    “I try not to give you much advice. But both your brothers are getting of an age when they will need to test their wings. Let them.”
    Gabriel met his old friend and mentor’s serious gray eyes. “I try. But after nine years, it’s very hard to let them go when all I see is what could happen to them.”
    “The mistakes and adventures they’ll have are for them to determine. Just as yours are for you to live. You’ve the tamest life of any man in his early twenties I’ve ever met. You’re never in a saloon. You have almost no friends your age. You spend all your time caring for your brothers, running interference with that aunt of yours. You need more from this life, Gabriel.”
    “When I know my brothers are settled, when we have our own place . . .” He broke off as Mr. Smithers waved his hand at him.
    “Rubbish. Live your life now. Waiting to begin living is no sort of life. Dare to dream, son. Have faith fate won’t be so cruel a second time.” He watched Gabriel with a fierce pride.
    Gabriel looked down into his coffee mug and shook his head, speaking barely above a whisper. “That’s hard to do, sir. But I will try.”
    “That’s all I can ask of you. Now I doubt that piece’ll varnish itself or those measurements get taken if you continue to sit on your tail end drinking coffee.”
    Gabriel smiled, relieved at his mentor’s tactful change in topic. He rose, attempting to rid his mind of Mr. Smithers’s words. For no matter what Gabriel had said to his friend, dreams only led to heartache.

CHAPTER NINE
    RICHARD AND GABRIEL STOOD at the front door to an imperious brick mansion on Chester Square. It was twice as large as its neighbor’s, with large gardens in front in full bloom with dahlias and asters in a riotous mix of colors. Gabriel shared a long glance with Richard before nodding to the door for Richard to knock. Richard raised the heavy knocker in the shape of a closed fist and tapped a few times.
    After a few moments, the door opened soundlessly to a maid in black dress, white apron and white cap covering her hair. “Yes?” she inquired.
    “We are here to see Mrs. Kruger,” Richard said.
    “Do you have a card?”
    “Ah, no,” Richard said, gripping his hands around the brim of his hat to prevent patting at his coat and pants in futility. “If you could tell her that I’m the