Free Abigail's Secret (A Whimsical Select Romance Novella) by Tamara Ternie Page B

them from the sun. 
    “I think I shall move around a bit,” she said to Abigail.  “I fear I’ll have a puddle of sweat beneath me if I sit much longer.”  Yet when Tess stood , the wood beneath her feet began to squeak and squeal in protest.  The crowd that stood at the edge of the podium stepped back and gasped, fearing that the structure would collapse.
    Tess walked toward the crowd and laughed aloud.  “I’ve often been told at socials that my wit can bring down the house.  Perhaps we’ll now see it in a more literal sense.”
    The crowd returned to the edge of the podium and joined her laughter.
    “Do not fear, my friends, the platform was built by our own Dickerson Lumber Company here in Mecklenburg. ”  She slightly raised her skirts and took her foot and stomped hard onto the Mahogany wood flooring.  “Best craftsmanship in the South!” she exclaimed.
    The people in the crowd cheered and applauded.  Tess never ceased to amaze Abigail with her ability to turn her oversized condition into a positive note.  The woman had flash, and Abigail admired her greatly for that. If she was still as overweight as Tess, Abigail wouldn’t have given the same reaction.  No, the moment that first squeak whined out, she would have ran and hidden herself away from those who could mock her.  She had a lot to learn from Tess.  In fact, she realized, she had a lot to learn from Brice too.
    He was right.
    “Do not fret, Abigail,” Tess whispered as she returned to her seat.  “All is not lost.”  She nudged Abigail’s arm and nodded in a direction that revealed Brice Winslow leaning aside a portico beam in order to watch the drawing’s announcement.
    “He’s not here for me, I assure you,” Abigail said.  “He is probably hoping his name is drawn so he might spend time with you.  I think he has truly taken a fancy to you.  Unlike me, he’d have married you.”
    “Oh, dear Abigail,” she laughed.  “You truly are inexperienced in these matters.”
    “Yes, I confess I am, but Brice left no room for doubt o f his feelings.  He dislikes me greatly for who I am.”
    “ It’s not about whom you are, Abigail,” she said kindly.  “It’s about the person within you that you’re afraid to show to others…as well as to yourself.”  Tess patted her hand.  “Today, I expect you to do nothing but laugh, play, and have good conversation while at the barbecue.  Believe in yourself and those around you will follow your lead.”
    “You’re right, and I shall do exactly as you have said.  Today is a fresh start.”
    Tess pointed toward a fine looking gentleman that didn’t seem particular enthused with the festivities, and in fact, looked outright bored.  Tess glanced at Abigail and her smile broadened wide into the most ornery grin she’d ever seen.  “As Mister Winslow is here, now is a good time to begin your introductions with others so he may see your progress.”
    “With another gentleman?” she asked.  Her mouth opened wide and she quickly closed it.  “I don’t believe that was Brice’s intent ions when he stated I needed to open up to others.”
    “No, I suppose not, but I warrant he’ll notice right quickly of your growth in this matter,” she said, and added a hard wink.
    “I believe you are right, ” Abigail grinned. 
    Abigail rose from her seat and descended the steps that led to the man. She had never approached a man so brazenly. Even in Baltimore she kept to herself and never socialized.  Her days and nights consisted of working and sleeping with nothing else in-between. 
    She approached the man cautiously and smiled when she reached his side.
    He tipped his hat and returned the smile.  “Miss Abilene,” he said, and she wasn’t the least surprised that he knew her name.  Most people in town were well aware that she was Tess’s constant companion.
    “ May I be so bold and ask your name, sir?” she asked politely.  His face was more favorable than she