Unwept by Laura Hickman Tracy Hickman Page A

her honor. Dancing. She’d much rather dance than eat. She briefly glanced at Alicia’s tightening lips, let out a small breath and politely headed for the buffet. The atmosphere in the side room was calm as people filled their plates. Ellis sat on a floor cushion next to the redheaded girl. Elias brought them lemonade and joined them. Jenny stood in the center of a small knot of admirers, who, ogling her hair, swept her back into the social hall, all of them begging for a dance. Jenny did not give Ellis even a backward glance that might have released her from the small predicament she was in. Alicia carefully shut the doors to the hall as the music was started up.
    â€œI’m so glad you’re back,” said the redheaded girl. “You probably don’t remember me, but I’m Martha. Things are always so lively when you’re in charge.”
    â€œReally?” was all Ellis could think of to say. She was surprised by the comment. It was hard for her to imagine herself as a ringleader. And of course, this party was obviously Alicia’s function, not hers. Besides, Ellis thought, it was Jenny who had set everyone off like firecrackers, wasn’t it? Ellis took a bite of what turned out to be a bland cucumber sandwich and sipped nearly flavorless lemonade.
    Elias sat quietly next to the girls and cast a furtive glance at Ellis. Martha, seeing it, said, “What is it, Eli? Do you want to ask Miss Harkington a question?”
    â€œWell, if you don’t mind, miss. Is it … wonderful in the city? What did you do there? Would we, I mean, I like it?”
    Ellis pursed her lips together. She thought she had managed to neatly skirt the subject of where she was from, since she apparently had no more idea than this fellow what it was like there. She closed her eyes and hoped to make up something general that would satisfy him. A thin ribbon of images illuminated her inner vision. “There are tall storefronts, cobbled streets, an electric trolley, wool shops, seagulls and a port that is much larger than here.”
    â€œEllis, are you finished with your plate?” Alicia hovered above her, Merrick at her back.
    Ellis’s eyes flew open. She smiled. She had remembered something. Just a bit. She wasn’t even certain the images she’d seen in her mind’s eye were of where she was from, but it felt like a memory. Relief and giddiness filled her veins.
    â€œMiss Harkington, Ellis, would you care to dance?” Merrick held out his hand to help her to her feet.
    This was her chance to escape more questions she couldn’t answer. “Thank you, I’d be delighted.” She allowed him to help her up and as she did so caught the curious thundercloud look he shot Elias over her shoulder.
    â€œWe’re going to dance.” Merrick stated a fact. “Alicia, you should join us and let someone else clean up these plates.”
    â€œGladly!” she said, and unceremoniously shoved the dirty plates onto the end of the buffet.
    Ellis felt exhilarated as her heels clicked against the wooden dance floor and she was enveloped by the music. She found she could dance quite well. The dances were familiar to her feet. She loved it and Merrick was an adept partner. In fact, she knew by just the way they moved together that they must have danced together before. After three dances in a row she begged off and Merrick escorted her to a chair next to where Jenny was seated.
    â€œThank you.” Ellis smiled gratefully up at Merrick. “You rescued me back there at the luncheon. I didn’t know what I was going to say to Ely. But I remembered, at least, think I remembered a few things. Anyway, thanks.”
    To Ellis’s surprise, there was concern in his face. He whispered, “I hope you’re OK and that the doctor won’t be too put out with us for keeping you.”
    â€œJust a little tired. I’m going to be fine.” As she said the word