Chapter Seven

"One. Two. Three. Four. Now back, two, three, four." Bethany clapped her hands in time to the rain hitting the glass windows. "Once more forward, three, four. Back again, two, three, four. Now turn your partner by your right hand. Right hand, Ben." Tessa laughed at her brother's misstep.

"Not funny, Tessa," Ben laughed. "You try to keep all the steps right in your head."

Bethany pushed up from where she was leaning against the settee. "You're doing just fine, Ben. Try it again. Turn Tess by your right hand and go back to where you originally were."

"What's this dance called again, Bethany?" Tessa asked, taking Ben's hand.

"It's the Virginia Reel. They dance it every year at the Chapman's harvest dance. They also do it at barn-raisings and church socials."

"What if we can't get there because of the rain?"

"Then you'll just have more time to practice."

"Do you think we'll be able to go, Ben?"

"Why wouldn't you?" Bethany asked. "It's not far."

"Ben doesn't take me to many places because of the weather. I get cold easily."

"I don't want her getting sick." Ben leaned over. "She doesn't do the extreme weather changes very well."

Bethany nodded her understanding. "Well, if that doesn't work, then we'll just have to have a dance here so you can impress everyone with your new skills. Ready to start again?" She started clapping her hands again and tapping her foot in time with the beat of the dance. "You'll turn with your left hand next. Then both hands."

"Then we do-si-do!" Tessa called.

"Yes, do-si-do," Bethany laughed.

As the rain continued to pelt against the windows, Tessa danced with Ben, their feet stomping out a lively tune that reverberated through the small house. Bethany laughed as Ben and Tessa promenaded from one end of the house to the other before circling back around the room.

Ben was not a natural dancer, but what he lacked in gracefulness, he made up to keep his sister happy. As the dance ended, they all collapsed onto the settee and cushions scattered around the room, chests heaving with exertion but hearts full of joy.

"I must say, this is quite an unexpected turn of events," Tessa spoke up suddenly. "Who would have thought we would dance on a stormy day? You know what this reminds me of?"

"What?" Ben asked.

Tessa turned to Bethany with a teasing glint in her eyes. "Our very own version of Little Women."

"My pa purchased that book when the book wagon came through town last year. Ma read it this past winter." Bethany couldn't help but laugh at that comparison. She could just imagine them as Jo and Meg March dancing away in their attic on rainy days. Ben would not have made a good Laurie, though.

"Which one of us is which character, then?" Bethany asked playfully.

"Well, obviously I am Jo," Tessa declared with mock seriousness. "The strong-willed, opinionated one of the group."

Ben and Bethany shared a knowing look

"All right," Benjamin said after a moment, catching his breath. He leaned against the table and ran a hand through his hair. "Again, from the top."

Tessa grinned. "This time you and Bethany dance."

Ben grabbed Bethany's hand and tucked it under his arm as he led her to the middle of the room. Standing across from her, he gave her a smile as Tessa mimicked Bethany's movements from earlier.

"Let's begin," Tessa called, as she clapped. "One. Two. Three. Four."

Bethany counted along with her. When she felt Ben place his arm around her shoulder and pull her close for the do-si-do, she felt a warmth radiate through her, enveloping her completely. His hand was sturdy and warm, sending chills coursing up her arm in an unexplainable flutter of delight. The tension was palpable as they danced, their gazes locked onto each other's. It was as though the storm outside had ceased to exist. There were only the two of them in the entire universe.

"One, two, three, four," Tessa continued, clapping the rhythm. Bethany tried to focus on their steps but found herself drawn into Ben's earnest gaze. His dark eyes glowed in the candlelight, showing an intensity that made her heart flutter. She was so lost in his gaze she missed a step and stumbled slightly.

Ben caught her before she fell and pulled her close to steady her. There was a moment of silence as they held onto each other. The only sound was the rhythm of the rain against the windows and their own breathing. For a moment, there were no words, just the two of them holding each other close.

"Are you all right?" Ben asked, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through her. He didn't let go of her immediately, his hand lingered on her waist, steadying her.

"I-I'm fine," Bethany stammered, her cheeks flushing with a fiery warmth that extended all the way to the tips of her ears. Her hands gripped his arms tighter, and she could feel his muscles bunch under her fingers. She steadied her breathing, hoping to avoid another fainting spell. He had witnessed one already. "Just missed a step is all."

"You ought to be more careful," Ben gently teased. "I might have to rescue you again." He could have removed his hands, but they stayed on her waist longer than necessary. His touch was a combination of strength and tenderness unlike anything Bethany had ever experienced before.

"I will," she murmured, unable to break away from the intensity of his gaze. "Be careful." She felt a burning desire to close the gap between them and lose herself in his muscular arms. She held back, reminding herself of the reality of their situation. As soon as the rain stopped and the creek receded, she'd be heading home. "I think I overexerted myself." She gently stepped back. "I should probably go to bed."

"It's still early," Tessa said.

"It's all right." Ben reached out and took Bethany's hand and lifted it to his lips, pressing a kiss against her fingers. "Thank you for the pleasure of dancing with you." He dropped her hand and turned to Tessa. "You need to let Marigold out for the night and get ready for bed yourself."

Bethany couldn't help but smile at the display of affection between the siblings. Benjamin's rough exterior seemed to soften around Tessa.

It would be so easy to fall in love with him.

As she made her way to Ben's bedroom, she wished the rain would stay forever, drown away the world and leave only her, Ben, and Tessa. Wishes were mere whispers of the heart, futile against reality's loud call. She closed the door behind her and leaned against it. Her heart was pounding against her chest like a wild bird longing for freedom.

She could still feel the imprint of his hand on her waist, his fingers pressing into her flesh with a surprising tenderness which made her shiver in delight. She traced her fingers along the spot, as if she could still feel the searing memory of his touch on her skin.

She strolled to the bed, finding herself unable to shake off the lingering sensations from their dance. Climbing into bed, she lay in the dark and stared at the wooden ceiling above. She couldn't escape the thoughts whirling in her mind. Her palms perspired as she recalled the intensity of Ben's gaze, the feel of his powerful arms, around her and the comforting smell of him. He was a potent mix of gentleness and strength that made her heart flutter wildly.

Outside, the storm raged on, but inside Bethany's heart, a different storm was brewing, and she didn't know how she would explain that to Pa once she arrived back home.