He smiled at her, a giddy smile that caused her to giggle. He laughed because she was, both of them giddy with the attraction they were feeling between them, something new and delightfulto explore. But Val caught a glimpse of McCloud heading back in their direction and he quickly sobered.
“I wanted to escort you and your father home today because it is my intention to ask your father if he will permit me to visit you at Durley,” he said. “Will you be receptive to that?”
“Of course I will.”
Val very much wanted to take her hand and kiss it but he was afraid it might alert McCloud, or worse, offend the man. So, he clasped his hands behind his back to lessen the temptation.
“Thank you,” he said softly. “I am very much looking forward to it. And to you.”
Vesper averted her gaze, both delighted and embarrassed by the man’s attention. She was in new territory and struggling to adapt.
“I hope to return to Eynsford soon,” she said. “I… I hope that is not too far for you to visit.”
He shook his head. “You could go to the moon and I would find a way to get there. Do not worry about me; where you go, I will follow.”
It was a very sweet thing to say. Vesper didn’t think her heart could get any lighter. This was better than anything she could have ever dreamed. Before she could reply, however, McCloud joined them and disrupted their conversation.
“Your mother is most gracious, Val,” McCloud said. “She has invited us back next month to visit again and stay for a few days. She says the forests in the area still have game in the winter and that you and I will hunt.”
Val liked that idea very much and he was, frankly, surprised his mother had suggested it. Perhaps McCloud’s flattery had softened her up, after all.
“That sounds like an excellent suggestion,” he said. “I welcome it.”
McCloud seemed very happy about it, as well. “I am pleased to spend more time with you, my old friend,” he said. “But, for now, must return home. Shall we depart?”
Val nodded, turning to indicate the stables over by the western wall. “If you are ready, then we shall,” he said. “It seems that we have a great deal to discuss on the ride home.”
They started walking towards the stables. “Oh?” McCloud said. “What about?”
Val and McCloud were walking together with Vesper following. Val turned to glance at Vesper before answering, just to make sure she was there. She smiled sweetly at him when their eyes met.
“A position with me,” he said, tearing his gaze away from her to look at McCloud. “I need a man to cover the extreme southern portion of my territory and I was hoping to hire you for that task. I pay two pounds a month in silver. It would make a nice income, McCloud. Would you be interested?”
McCloud stumbled, faltering as he came to a halt. His wide-eyed gaze was on Val. “An… an appointment? With you?”
Val nodded. “I have needed a man in the south for some time now but I have found no one I can trust. Forgive me for not thinking of you all along. Are you interested?”
McCloud was speechless for a moment. “Two pounds a month?”
“Is that enough?”
A look of joy rippled across McCloud’s features. “It is more than enough,” he said, his voice hoarse with emotion. “You… you would not want a younger man for this task?”
Val shook his head. “Younger men often do not have the experience. I need someone older, with such experience as you have. Will you do this, McCloud? You would be doing me a great favor if you did.”
The old, tired man that McCloud had become suddenly felt a resurgence of life through his veins. He saw the potential of redeeming himself in a way he could have never expected. And the money… God’s Bones, the money! It would keep them from starving. But it did not deter him from his plans for Margaretha; nay, that was a much bigger prize. But for now, Val’s offer would do.
It was a start.
“Of course I will do it,” he finally said, reaching out to shake Val’s hand eagerly. “I cannot tell you how grateful I am.”
Val patted the man on the shoulder as they resumed their walk towards the stables. “Good,” he said. “I am comforted. We shall discuss your post on the ride to Durley. And there is something more I wish to discuss with you.”
“God’s Bones, what more could there be?”
Val didn’t hesitate. “Much as you wish to keep company with my mother, I wish to keep company with your daughter. Will you permit me? I assure you that my intentions are entirely honorable.”
They had reached the stables and McCloud paused again, facing Val. “I could ask for no finer man for my daughter,” he said sincerely. “If Vesper is agreeable, then I give you my blessing.”
