“Well, that’s good then,” she said, relaxing with a satisfied smile.
Willow returned with the teapot and produced cups. “He is healing, isn’t he?”
“Yes, indeed. And more quickly than I’d expected, to be honest with you, dear.”
“It must be the magic of your tender attentions, Mrs Smithers,” Harry gave her his most charming smile.
“And the loving hands of your wife, too, young man.” She glanced pointedly at Willow. “You are fortunate indeed to have been in the care of this sweet girl. I’d never have expected one such as she to reveal such a strong desire to nurse anyone the way she did.”
“Now, really, you know all I had to do was follow your instructions…”
He was amused to see Willow’s cheeks colour at the compliments.
“I’m sure being told what to do helped. But doing it, well, that was another matter.” Mrs Smithers turned to Harry. “Your wife bore the burden of ensuring your fever didn’t take a serious toll, lad. I’m not certain we’d be here now were it not for her care, day and night, through all those hours when you tossed and turned and shivered, or roasted…yes, you were in a sorry state indeed.”
“I am well aware that I am blessed with this woman, Ma’am. You need have no doubt on that score.” He beckoned to Willow. “I could not be happier to know that I was in such good hands, but I’m also saddened that I had to put her through such an experience.”
Mrs Smithers nodded and smiled as Willow tentatively accepted Harry’s hand and stood at his side.
“I have to suppose you were on the continent then,” she sighed. “Them nasty fevers seem to be even nastier when they’re brought over the channel.”
“Indeed, Ma’am, you’re quite right. There are more than a few folks suffering from a variety of ailments this winter. A sad thing.”
“Damned war,” she muttered. “Too many lads won’t be coming home before it’s over, mark my words.”
Harry felt Willow’s hand squeeze his and glanced up at her. “I have to admit I’m very relieved that he’s back with me,” she said quietly.
He watched her face, wondering at the emotions he could see in her eyes. “You couldn’t be any happier than I, my dearest.”
Mrs Smithers laughed. “Oh, there now, lad. You’ve made your wife blush.” She stood and straightened her skirts. “You two have not been married long, I’ll wager?”
“Er…”
“A mere few months,” Harry said, smoothly. “And I’m looking forward to many years of happiness.”
“Your tea…” Willow motioned at the table. “Come and have it before it gets cold.”
“Of course, dear. You’re such a kind girl.” Mrs Smithers settled her ample self on one of the chairs that Harry could have sworn let out a slight groan.
“Now that we’re all sitting up and comfortable, perhaps you could tell me how you two met? I haven’t wanted to press your lovely wife about such matters with you so sick, Mr Chalmers.”
“How kind you are,” he smiled. “When did we meet?” He glanced at Willow, noting the slight look of panic that crossed her face. “Oh goodness…years ago, wasn’t it? And quite naturally, as a matter of fact. Her parents’ estate and mine border each other.”
Harry sipped tea. And it was, indeed, damned good tea. “So you could say that our families were familiar with each other for many years before we arrived. Of course, not all of us were around at the same time, and as you probably can guess, the lads spent more time with each other, that with their sisters…”
“That doesn’t surprise me,” she laughed.
Willow nodded, a nervous smile on her lips, but apparently content to let her “husband” weave the story of their meeting.
“So our lives intersected more often than might otherwise have been expected, and that gave me the chance to watch Willow grow and bloom into the wonderful woman she is today.”
“Um…Harry? I think you might still have a touch of fever…” Willow was staring at him, wide-eyed.
“Ahh, newlyweds. And escaping the family for a nice long holiday together down here on the coast, I would guess. Madame Lépine would have been so happy to have hosted the two of you, although I’ll admit I think this house is a bit snug for a honeymoon.” Mrs Smithers shook her head and finished her tea. “Of course, close quarters aren’t a problem, are they?”
Harry chuckled. “Indeed not, Ma’am.”
Willow blushed. Again.
