“Not at all, not at all.” Nelson’s head swung around as he surveyed the room, now glowing and scented with lemon. “It has never looked this lovely.”
“It was the least I could do,” she answered. “How does one repay the kindness of strangers? There is really no way to thank someone who has saved one’s only child...” Her gaze rested on Gen, who had succumbed to a good lunch and a warm fire, and was now napping in one of the cosy chairs. The faithful Thim sat motionless beside her on the floor.
Nelson’s ears rotated. “I believe there is someone at the door. Excuse me, Ma’am.”
“Of course.”
Lyra gave the little table a final swipe, then sat on a low stool by the fire. She would not betray nerves, she swore to herself. Whoever had come to the house probably had nothing at all to do with her and Gen, and it was silly of to think otherwise.
But she couldn’t help a brief shudder as a male voice sounded outside the room, and she quickly rose to stand next to her sleeping child.
The door opened, Lyra held her breath...and then a familiar face peered inside.
“Mr Fowler,” she sighed. “I was just...we were...” She glanced at Gen.
“You were warm and comfortable,” Hiram said softly. “And I have disturbed you.”
“No, no, not at all.” She whisked her dusting cloth out of sight. “I’m afraid we’re the only ones here at the moment...”
“Silas is always late,” he laughed. “And for once, I’m early. But please sit. Talk to me for a little while.”
“I...er...” Helpless before his warmth and gentle smile, she sat in one of the armchairs, and he took the other.
“It’s easy to see what you’ve been doing today.” His gaze roamed the room. “You’ve given Silas back his library.” He took a deep breath. “And it smells wonderful as well.”
“Nelson gave me the polish,” she nodded. “You’re right. It does make a difference, doesn’t it? When things smell right?”
“I couldn’t agree more.” He leaned back in his chair. “But this is the sort of conversation that makes me nervous.”
Lyra blinked. “You? Nervous? I find that very hard to believe, sir.”
“Indeed, I am.” He crossed his legs. “Polite conversation scares me, Mrs Sinclair. I’m very bad at it, you know. Always worried I’m going to say the wrong thing and offend someone.” He sighed. “When you’re my size, it’s hard not to attract attention, so making a fool of oneself is an added hazard.”
“Well, you don’t need to worry about me,” she smiled. “I find your conversation delightful.”
He smiled back, a warm and genuine smile that reached places she thought had long withered away. “Forgive me if I’m being forward, but I find you delightful, Ma’am You and your daughter? Two beauties, one in full bloom, the other just beginning to bud.”
Lyra felt the colour heat her cheeks. “You’re too kind,” she murmured.
“Just telling you what I see,” he replied calmly. “And of course I see a woman who has more than her fair share of troubles.” He glanced pointedly at her leg. “I’d like to ask about that, but I would be worried it might upset you.”
She thought for a moment. “It was two years ago,” she began. “It’s a silly story, and I fear I shall bore you with it...”
Hiram shook his head. “You could never bore me, Mrs Sinclair.”
“Lyra, please? If I’m going to talk about this, please call me Lyra. I shall feel more comfortable...”
“Then Lyra it shall be, provided you honour me the same way.”
His smile. Great gears, the man had a smile that could light a fire from a dozen yards, and Lyra had no way of resisting its appeal. So she nodded. “Thank you, Hiram.”
“Good. Now. Tell me your story?” He glanced across the room. “Before Gen awakens.”
She nodded. “Yes. That would be best.” She settled herself in her chair and gazed at the fire for a few moments, gathering her thoughts.
“It begins with a foolish girl who dreamed of a life she thought she would never have...”
*~~*~~*
