“All better now,” she smiled and dried his cheeks. “Let’s see what’s going on outside.” Ruth stood and they headed outside, Matthew’s head resting on her shoulder.
But she stopped short, seeing Daniel approach. He stopped and bent down to examine the dressing on his son’s knee. He was silent for a time and Ruth feared the worst. Guilt consumed her—if she hadn’t gone with Jimmy to see the colt, there would be no bandage on Matthew’s knee now.
She couldn’t see Daniel’s face and feared he was angry. He reached out for Matthew, who opened his arms to his father. Daniel hugged him tightly, which only made Ruth feel worse.
Daniel turned around looking at her. She thought of the previous night, and how different he was at the dinner table, compared to what he might be thinking about her now. Did he regret giving her the colt? She wouldn’t blame him if he did. Would he take the colt back?
Daniel looked at Matthew’s dressing and frowned, looking at her again, questions in his eyes. She felt her heart race, and heard it pound in her ears. Would he banish her? She was supposed to look after Matthew and ensure his safety. But he’d been hurt while in her care. Tears threatened to brim as fear took over, making her lower lip quiver.
“How are your hands?” Daniel asked quietly with a concerned frown. “You’re shaking, are you cold?”
“I’m alright. My hands are a bit tender but improving,” Ruth smiled wanly. She wished he would just shout at her, but strangely he didn’t seem angry. He was calm and unperturbed.
“Where did you learn to dress wounds like this?” he asked and looked at her with interest.
“From my father,” Ruth replied, feeling herself flush. “I worked alongside him at his clinic, I learned how to treat wounds and I helped him surgery.”
Still sure she’d done something wrong, she braced herself to hear him banish her any moment now. But Daniel was surprised to see the color drain from her face.
“I heard Matthew’s cries,” he saw her lip quiver and he sighed, placing Matthew on the floor. “Actually, I’m very impressed.”
Ruth stared. “You are? But Matthew got hurt and—”
The corners of his mouth curved. “Ruth,” he said gently, “all children get hurt. It happens. I was watching from the window and Matthew had been teasing Coyte. She got up and he stumbled.”
“I’m so sorry, Daniel,” she apologized.
Distracted, he thought how he liked the way she said his name. It was like a soft breeze caressing new leaves in the spring.
“If I hadn’t gone into the barn,” Ruth fretted, “he wouldn’t have hurt himself. I’m sorry, I should have been more careful.”
“I’m not so sure,” Daniel saw relief soften her face. “Coyte is not as young as she used to be and can’t tolerate Matthew’s games the way a younger pup would. You can’t blame yourself, Ruth, accidents do happen, and Matthew will be fine.”
He heard her breathe a sigh of relief and color returned to her cheeks. He looked at Matthew’s dressing again, and seemed pleased that Ruth had done such a good job.
“Ruth,” Daniel studied her face, “you handled the situation quite well. Matthew can carry on for hours if he stumbles or falls,” he said drolly. “But look at him now. He’s calm, the incident forgotten, and he’s already pulling at the dressing.” He paused and changed the subject. “I noticed rain clouds along the horizon. If you still intend on going to the pond, I suggest we go now. Elizabeth has packed a grand basket and refused to let me look inside.”
Ruth chuckled and seemed to relax relaxing at last. “Yes, that sounds like her. She wants to surprise us.”
“Well, let’s go then. Jimmy has the carriage ready for us,” Daniel said with a corner of his mouth tipped upward and her face brightened into a happy smile. He felt his heart tug whenever she showed that dimpled smile of hers—the one he had come to like so much.
Chapter Fourteen
Carrying Matthew, he collected the picnic basket and they met the carriage outside. Daniel was relieved to see that she seemed happier now and more relaxed than earlier. The carriage top was folded down so they could enjoy the mild weather, and Daniel packed the picnic basket behind the seats. He found himself excited to spend free time with Ruth and Matthew.
Daniel climbed in next to Ruth, who held Matthew on her lap. The nearness felt awkward in the carriage; they had not been this close before, but Daniel found that he enjoyed the warmth of her next to him.
“The trip will be shorter with the carriage and more enjoyable with the top in the event of rain,” he smiled. With a gentle pull on the reins and a cluck of his tongue, the horse started off at a slow trot and quickened to a brisk pace along the road. Daniel realized that just being with Ruth made him feel calm and at peace.
He enjoyed the cool breeze and stole side glances at her lovely face. Matthew played with auburn strands that escaped her chignon and blew about her cheeks. Leaves rustled at the bidding of the wind as they rode along, and Matthew pointed to them and laughed as they were swept along. Daniel thought he would like to take her and Matthew to the pond again when the weather was bright and sunny. More often, he thought, definitely more often.
Soon the pond was in sight and Daniel jumped down to help Matthew and Ruth disembark. At the touch of her soft, warm hand, he wondered if she felt the same shiver he had. He watched as she held Matthew’s hand, leading him to the pond while Daniel carried the food-laden basket.
The pond rippled as a breeze swept across its smooth surface, the surrounding rushes and cattails swaying under its gentle influence.
“This is magnificent, Ruth,” he said as he looked over the surroundings. He found he enjoyed the sound of her name on his tongue. He was pleased that her serene countenance had returned.
“Yes,” she agreed. “I’ve brought Matthew here several times on outings. He loves the long grass and he likes to splash at the water’s edge.”
