“Supawn,” Selah repeated. “Mush?”
As the mush simmered, frying bacon commenced. Curling her nose, Watseka eyed the pork with suspicion. Was sweetening shunned as well? Selah took out the Caribbean sugar and put a bit on Watseka’s tongue, a wide smile her reward. One front tooth was missing, giving Watseka a slightly lopsided look.
Candace came in, making much of their little charge. “Well, I see all is in order. Watseka proves a great help in the kitchen.” She moved to where an apron hung on a wall peg. “I fear your father did not sleep a wink last night due to his coughing, which surely kept those of you upstairs awake as well.”
“Nay,” Xander assured her as he stepped into the kitchen.
“I’m sorry to hear Father is no better.” Selah began ladling steaming mush into bowls while Watseka set out spoons. “I shall tend the store today. Thankfully, only churning the butter and making small beer remain for Izella. The other chores are mostly done, thanks be to Xander.”
“A far cry from your usual duties.” Candace looked at him fondly as he seated himself and took a first bite. “We don’t mean to keep you any longer, though we do appreciate your help.”
“I can carry Selah to the store on my way to Rose-n-Vale,” he replied, reaching for the bacon.
“No need.” Selah took her place, at war within herself once again. “The store isn’t far yet is a bit out of your way.”
“As you wish,” he replied quietly, winking at Watseka as she added more sweetening atop her mush.
Seeing the exchange, Selah let her heart have its say. “On second thought...”
Xander looked at her in question.
Heat filled her from head to toe at her sudden reversal. “A ride would be a fine thing, thank you.”
A beat of amusement crossed his face as he began speaking in Watseka’s tongue, leaving her giggling more than eating. He took a small piece of bacon and fed it to the pup, who wagged without ceasing at their feet.
Still giggling, Watseka responded with a veritable volley of musical words.
“Her pup is to be calledKentke,” Xander told them. “‘He dances.’”
“Oh?” Delighted, Selah tried out the strange word much as she’d donesupawn. “Kentke.”
“The pup certainly does dance, for he never stops his wiggling.” Candace rose at the sound of Ustis’s hoarse voice from the bedchamber. “If you’ll excuse me...”
Finished with breakfast, Xander murmured something to Watseka, which led to her helping clear the table. When he wandered outside, Selah felt the void before she realized he’d gone. But he was not far, just beyond the door, and would soon carry her to the store.
Blowing out a little sigh, which caused Watseka to look her way, Selah hung the kettle over the flames and prepared her father’s tonic. Lord willing, she’d serve Xander no more nays and excuses. For once her heart would trump her head and curb her reason.
22
From atop Xander’s horse, the view of the river and surrounding countryside was sublime. Xander pointed out various things only a true native would know, making the distance to the warehouse and wharf lamentably short. Crates and hogsheads lay about, some empty, some still full of wares. Faced with all that still needed doing, Selah all but mumbled an apology. There simply weren’t enough hands, Shay’s foremost. Already the wharf was lined with watercraft, the bridle path along the shore muddied with those approaching to buy, barter, or trade.
“Your work is cut out for you this day.” Sliding to the ground, Xander helped her down and hobbled Lancelot. “I’ll do what I can, though I am no cape merchant.”
“You’ll do plenty.” His steadying presence bolstered her as she unlocked the back door with the keys her father had given her. “I rather like these joint endeavors.”
Once she found the scales, Xander opened the front entrance to the men living on outlying Hundreds, most vaguely familiar to her but better known to him. He greeted them allby name and a handshake, inquiring after their welfare and their families, making introductions when needed.
And she thought James Towne was busy.
The forenoon found her buried in tobacco receipts but scant coin. And then came a blessed lull. Securing the coin in a metal box, Selah looked up to see Xander at counter’s end.
“Needs be I return home,” he told her.
She nodded, so grateful for his help a mere thank-you seemed inadequate. Crossing to where he stood, she reached for his hand and gave it a heartfelt squeeze. “You’re a fine man, Xander Renick.”
He laced her fingers in his, drawing her closer until she was in the sanctuary of his arms. Held so, her cheek against his chest, his heartbeat rhythmic and enduring beneath her ear, she felt ... sheltered. Safeguarded amid their tenuous circumstances.
“Here and now, Selah, I declare my intentions to you.” His whispered words were warm against her temple. “I would have you as my bride, the mistress of Rose-n-Vale, if you decide that is what and where you want to be.”
