Daphne studied the wriggling creature. “He must have lived here for a long time to get so big."
Henry turned his head until he was looking into the crayfish's beady black eyes. “Would you like to come live with me?”
Daphne tussled Henry’s hair. “I think we should allow him to stay in the creek. It is his home after all.”
Henry turned his gaze on her, his gleeful expression turning contemplative. “I suppose you are right, mama.”
“Indeed, I am.” She stroked her finger over the critter’s shell once more. “But you can play with him for a bit before you return him to the water.”
Henry’s mouth spread into a wide grin, his face radiating with joy. “I will call him Alex,” he proclaimed before lowering himself onto the smooth stones lining the creek. He cupped his hands around the small crayfish and began speaking to it in a soft, gentle voice as if it could understand his every word.
Daphne could not help but grin as she wondered how Lord Brunsford would feel about sharing his name with a crustacean. She actually did laugh when she imagined him with beady eyes and feelers popping out of his head.
As though she had summoned him, Alex asked, “What is so amusing?”
His familiar baritone sent a pleasant shiver through her and she spun to face him, still laughing. She inhaled a copious amount of air and sobered a fraction as he drew closer to the edge of the creek.
“Look at the crayfish I caught.” Henry held the critter up for Alex to see. “I named him after you.”
Alex arched one dark brow as he stared at Henry and the crayfish. “Bring him closer.”
Daphne began laughing again.
Alex glanced at her. "Do tell me what has you in stitches?"
“I…when he told me…I can not stop picturing you as a crayfish.” She burst into another fit of laughter. “A...noble one...of course,” she said between giggles.
Alex joined her, chuckling as he held his hands to the sides of his head and pointed two fingers upward, wiggling them like the creature’s feelers.
Henry reached his side and thrust the crayfish toward him. “Mama said he must have lived here a long time to have grown so big.”
Alex dropped his hands back to his sides and smiled down at Henry. “He does appear to be rather aged.”
“Not at all,” Henry said, holding the creature closer to his chest. “He is smart and strong. Like you.”
Daphne could not miss the look of admiration in her son's eyes as he conversed with Alex. Nor did the tender way Alex spoke to Henry escape her. Their exchange warmed her soul and she acknowledged that there had to be a great deal of good in a man who treated a child with such kindness.
Perhaps, she had judged him unfairly. She would have to rectify that. And straight away.
“What a nice thing to say.” Alex took another look at the crayfish, then grinned. “Perhaps you should call him Henry as you are also smart and strong. Why, look at the way you bested me with swords.”
Henry laughed. “I did give you what for.”
Daphne approached the pair, coming to stand beside her son. “I am afraid it is time for you to return to the house.”
Henry’s brow scrunched. “If I must.”
“You must.” The corner of Daphne’s mouth turned up, mirth filling her gaze. “Return Alex to the water and fetch your shoes.”
Henry turned the crayfish toward his face and brought it close. “Stay safe out there, little buddy.” Then he held it out toward her and Alex. “Say your goodbyes, too.”
Dutifully, they bid their farewells, then watched as Henry released his prize back into the wild. He trudged from the creek and scooped up his shoes. "Are you coming, Mama?"
“I will be along in a bit. You hurry up. Aunt Phoebe’s waiting for you.”
He turned his attention to Alex. “She’s taking me riding today.”
“Are you an accomplished rider?” Alex asked.
