Her gaze jerked to his and she studied him, probably wondering what he wanted to discuss.
Alone. He tried to speak that last word with his eyes.
She seemed to understand, for she nodded. “I’ll come to check on things soon.”
He gave her a smile, but not so big as to draw the attention of the others. “Rest first. Sleep and eat and stay warm. I’ll be waiting when you’re ready.” If the shadows under her eyes were any indication, she hadn’t slept much in that time under the cleft of the rock.
Though her mouth didn’t speak, her eyes gave him a smile that warmed him all the way down. This woman nurtured his soul, and he had a feeling without her in his life, there would always be a missing piece.
25
As people slowly left their quarters, Brielle could feel the weight of her father watching her. He’d seen everything that passed between her and Evan, she had no doubt. Just the fact that Evan had come to see her, desperation marking all his features, would have been enough to raise Papa’s suspicions. She had much to answer for now.
Good thing she’d already planned to tell her father more about why she was certain Evan could be trusted.
All the people who’d come to hear her story had returned to their own homes now, and only the five in their family remained. Papa sent a look to Uncle Carter that her uncle interpreted easily.
He pushed up to his feet and stretched his hands high over his head. “Charlotte, Andre, I have something in my room I’ve been meaning to show you both. How about now?” His offer was more statement than question. Charlotte might have picked up on that undertone, but Andre scrambled to his feet, simply eager for something to do. Sitting around while the adults talked was not his favorite pastime.
While they shuffled out, Papa refilled Brielle’s mug withhot tea, and she cradled the warm cup in her hands. She’d finally heated enough to let the fur hang loosely on her shoulders. Her feet still ached, but it wasn’t that fiery sting like before.
As quiet descended over them, she didn’t look at her father. He would speak when he was ready, and she didn’t have the energy to face his stare that saw all the way to her soul.
“So, I take it you’re certain Evan MacManus can be trusted.”
She dared a glance at him and nodded. “I said that before.”
“I recall you still weren’t clear about his purpose for coming here. You merely felt sure of his character. Have you learned more since then?”
How to answer that? The short response would be a simple no, but that wouldn’t communicate what she really did know about Evan. Her father would see and understand the way things were, no matter how she hedged or pleaded. And it was probably best that he spent time with Evan to see for himself. That would be the only way he would see the man the way she did. Frank honesty had always been her mien with Papa, and that seemed like the best approach now, too.
She turned her full focus on him. “I’ve learned much about him. I’ve learned he’s loyal and hardworking, kind and generous. He takes responsibility for his actions and does everything possible to protect those in his care. He’s a good man. God-fearing.”
Her father studied her, and she willed him to believe her. His brow lined as he mulled through her words. Then he offered her a weak smile. “You’ve always been a good judge of character, so I wouldn’t expect you to give your heart toa man not worthy of it. I suppose the only way I can know for sure is by getting to know this fellow.”
Heat flashed up to her cheeks. Just as she’d suspected, Papa had seen all. At least he’d come to the right conclusion on his next step. “Perhaps he can come help you in your workshop. Help you with the cookstove you’re working on from his sketch.”
“That’s a good plan, and I would like him to join me, but we must have the council’s approval first.” His look turned pointed. “You know that.”
Unfortunately, she did know. And she could feel the loving reprimand in his gaze. She’d been pressing against the bounds of the council’s edict.
“You’ll speak for him before the vote?” She studied him, looking for any sign of his thoughts.
Papa nodded. “I’ll spend some time with this Evan first, then I’ll share my thoughts with the council before the vote.”
She eased out a breath and took a sip of her tea, trying to untie the knot in her middle. A bit of nerves about Papa’s meeting with Evan was normal. She wanted them to like each other.
And they would. Her father was also a good judge of people. And Evan’s heart would shine through when they spoke.
“Now, I think it’s best you rest. I promised Jeanette I would come check on them and spend a few minutes with Louis. As hard as this was on her, I think he struggled even more, not being able to go out and look for you both.” Papa stood and pulled on his coat.
As she nodded her farewell, a yawn overtook her. A fewminutes to sleep, then she would go to Evan. As much as she wanted Papa to spend time with him, she wanted the chance first.
So much she had to tell him.
Evan stepped from the Durand quarters with Leonard walking close behind him.
Thank you, Lord. Thank you.With every step he sent up the prayer. Now that the worry had passed, his exhausted mind couldn’t seem to manage more than that single thought. Hopefully, Brielle would rest a while, and he could, too. He wanted to be at his sharpest for what he had to tell her.
