“If it’s a matter of money,” Phoebe began, “I can offer—”
“Nae!” Reginald held up his hand in a firm refusal.
The disappointment on Phoebe’s face broke his heart. “I see,” she nodded. “And, I understand.”
“Wait,” he cried when she began to rise. “Ye dinnae ken at all.” At her puzzled look, he waved her back into her chair. “I want tae stay and help ye. More than I can say. But I’ll no’ take yer money. I’m far too indebted tae ye already, for the clothes, food, a bed. But most of all for ye treatin’ me like…” he cleared his throat. “For bein’ so kind.” He grinned at her. “ ’Tis me, who should be payin’ ye.”
Phoebe laughed. “We’ll see about that. You’re about to find out what a tough old bird I am.”
Aye. Tough enough to worm her way into his heart and take up residence.
“I’ll start wi’ the shed. The hinges on the door are squeakin’ somethin’ fierce. And I’ve noticed a few other things that need attention. But if ye’ve something special ye’d like me tae do first, ’tis no’ a problem. Just tell me. And, I want ye tae tell me when I’m no’ doin’ things the way ye’d like.”
Phoebe sighed her pleasure. “I will. And you’ll tell me when you need something you can’t find on the property. Help yourself to what there is, and make a list of what there isn’t. I’ll see that you get it.”
“Aye,” He dropped his chin, not sure how to ask for what he really wanted.
“Reginald, we’re not starting off on very good footing, if you can’t say what’s on your mind.”
He shifted in his seat. “Yesterday, when I went in search of a hammer, I went intae the shed and discovered a wonder of wood-working and carving implements, along with the tools, o’course.” He paused, unsure how to ask such a favor. “I kenned they belonged to yer husband, so, I understand ’tis a lot tae ask, but—”
“You like to work with wood, Reginald?” Her smile was wide and warm. “Are you a carpenter?”
“Nae,” he snorted. “Though I’d like tae be. My da taught me a lot about working wi’ wood. Carvin’ and the like. But ’twas a long time ago.”
Phoebe nodded as she blinked away the sheen in her eyes. “That shed was Crayton’s sanctuary. He used to spend hours in there, puttering around. He made some amazing things. Some for me, some as gifts. But the biggest gift was for himself. Working with the wood was like a magic elixir for him. When he needed to think through a problem, or just wanted to unwind, he’d head for that shed. And no matter how burdened he might be going in, I knew when he came out, he’d be a happier man.”
Reginald ducked his head to blink back the burn in his own eyes. Phoebe could have been talkin’ about his da. ’Twas the same for him, though ’twas the wee corner of the croft, for him, with naught but a few precious blades tae work with.
“If it will bring you a fraction of the joy it did my Crayton to use the shed, and the tools, you have my blessing.” She caught his eye before continuing. “I told you before to treat this as your home.I meant it.”
’Twas impossible to speak over the lump in his throat, even if he’d had the words. Nothing seemedenoughto express how he felt about the glen, Phoebe’s generosity and being home again. Even though’twas only temporary.
“I hear voices,andI smell food.” Lauren called, coming from the hall with Julia and Deidre, close behind. When they came into the kitchen, Lauren plopped a fist on each hip and frowned at both Phoebe and Reginald. “Hmmph. So, you’ve decided to work us to the bone without a morsel of nourishment, while the two of you lounge over a banquet?”
She marched to the table, plopped down, and gave Reginald a half-teasing, half-perturbed look. “Just because Aunt Phoebe has developed an irrational fondness for you, don’t start scratching the rest of us off the guest list.” She picked up her plate and held it out. “Ham, please.”
“Och, but ye’re a demandin’ lass!” Reginald forked a piece of ham onto her plate. “Had I kenned it earlier, I might have left ye in the gully and had one less barrier tae talkin’ this fine lady intae marryin’ me.” He nodded at Phoebe and gave her a wink. “If she’ll have me, o’course.”
Julia and Lauren both chuckled, while Deidre stared open-mouthed at Phoebe.
“Here, dear, you’d better come sit and drink some juice,” Phoebe laughed as she poured a glass for Deidre. “You look a little peaked.”
Reginald dinnae remember having such an appetite. No’ even for his first meal, at Wickham’s. Every delicious bite was sweetened with the thought of staying in the glen. He kenned ’twas only temporary, but every day he had here, he’d call a blessing. Especially if he could spend it with the spunky lass sitting beside him.
“I looked for you, earlier,” Lauren said, over a final cup of coffee.
Reginald waited for her to continue, but she just sipped her coffee. He dinnae want to lie to her, but he couldnae tell her the truth, either.
“I was restless. The glen has a special beauty in the morning, aye?” He picked up his own coffee to keep from having to say more.
“Still planning on seeing the croft today?”
“Aye. But since yer aunt has just hired me tae do some ‘fixin’ up’, I ken I should earn my keep before indulging my own interests.”
“Really?” Her eyes brightened as she sat her cup down and turned toward him. “You’re staying, then?” Her hopeful look tripped a lock in his chest he hadnae dared open.
“For as long as she needs me,” he replied, watching her ever-changing expressions for the reassurance he hardly dared hope for.
