“I was once a boy who preferred climbing trees to attending to his lessons.”
The boys’ interest sharpened.
“Did you fall?” Thomas asked.
“Frequently.”
“And did you get into trouble?”
Which boy was it speaking now?“Occasionally.”
“Did you mind?”
This is Thomas… or maybe Toby.Darcy could not tell them apart. “Not as much as I ought.”
This seemed to satisfy them.
“You are very agreeable,” Toby said.Or is that Thomas speaking?
Darcy raised his brows. “You are very direct.”
“That is because we wish to be understood,” Thomas said.
Darcy gave up trying to tell the lads apart. “A sensible approach.”
They stood for a moment longer, as though reluctant to conclude the conversation.
Darcy reached into his pocket.
“Since you have taken the trouble to inspect me,” he said, “it seems only proper that I should acknowledge your efforts.”
He produced two small coins and held them out.
The boys accepted them with evident delight.
“For what purpose are these?” Toby asked.
“For whatever purpose you think most suitable.”
They considered this.
“We shall not spend them at once,” Thomas said.
“That would be imprudent,” Toby agreed.
Darcy dipped his head slightly. “I commend your restraint.”
They peered at him again, their expressions bright.
“We like you very much,” Toby said.
“Very much,” Thomas echoed.
A faint smile touched Darcy’s mouth. “I am pleased to hear it.”
They turned then, as suddenly as they had appeared.
“We must go,” Thomas said.
