Chapter Four
For not thefirst time since Jocelyn Townsend had walked into his pub, Gunn wondered what the hell he was doing. When he’d come upon her in the room he had arranged to be her work room while she reviewed his ledgers, he was surprised to see how diligently she worked.
She’d given her full concentration to the task and hadn’t even heard him walk up.
But when she’d straightened, pain distorting her features, he felt guilty. The urge to go and rub the pain from her muscles was strong and he found himself clenching his fists to stop himself from approaching the lass and doing just that.
Now, as they sat across from each other eating ridiculously small sandwiches that wouldn’t appease his appetite in any way, he found himself wanting to engage her in conversation that verged on flirtation. Jesus.
He had asked Cook to set up a tray of sandwiches, but they were to strictly be for Jocelyn. He’d heard from Flora that she hadn’t eaten since she’d broken her fast early that morning. She hadn’t even left the room.
That worried him. The lass was much too thin to be skipping meals. She needed to plump herself up. Get color into her cheeks that wasn’t the fading yellow the bruises left behind.
But once he’d seen her, he didn’t want to leave her. So here they were. Nibbling on cucumber sandwiches and drinking tea. He stopped at one. She needed to eat the rest.
“So, tell me, lass. What have ye found? Aught that would explain the pub’s and inn’s downward trend?”
She chewed daintily, swallowing before answering.
“I started with the ledgers from 1810, so I could get a grasp of what the business looked like when it was thriving. And I must say, you had a thriving business, indeed.”
He nodded. “I did. I just dinna ken what happened.”
“So far, all is in order. There is naught amiss that would lead me to believe it is a bookkeeping error as of yet. However, I haven’t gotten to the point where there has been a downturn in clientele yet.”
“Ye are being verra thorough.”
“It is the least I could do for you showing me such kindness.” She snatched another sandwich and nibbled on the corner, blushing when she noticed him watching her. “These are delicious.”
“Ye must remember to eat, lass. I canna have my newest employee fainting from hunger whilst she works.” He meant it as a joke, but Jocelyn seemed to close herself off, her shoulders straightening.
“I wouldn’t dream of doing such a thing.”
“Easy, lass. I jest.” He smiled, trying to lighten the mood.
It seemed to work.
“My apologies. I’ve just, well, I’ve never had a proper job before obviously. I don’t know what exactly is expected.”
“Working yourself into a state is most definitely no’ what is required or e’en expected. I appreciate your dedication, but not at the expense of your health. Ye look tired. Mayhap after ye finish eating, ye should rest.” He wasn’t exaggerating. She looked exhausted. Mayhap she was finding the inn’s bed lackingand needed one more comfortable. “Is your room to your liking?”
Her head shot up from the cube of sugar she was stirring into her second cup of tea. “Very much so. I cannot offer a complaint about it. It’s very nice.”
“Are ye sleeping well?”
“As well as can be expected in a new place. Doesn’t it always take a few nights to become used to your surroundings?”
Gunn got the feeling there was more to it than what she was saying.
She lowered her eyes and plucked another sandwich off the tray. He was happy to see that she was eating. Mayhap after a few weeks of eating well, she wouldn’t look like she would snap in two at the slightest bump.
Though, she was clearly stronger than what outward appearances showed. She survived that beating that she wouldn’t admit to. It was possible the journey here was taxing and since she was on her last coin when she arrived, mayhap she couldn’t afford meals along the way.
The thought upset him. Were people so cruel to see a starving woman that they couldn’t offer her free sustenance? She wouldn’t beg for food. That he could tell. She had far too much pride to do that. She was an anomaly. Sometimes she was fierce as a warrior, standing strong, and other times, when she didn’t think people were watching, she looked defeated.
He wanted her to be fierce every day. All day. There was naught more enticing than a woman that was confident in herself.
Like when she’d spoken to him about bookkeeping. Her eyes lit up at the subject.
