Page 29 of A Second Chance for Love

“Jonathan is in the land of Nod.”

“In the barn?”

Juss dropped into a chair, his long legs stretched out in front of him. “He’s got a smithy out there—that’s what they do here. Or what his son-in-law does. Mr. Cantrell has a comfortable chair not far from the forge where I suspect he spends a good deal of time napping. The farm is not their true means of support, just to earn a bit extra. Which is a damned good thing because tracking down and feeding thirty sheep was plenty.”

Oona smiled as she rolled out the dough with the huge maple wood rolling pin.

“You look at home in a kitchen,” he said.

“Well, I’ve never had servants, so I should.”

“Until now,” he corrected.

Oona frowned and then said with exaggerated comprehension, “Ah, that’s right. I meant I didn’t have servants until we married.”

He grinned. “So, what kind of pie are you making, Mrs. Taylor?”

“Steak and kidney.”

“My favorite.” He glanced at the eight pies and multiple loaves of bread that were already on the baker’s rack. “Who the devil is she making all this food for?”

“Apparently there was to be a dinner and dance at their church this evening.”

“Ah, well, I don’t see that happening.”

Oona paused in the act of crimping the crust. “So you think we will be here for a while?”

“I should think so. Even if it stopped snowing right this minute the roads would likely be impassible at least for another day.”

“You shall miss your house party.”

His expression, which had been easy and smiling, tightened. “I shall be there for at least a day, which is really all I need.”

“You would drive the rest of the way only for a day?”

He nodded slowly.

“Why is your destination a secret?” she asked, an unpleasant sensation unfurling in her stomach at his intent, almost avid, look.

“It’s a surprise.” He suddenly stood. “I’ve changed my mind about the tea,” he said as he strode toward the door, catching up his coat and hat. “I’m going to go and explore a bit.”

Oona stared as he stepped out into the snow—which was now coming down diagonally.

What had that been all about?

Twelve

Between meals shared with the Cantrells and helping the older couple with their chores—Juss outside and Oona in the kitchen—he wasn’t alone with Oona until after supper, which they ate at the uncivilized hour of five.

It was clear that last night had been unusual for the Cantrells and that their usual bedtime was closer to six-thirty than eight.

Juss realized the older couple wouldn’t go to bed until he and Oona excused themselves, which is how they found themselves closeted together in the small bedroom at five minutes to seven.

“Do you want to use the changing room first?” Oona asked.

“I’ll never be able to sleep if I go to bed this early.”

“Me either.” She sighed and sat down on the bed, her nightclothes in her arms. Juss lowered himself onto the only chair and stared at her profile, sharp and delicate and remote.