Page 24 of A Second Chance for Love

Mr. Cantrell’s gnarled hands were surprisingly nimble as he unbuttoned the big wooden toggle buttons on his coat. “That’s a nice young man you’ve got working for you, sir. He carried Winnie inside his coat and said he’d bring her from the barn once he’d helped your coachman with the horses.”

“I’m pleased he could be of some assistance,” Juss said. “My wife and I are grateful for your hospitality.”

The old man waved a dismissive hand. “Dreadful night to be out on the road.” He shuffled over to hang his heavy coat. “Smells like heaven in here, Mother,” he said, dropping into a chair with a sigh.

“I suppose you’ll be wanting some pie along with your tea.”

Jonathan winked at Oona. “I’d not say no to that.”

“Why don’t you show Mr. and Mrs. Taylor to Lucy and Donny’s room? I’m sure Mrs. Taylor would like to wash up before tea.”

“Oh, you don’t—” Oona began, not wanting to disturb the old man just after he’d sat down, but he was already pushing creakily to his feet.

“Follow me,” he said, moving so slowly toward the door Oona wondered if they’d be back in time for tea.

“My daughter and her husband are off gallivanting with my two granddaughters,” Mr. Cantrell said as he led them through a different part of the maze-like house. “They have our old room as Mother and I are no longer good friends with steps.” He paused at the bottom of a narrow staircase.

“We can find our way,” Juss assured him, “You needn’t make the trip.”

“Are you sure? Mother will skin me alive if I don’t get your fire going.”

Juss chuckled. “I’m perfectly capable of starting a fire, sir.”

After only a little more debate they were left to find their new quarters on their own.

There was only one room at the top of the stairs. One cozy room with a tiny cupboard, two chairs, fireplace, and one bed.

Juss crossed the tiny room and opened a narrow door that held a washstand and necessary.

They both sighed; thank the Lord for that, at least.

The sound of voices down below made them both turn. “That must be Charles with our luggage,” Juss said to her. Whatever he saw on her face made him smile. “How are you liking your adventure so far, Mrs. Taylor?” Oona glanced at the bed, and he chuckled. “You go wash up first. I’ll start the fire.”

Like a coward, Oona scuttled into the tiny room and closed the door behind her, collapsing against it.

One. Bed.

Oh my.

Ten

Juss rolled onto his right side, but it wasn’t any more comfortable than his left. His knees were bent because the space between the foot of the bed and the fireplace wasn’t quite long enough, thanks to a cupboard jutting out of the wall. It would probably be just as comfortable sleeping inside the cupboard.

Fortunately the wooden floor had a carpet, albeit not a particularly thick one.

“Are you asleep?”

He glanced up at the bed, even though the light from the fire was so faint he couldn’t see his hand if he held it three inches in front of his face.

“No. Are you?”

She laughed and he smiled like an idiot, glad it was dark.

“Can you believe they are both eighty-one years old?”

“They are remarkably spry.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a married couple who like each other so much.” Her voice was heavy with admiration.