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She smiled, both at the promise of his help and at his understanding that Liam needed the recognition. “I don’t know what I would have done these past months without Liam and Bianca.”

Much of the seriousness melted from Gregory’s expression. “I haven’t met Miss Bianca yet, or your mother. I hope to have that privilege at some point.”

“You’ll be joining us for supper tonight, here in the house. You’ll meet them then.”

“Are you certain?” he asked. “I don’t wish to be a bother.”

“No bother at all,” she insisted. “Now that you’re not in uniform, Mother will be far less likely to fall to pieces at the sight of you.”

One corner of his mouth twitched upward. “Is that your way of saying I clean up nicely?”

“That wasn’t what I’d meant, but it’s true just the same.”

He chuckled, and the sound echoed around the room in waves of warmth. “I do believe that is the finest compliment I’ve been paid in years, Miss Helene.”

As he crossed the kitchen and pulled open the door, he whistled a jaunty tune. He glanced over at Liam. “Don’t forget to come find me to let me know about those chores of yours,” he said, then stepped outside, pulling the door closed behind him.

Helene stood rooted to the spot, watching the now-empty doorway. If Gregory was always so pleasant in the morning, he would be a joy to have around until harvest.

“I know what that look in your eyes means,” Liam said.

She shook off her distraction and turned her gaze to the boy, who was watching her from the table.

“You’re goin’ moony on him, ain’t you?” It wasn’t an accusation so much as an amused declaration.

“I’ve no idea what you mean.” She turned quickly to the basket of eggs, intent on losing herself in making breakfast.

The sound of chair legs scraping the floor told her that Liam was on the move. “I’ll find out everything I can about him, then I’ll let you know if he’s a blackguard or a lay-about man or anythin’ like that.”

“I appreciate the offer, but—”

“Don’t go saying you’re not sighing over Mr. Gregory. I’ve got eyes, haven’t I?”

“I hardly know him.” She set her cast-iron skillet on the stovetop. “He seems nice, I will grant him that, but there is nothing beyond that.”

Liam didn’t answer. After a moment, his silence pulled her eyes toward him once again. His eyes narrowed. She set a hand on one hip and dared him to contradict her.

But issuing a dare to a twelve-year-old boy is not always a wise thing to do.

“I knew it,” he said firmly. “I’ll let you know if he ain’t worthy of you, Miss Helene.”

“You are getting mighty far ahead of things, Liam.”

He shook his head. “The way you two’re looking at each other, I’d say I’m just in time.”

Chapter Five

The way you two are looking at each other. Helene mulled Liam’s words over all through supper that night. You two. Though she had no intention of confessing to a twelve-year-old boy that she was inexplicably drawn to this stranger who’d come to work for her, Helene knew it was the truth. But Liam seemed to think that Gregory was nursing a similar instant attraction.

Was that reason to feel flattered or worried?

She watched Gregory throughout the evening. He was quiet during their meal but grew more talkative in the parlor afterward; Mother had insisted he join them there. Bianca was rather in awe of him, watching his every move, hanging on his every word— a common affliction for almost eleven-year-old girls when faced with a decidedly handsome man. But Gregory was kind to Bianca, offering praise when he learned that Bianca had prepared the string beans.

Mother discovered quickly that Gregory was from Massachusetts, which explained why he spoke so differently from the men in Nebraska who’d lived away from the East most, if not all, of their lives. Mother spent most of the evening quizzing him on the places he’d seen and the people he’d known. They had, after all, lived in Massachusetts many years themselves. They discovered no mutual acquaintances and, to Helene’s relief, Gregory didn’t speak of the war and Mother didn’t mention Josiah. Mother never held up well when speaking of her son.

Liam gave Gregory the cold shoulder, but he didn’t press for acceptance. He was an easy and unobtrusive addition to their family circle.

The same scene played out the next night and the next, continuing as the week went on. Gregory quickly became a natural and easy part of their lives. Helene grew more comfortable in his presence yet felt more anxious as well. He wasn’t a threat or a danger; she knew that on an instinctive level. But he left her unsettled in a way that made her heart turn about inside her chest every time he entered a room. All she had to do was spot him at a distance through the kitchen window, and a nervous kind of excitement warmed her veins.