Page 8 of A Matter of Time
Angelina released the breath she had been holding and went to the door, opening it to her sweet neighbor. “Estella, you really shouldn’t have. Won’t your husband be disappointed you’re giving away his cake?”
“There’s plenty left for him. He’s not supposed to eat a lot of sweets, so I’m merely removing temptation. If I left this there, he’d eat it all before the day was done.”
“Come, sit down. Can I get you some coffee? And maybe you’ll have some cake with me.” Angelina put the coffee on and got some mugs, plates, silverware & napkins, which she set on the table.
“We’ll have a little tea party, or should I say, coffee party,” Estella said, laughing.
“You’re in a good mood,” Angelina observed. “What’s going on?”
“I was talking with my daughter this morning and she and her family will be joining us for Thanksgiving dinner. I’m so excited to see them all.”
“That’s wonderful,” Angelina said. “What about your sons, will they be coming too?”
“Mmmhmmm…. And my grandsons and great grandchildren, too. It will be the first time in ages that we’ve all been together for the holiday.” She smiled warmly at Angelina, who was slicing some cake and putting it on their plates. “Angelina, I was wondering if you’d like to join us. You can bring your handsome friend, Nick.” Estella had a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
“Estella,” Angelina teased, “you’re a married woman and I think you’ve got a crush on Nick.”
“I’m married, but I can still enjoy a good looking man, even at my age.” She rolled her eyes saucily and then burst into a fit of giggles.
“Thank you so much for the invitation, Estella. I’m not sure Nick will want to go though. He has a friend in town and he’ll probably want to spend the day with him, but I’ll ask.” Angelina retrieved the coffee pot and poured some for them both. She headed to the refrigerator for the creamer, before grabbing the sugar bowl and heading back to the table.
“Well, his friend is welcome to join us as well. The more the merrier I always say. It makes it more festive, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Of course,” Angelina said. “You’ll have to let me make the pies.”
“That would be a blessing. I’m not good with pies,” Estella agreed.
“Well, I make a mean pumpkin and my apple is pretty good, too. I’ll have to come up with a third, considering how many people you’ll have.” Angelina sipped her coffee and thought about the many Thanksgivings she’d spent alone, or with other single friends. The more the merrier never came into play for her. She was looking forward to this and she couldn’t wait to share it with Nick and Richard. “You know, Estella, Nick’s friend is British. He has a lovely accent and he’s pretty handsome. Richard will make some nice eye candy for you.”
The two women laughed as they enjoyed the cake and each other’s company. Angelina found that with Estella’s presence, she could almost completely dismiss the footprints outside her little cottage from her mind for a short while; almost, but not quite.
Chapter 5
Sparks were flying everywhereas Nick and Richard entered the little backyard that housed Quinn O’Connell’s sword-making workshop.
“Nick!” The man at the anvil wiped his brow and removed the heavy gloves protecting his hands. “I wasn’t expecting you so early.”
“Sorry for the surprise visit, but I’ve got practice later and this seemed the perfect time to stop in with my friend here.” Nick motioned to Richard to join him. “This is Richard Jefford. He’s in need of a sword.”
“Nice to meet you,” Quinn held his hand out for Richard to shake.
Richard shook the proffered hand in his own firm grip. “And you as well. I’ve left my sword back home and I’ll need one if I’m to help Nick with his students.”
“Of course.” Quinn continued to wipe his hands and his brow. “Did you have something in mind, or would you like to see what I’ve been working on.”
“I’d love to see what you’ve been working on. I’m not used to being without a sword, so the sooner I can have one, the better.”
“The blade is finished and now I’m working on the hilt. I can make that part to your specifications and probably have it ready for you in a few days.” Quinn shrugged his shoulders and stretched his neck from side to side, obviously relieving some aching muscles. “This one’s been coming to me easily. It happens that way sometimes. I have an idea in my head and it just flows out of me.” He smiled at Richard, who had been examining the blade on the table in front of him.
“You do beautiful work,” Richard observed.
“Thanks. Here, let me show you what I had in mind for the finishing touches.” He pulled a piece of paper from under the table and laid it out for Richard to see. The beautifully detailed drawing showed an incredible sword, one Richard would be proud to own. The blade was etched with scrollwork, the hilt, which consisted of the guard, the grip and the pommel was spectacular. The steel guard was shaped somewhat like an owl’s head, with wings spanning either side. The grip was covered in black leather from top to bottom, with bands of etched steel breaking up the leather in two spots so it would match the sheath. The pommel, set atop it all, was a filigree ball of fine strands of steel. Richard was very pleased with the design and could hardly wait to hold the finished product in his hand. Nick had assured him that he wouldn’t need a sword here in modern day San Francisco, but Richard wasn’t quite so confident.
“That will be more than adequate,” Richard said. “In fact, it will be the finest sword I’ve ever owned.”
“Good. I’ll get back to work then, if there’s nothing else you need.” Quinn flipped the protective goggles he was wearing atop his head down so that they covered his eyes and began banging away at the piece of metal in front of him.
“Shall we?” Nick asked.
