Page 18 of The Dreaming Beauty
“They are traveling in the States but will return in a month or so.”
The two of them walked across the lawn, stopping at the gate.
“I am glad to hear this town brings you so much happiness,” Tansy said. “I’ve always wanted to visit. My aunts came here every summer as children, and by the sound of their stories, one would think this was the best part of England.”
“I don’t know about the best, but we watch out for each other. It’s the sort of community worth being a part of.” Mr. Taylor unhinged the gate, and a soft breeze ruffled the curls above his ears. He stopped before passing through. “Tomorrow I am helping a tenant nearby, and afterward, I will stop by and see if there is any way I can be of assistance to your aunts. Transitioning to a new home cannot be easy for any of you.”
Tansy felt it would be rude to object, even though she knew it meant risking more of his questions. “Thank you. That would be very kind.”
Mr. Taylor closed the gate that reached up to his waist, only to turn back to her and lean over the top of it. “Might I ask about one last thing?”
She made a guess. “About Daisy and the fairies?”
“Actually, it’s about the rake.”
Tansy laughed and brought her hand to her mouth to squelch it. She coughed but couldn’t keep from smiling when her hand dropped. “Iris does not generally care for men in the house. Not unless they are men of the cloth.”
Mr. Taylor’s brow rose. “So I am lucky to be leaving with my life?”
“You did take a great risk by stepping into the fairy circle and then the cottage. I daresay you might try to be more careful in the future.”
“Mmm, I will be.”
“If it is at all reassuring, I think you are the first man my aunt did not snarl at.”
“Most older women find me quite charming.”
Tansy bit her lip but did not know how to respond to such humor.
He trilled his fingers against the wood, his expression pensive. “One more thing...”
Tansy didn’t want to, but she could not help liking how unpretentious he was, so long as he was not asking about dreams. “What is it?”
“It’s a silly question, but since we are friends”—he waited for her to nod before he continued—“I noticed you call your aunts by their given names.”
“You must think us without any propriety at all.” Tansy shook her head, but she was more amused than offended. “As sisters, they all refer to each other by their given names, so it was easy enough to slide into the habit of it while growing up with them. When we are in public, I do try to be more proper in my references to them.”
He straightened. “I like it. The familiarity is endearing. You are good people; I can tell.”
Tansy took a step back as he walked to his horse and untied it. “I hope I can say the same for you, Mr. Taylor. You do remember all the secrets you must keep.”
He mounted his horse. “The list keeps growing. Good day to you, Miss White.” He tipped his hat and urged his horse into a walk.
She shook her head at him. How could he act so at ease in their company? She knew not what to make of him. He was too handsome and inquisitive. And, stranger yet, he had seen her at her worst and acted as if nothing at all untoward had happened. Surely a man like him was pleasant enough in company, but trust had to be earned. Time would be the only measurement for such an important quality.
Chapter 9
Marcus finished clearing the branchesfrom Mrs. Kemp’s yard sooner than he’d anticipated. He accepted a slice of bread and a chunk of cheese for a quick nuncheon and waved goodbye. He mounted his horse and eagerly rode to Rose Cottage. He wondered what sort of surprises he’d find today. With such interesting occupants, there were bound to be a few.
When he arrived, he draped his coat over his saddle, rolled up his sleeves, and retrieved his tools from his saddlebags. The fence would be his first order of business. He went straight to work, pounding the posts in a little deeper and adding a few extra nails. Soon all four women lined the front of the house to watch him. Every once in a while, he caught their hushed conversation.
“Should he be in his shirtsleeves?” Mrs. Wood’s soft tones cut through the soft breeze.
“And why not?” Mrs. Palmer’s clipped words came next. “We could hardly admire his physique if he wore his coat.”
“I should like the view better if he were to work on this side of the fence.” Was that Miss White? He almost wanted to oblige her.
“Really, Aunts, this is too much.”
