Page 155 of Immortal Bastard

CHAPTER 22

“Hey, how come you guys don’t wear beards?”

Christian found it encouraging that Delilah was now showing more interest in their culture, so he didn’t mind answering her numerous questions. “Beards are not a defining factor in living a pure life.”

She eyed his jaw. “But I never see you shave.”

“Mortals have a greater need for body hair as it helps with thermoregulation. We regulate our own body temperature. We have hair follicles where we need them, eyelashes, eyebrows, and the hair on our head to protect us from debris.” Adjusting her kapp, he said, “We must go or we’ll be late.”

Grateful she agreed to attend service, he took the stairs with an optimistic bounce to his step. She had started braiding her hair and dressing like the other females. Such small but positive signs of conformity brought him much hope, as did her curiosity.

Exiting the house, he staggered to the porch steps as a rooster tripped him, fluffing its wings underfoot and clucking at him. It puffed its chest at Christian and rudely pecked at his boot.

“What are you doing up here? Get.” He toed the bird out of the way, recalling this one’s name was Beavis or Stanley or some such nonsense. “Go on. You shouldn’t be here.”

Its little eyes bulged as it stared up at him, crowing loudly as if it had as much right to be there as anyone else. Then Christian noticed the three kittens lounging on the wood planks of the step. The animals never strayed this far from the barn.

The front door opened and Delilah stilled. “Gonzo, what are you doing here?” She spoke to the rooster as if it could answer. She crouched on the step and pet the kittens.

“Did you give them cream?”

“No. Should I?”

“It will only encourage them. They usually don’t stray this far from the barn.”

“What the!” She jumped up as a small rodent scurried over the step and bolted back down to the shrubs. “Was that a mouse?”

“Chipmunk.”

“Aw! Alvin.” She called the tiny creature, but it ignored her, confirming she could not commune or control the animals.

He clapped his hands so they would scurry off. “Go on, before I put you in a pot.”

She scowled at him as she nuzzled a small gray kitten. “Not funny.”

He pulled the tiny ball of fuzz out of her arms and set it back on the step. “We must ready the horses.”

“Dwight and Michael?”

“I suppose.” He couldn’t keep all the animal names straight.

She took his hand and skipped down the porch steps. “Can I drive the carriage?”

“No.”

“You didn’t even consider it.”

“I know.”

When they reached the barn, he readied the buggy and quickly checked the horses’ hooves. Delilah curiously explored the interior.

“Hey, there’s electric in this jalopy.” She examined the metal clutch sticking out of the floor.

“Modern law requires us to use battery-operated lights for night travel. The English aren’t very respectful when it comes to sharing the roads and the lights offer protection. Shall we?”

She smiled and her enthusiasm to take a common carriage ride amused him.

He plucked up the worn leather reins. “Hold on.”

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