Page 6

F or not the first time since Jocelyn Townsend had walked into his pub, Gunn wondered what the hell he was doing. When he’d come upon her in the room he had arranged to be her work room while she reviewed his ledgers, he was surprised to see how diligently she worked.

She’d given her full concentration to the task and hadn’t even heard him walk up.

But when she’d straightened, pain distorting her features, he felt guilty. The urge to go and rub the pain from her muscles was strong and he found himself clenching his fists to stop himself from approaching the lass and doing just that.

Now, as they sat across from each other eating ridiculously small sandwiches that wouldn’t appease his appetite in any way, he found himself wanting to engage her in conversation that verged on flirtation. Jesus.

He had asked Cook to set up a tray of sandwiches, but they were to strictly be for Jocelyn. He’d heard from Flora that she hadn’t eaten since she’d broken her fast early that morning. She hadn’t even left the room.

That worried him. The lass was much too thin to be skipping meals. She needed to plump herself up. Get color into her cheeks that wasn’t the fading yellow the bruises left behind.

But once he’d seen her, he didn’t want to leave her. So here they were. Nibbling on cucumber sandwiches and drinking tea. He stopped at one. She needed to eat the rest.

“So, tell me, lass. What have ye found? Aught that would explain the pub’s and inn’s downward trend?”

She chewed daintily, swallowing before answering.

“I started with the ledgers from 1810, so I could get a grasp of what the business looked like when it was thriving. And I must say, you had a thriving business, indeed.”

He nodded. “I did. I just dinna ken what happened.”

“So far, all is in order. There is naught amiss that would lead me to believe it is a bookkeeping error as of yet. However, I haven’t gotten to the point where there has been a downturn in clientele yet.”

“Ye are being verra thorough.”

“It is the least I could do for you showing me such kindness.” She snatched another sandwich and nibbled on the corner, blushing when she noticed him watching her. “These are delicious.”

“Ye must remember to eat, lass. I canna have my newest employee fainting from hunger whilst she works.” He meant it as a joke, but Jocelyn seemed to close herself off, her shoulders straightening.

“I wouldn’t dream of doing such a thing.”

“Easy, lass. I jest.” He smiled, trying to lighten the mood.

It seemed to work.

“My apologies. I’ve just, well, I’ve never had a proper job before obviously. I don’t know what exactly is expected.”

“Working yourself into a state is most definitely no’ what is required or e’en expected.

I appreciate your dedication, but not at the expense of your health.

Ye look tired. Mayhap after ye finish eating, ye should rest.” He wasn’t exaggerating.

She looked exhausted. Mayhap she was finding the inn’s bed lacking and needed one more comfortable. “Is your room to your liking?”

Her head shot up from the cube of sugar she was stirring into her second cup of tea. “Very much so. I cannot offer a complaint about it. It’s very nice.”

“Are ye sleeping well?”

“As well as can be expected in a new place. Doesn’t it always take a few nights to become used to your surroundings?”

Gunn got the feeling there was more to it than what she was saying.

She lowered her eyes and plucked another sandwich off the tray. He was happy to see that she was eating. Mayhap after a few weeks of eating well, she wouldn’t look like she would snap in two at the slightest bump.

Though, she was clearly stronger than what outward appearances showed. She survived that beating that she wouldn’t admit to. It was possible the journey here was taxing and since she was on her last coin when she arrived, mayhap she couldn’t afford meals along the way.

The thought upset him. Were people so cruel to see a starving woman that they couldn’t offer her free sustenance?

She wouldn’t beg for food. That he could tell.

She had far too much pride to do that. She was an anomaly.

Sometimes she was fierce as a warrior, standing strong, and other times, when she didn’t think people were watching, she looked defeated.

He wanted her to be fierce every day. All day. There was naught more enticing than a woman that was confident in herself.

Like when she’d spoken to him about bookkeeping. Her eyes lit up at the subject.

“Would you like more tea?” she asked, drawing his attention back to her.

“Nay. I have had enough. Thank ye.” He noticed her eyeing the last remaining sandwich on the tray.

“Go on, lass. That last sandwich is calling your name.”

In a flash she reached out and snatched the sandwich.

A laugh burst from his chest.

A comely blush dusted her freckled cheeks. “I’m sorry.”

“Nay, I like a woman that kens what she wants,” he jested, but even to his own ears, the double entendre was too much.

Her eyes flared wide.

He needed to steer the conversation in another direction. “I can have Cook prepare some more if ye are still hungry?”

Shaking her head, she flattened her palms on her stomach. “Oh no. I couldn’t eat another bite.”

“Well, I dinna ken what Cook has on the menu for supper tonight, but I am sure ye will find it delicious.”

“I’ve no doubt. She is most adept.”

“Thank ye.” He leaned in conspiratorially. “I stole her from another establishment.”

Jocelyn sucked in a breath. “Truly?”

“Aye. Her food was so divine I wanted to it eat e’ery day. She also was one of the reasons people frequented the Thistle & Pig. No’ so much anymore, mind ye. But once upon a time, she was.”

He only hoped he wouldn’t have to let her go and replace her with someone less experienced and lacking in skills.

“If ye are set, I am going to go o’er to the pub side and see how the e’ening is shaping up.”

She smiled, the gesture transforming her face, lighting up her light blue eyes. She was a bonny lass.

“I am fine. Thank ye for the company.”

He stood and gave her a slight bow. “If ye need aught, I will be there.”

A few people occupied tables in the pub. Gunn approached the bar to speak with Thomas. “How’s the day faring so far, Thomas?”

Running a towel along the polished wood, the man shrugged. “We’ve had a few people in and out all afternoon.”

Gunn pushed a hand through his hair, scratching his scalp and let out a long breath. “If it doesna improve, go ahead and close up early. Nay use staying for an empty pub.”

He left the pub and made his way to his study, praying for a miracle.

*

After Jocelyn had finished her third cup of tea, she finally left the dining room, her belly full and satisfied. She hadn’t realized how hungry she had been until the tray of delectable sandwiches had been placed in between her and Gunn.

She was quite certain he had only eaten one, mayhap two, sandwiches.

Definitely no more than two. For such a large man, he needed more sustenance than that.

He was being kind letting her have her fill.

Embarrassing as it was now that she thought about it.

He must think her lacking in manners for her to be so uncultured.

But she had to keep in mind the babe growing in her belly. Feeding it well was a priority so that she could birth a healthy babe.

Tempted to return to her desk to continue reading through the ledgers, she wondered if that would anger him. He’d told her to stop for the day.

But there were still hours left until the evening meal.

Moving to the window, she looked out at the sky. The sun wasn’t shining, but the bright and puffy clouds didn’t threaten rain.

Grabbing her bonnet from the chair, she brought it over her head, tucking wayward wisps of hair into the sides, and tied it into a bow at her neck.

With her reticule looped over her wrist, she wrapped her cloak around her shoulders.

It was time to finish exploring the part of town that she hadn’t seen the other day.

“Going out, miss?” Flora asked as she passed her downstairs.

“I won’t be gone long. I just want to familiarize myself with the town.”

The girl dipped into a curtsy and continued on her way.

Outside, the air was crisp. Jocelyn drew in a deep breath, filling her lungs with the clean air.

Scents were different here than in Rochester.

Rochester seemed so much dirtier. Unkempt.

Crowded. When she walked the streets there, people were always around.

It didn’t matter the street. The time. The day. There were always people everywhere.

But here, the streets were quiet. Sure, there were people, but they were far and few between. They smiled cheerily at her as they passed.

She went in the opposite direction of where she had gone last time. On this side, there was a bank and a tailor. She passed a mercantile. Curious, she entered, a bell at the top of the door announcing her entry. A cheery man with a welcoming smile greeted her.

“I dinna ken I’ve seen ye around here. Welcome. Are ye new in town?”

“I am.”

“Well, if there is aught ye need or are looking for, give me a holler. If I dinna have it in store, I can try to procure it for ye.”

She dipped her head in thanks. “That is most kind of you.”

Was everyone in this town so nice? She hadn’t met one person with an ill personality. She browsed the shelves of sweet treats and colorful candies that made her mouth water even though she’d just had her fill of finger sandwiches.

On another shelf were kitchen essentials. Flour, sugar, lard, molasses. Other items that one would use to make a meal.

Another shelf held personal items. Soaps scented with different herbs and spices. Lifting a bar scented with cinnamon to her nose, she breathed in deeply, closing her eyes. The smell reminding her of the morning buns the cook from her childhood used to make.

“Smells lovely doesna it?”

Nodding, she returned it to its space.

“My wife has me keep those in stock. They’re her favorite.”