Page 71 of Kissing the Sheriff

They left Billy and Phileas behind to work on the stair landing. Phileas wanted to paint half of it, wallpaper the other half. As they walked, she tried to think of something other than the house, thought of their day shooting, and smiled. “Is your wrist sore?”

“Funny you should ask – yes.” He shook his right hand. “Other than that, I’m no worse for wear. Except perhaps my acute embarrassment.”

“You did well for someone who never shoots a revolver. I was impressed.”

“I wasn’t. But then, I don’t carry a gun with me wherever I go. There’s no need.”

“How do you protect yourself?” She unconsciously touched the handle of her gun, then let her hand drop.

“People are different in England. More, shall we say, civilized? Please don’t take that wrong.”

“Not at all. But manners can’t save your life in every situation. I’m sure England has its share of outlaws.”

“We call them highwaymen. And yes, it does. Some gentlemen carry a weapon, but it depends on where one is.”

“Really?”

“Of course. My father sometimes carries a derringer and has a cane with a special something.”

“What? How special?”

“The stabbing kind of special.” He raised his eyebrows at her.

“Oh, my, how clever.” She wondered what Pa would think of such a weapon. “Does one have to know how to fence to use it?”

“It helps.”

“Do you know how?”

“Of course,” he said. “We all do.”

She stopped and smiled. “You can fence?”

He nodded. “I just said so.”

“Can you teach me?”

He laughed. “My, such enthusiasm. I could, yes …”

“When?”

“Well, there’s a problem. If you’re going to learn how to fence, you must have the proper equipment. I don’t think foils grow on trees around here. Nor sabers.”

“I bet the captain’s got a couple of swords tucked away somewhere.” Her smile grew. “Let’s ask him on the way back to the house.”

Conrad gave her a blank stare. “Is there nothing that man doesn’t have stashed?”

“He has all sorts of things hidden away.” They reached the general store and went inside.

Alma came through the door leading to the back. “Morning. Come to see the wallpaper?”

“Phileas said you had some.” Conrad looked around. “Where is it?”

“In the back – I haven’t put it out yet. It came in yesterday. Wait here.” She left and Conrad breathed a sigh of relief.

Cassie turned to him. “What?”

“Oh, nothing.”