artless question pulled Cassie Lynn back to the present.
“Noah!” Mr. Walker’s sharply uttered reprimand was met with a confused look from the boy.
But Mrs. Flanagan flapped her hand at the boy’s uncle. “Let him be.” Then she turned to Noah. “Because I injured my leg, that’s why.”
He stood and moved closer. “Does it still hurt?”
The widow responded as if it had been a perfectly sensible question. “It aches a bit.”
He tilted his head to study the wheels. “Can you get around in that thing yourself or does someone have to push you?”
She drew herself up. “I’ll have you know, young man, that I manage quite well on my own.”
Cassie Lynn hid a smile as she watched the exchange. Noah didn’t seem at all put off by Mrs. Flanagan’s manner. And for her part, the widow seemed to actually be enjoying the give-and-take.
A moment later Cassie Lynn noticed Pru, who was seated at her uncle’s side, sit up straighter and stare at something across the room. Following the girl’s gaze, she saw Dapple stretched out near the fireplace. The cat was watching them with half-closed eyes while his tail swished lazily back and forth.
While Noah and Mrs. Flanagan continued their spirited but unorthodox conversation, Cassie Lynn leaned toward the little girl. “I see you’ve spotted Dapple. Do you like cats?”
Pru nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
“I’m afraid Dapple’s a little wary of strangers, but perhaps if I introduce you, you can make friends with him. Would you like that?”
Pru nodded more enthusiastically this time.
Cassie Lynn caught Mr. Walker’s gaze for a moment. The approval in his expression caught her off guard and she felt warmth climb in her cheeks.
Quickly turning back to Pru, she stood and held out her hand. After only a moment’s hesitation, the girl grasped it and let herself be led across the room.
As Cassie Lynn eased the way for Pru and Dapple to get acquainted, she imagined she could feel Mr. Walker’s gaze on her. But that was foolish. He was no doubt just keeping an eye on his niece.
When she turned to escort Pru, who now held Dapple, back to her seat, Mr. Walker was once more focused on Noah and Mrs. Flanagan.
“If you’ll excuse me,” Cassie Lynn said to the room at large, “I’ll go check on supper. We should be ready to eat in just a few minutes.”
Mr. Walker stood as she made her way across the room. “Is there something I can help you with?”
He sounded almost eager, but she shook her head. “Thank you, but you’re a guest here. I can manage.”
“Nonsense. I hope you won’t stand on ceremony with me. My ma taught me to help out in the kitchen rather than expect to be waited on. And helping is the least I can do to repay you ladies for your generous dinner invitation.” He turned to Mrs. Flanagan. “That is, if you don’t mind me leaving the kids here with you for a few minutes?”
The widow waved her hand. “Go on ahead, we’ll be fine.”
With a smile, Mr. Walker turned back to Cassie Lynn. “Lead the way.”
She wasn’t quite sure what to make of his offer. Her father and brothers had certainly never felt obliged to help her with what they considered women’s work. She’d just assumed all men felt that way.
“Have you worked for Mrs. Flanagan very long?” he asked as they moved toward the kitchen.
His question brought her thoughts back to the present. “Just a little over two weeks. That’s when she hurt her leg.”
He nodded. “She seems like a feisty woman.”
Cassie Lynn gave a smile at that understatement. “She is that. It’s chafing at her not to be able to do for herself.”
They’d arrived at the kitchen and Mr. Walker inhaled appreciatively, his expression blissful. “That sure does smell good.”
“Thank you. It’s a venison roast, one of Mrs. Flanagan’s favorite dishes.”
He rubbed his hands together. “All right now, what can I do to help?”
Cassie Lynn gave him a challenging look. “How are you at setting the table?”
He drew himself up with mock pride. “I’m an expert. It’s a skill my mother insisted I master before I turned ten.”
“Smart lady.” She moved to the counter where the dishes were already stacked and waiting. “Mrs. Flanagan wants to eat in the dining room this evening rather than here in the kitchen, so I need to carry all the place settings down the hall. If you’ll grab the plates and cutlery, I’ll grab the glasses and napkins and you can follow me.”
He gave a short bow. “I’m yours to command.”
Taking him at his word, she led the way toward the dining room. Once there he helped her arrange the plates and flatware around the table, then returned with her to the kitchen and helped her transport all the food to the dining room, as well.
As they worked, they chatted about his horse, which she learned he’d raised from a colt and had a deep affection for. Just from some of the things he let fall in conversation, she could tell he thought of River as much more than a pack animal or means of transportation.
He seemed quite comfortable and at ease working beside her, as if he enjoyed her company. It was a novel feeling, interacting with a man this way. To be honest, she felt flattered and at the same time a little flustered by it all. The more she was around Mr. Walker, the more deeply Cassie Lynn regretted having to scratch his name off her husband-candidate list. She felt that they would have formed a very companionable partnership.
Were there other men who would as readily share her load, share their time and attention with her?
Is this what married life would be like? She was beginning to understand what Mrs. Flanagan had meant by not giving up on the thought of romance. Then she gave her head a mental shake. The man was leaving town in a few days. This was no time to be acting like a schoolgirl.
At last, the table was ready. Cassie Lynn returned to the parlor, with Mr. Walker ambling along at her side.
“Dinner is served,” she announced.
Her companion crossed the room and stepped behind Mrs. Flanagan. “May I?” he asked gallantly as he put his hands on the back of her chair.
The widow sat up straighter, a delighted smile crossing her face before she schooled her expression into its normal disapproving lines. She gave a regal nod and waved a hand.
Cassie Lynn had already removed the chair that normally sat at the head of the table, so it was easy for Mr. Walker to wheel his hostess into position there. Once Mrs. Flanagan was properly situated, Cassie Lynn pointed him to the spot across from the widow, while she took a seat facing Noah and next to Pru.
Once they’d all taken their places, Mrs. Flanagan looked across at Mr. Walker. “Would you offer the blessing, sir?”
“Of course.” He immediately bowed his head.
“Thank you, Jesus, for the meal we have before us and for the effort and skill of the one who prepared it. We newcomers are grateful that You have brought us to this place and for the generosity of the ladies who have welcomed us into their company. Bless this meal to the health and nourishment of we Your servants, and we ask especially that You provide a healing grace to Mrs. Flanagan. Amen.”
Cassie Lynn echoed the amen, pleased to learn that Mr. Walker had what sounded like a familiar relationship with the Lord.
As the plates of food were passed around, Mrs. Flanagan took charge of the conversation. “So might I ask how you make your