Reforming the Gambler by Strunk Mindy Burbidge

Reforming the Gambler by Strunk Mindy Burbidge

Author:Strunk, Mindy Burbidge
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-02-11T16:00:00+00:00


15

Standing in the Great Hall, Ian looked up at the ceiling over his head. The hewn beams blended with the stone walls and iron torch holders mounted to the wall. He could hardly believe that just over a fortnight ago, this room had been open to the sky above, but now almost half of the room was covered with timbers. The beams were in and secure. Ian hoped before the weeks end, the entire roof would be on.

His chest puffed out slightly. He had done this—he and Docherty and Conrad.

As much as Ian had hoped Conrad would leave immediately, he grudgingly admitted he was glad his brother had stayed. The extra person helping had shortened the time it took to finish.

While they had only spoken of trivial things, it was the most pleasant time the two of them had spent together in years.

Things were actually going along as planned, for the moment.

Lady Crannach had even bought back the parcel of land, which allowed Ian to pay Mr. Wilson and give Mrs. Docherty leave to purchase his food without having to take in laundry.

Ian wasn’t swimming in lard—he wasn’t even close to being flush—but he would be able to purchase the slate for the roof and maybe even the glass they needed for the windows. A small smile slid across his face. Yes, things were going as planned.

A door somewhere in the house closed. Ian turned, but could not seem to pull his attention from the beautiful beams above him.

“Lord Ian?”

Ian smiled at the small voice. “I’m in the Great Hall, Sir Gus.”

Small footsteps sounded but it was not until he felt the warmth of a small hand in his, that his gaze dropped downward. Gus looked up at the ceiling, just as Ian had.

“What do you think of our roof, Gus?”

“It looks just like I imagined the Great Hall would look. Except it is missing the candle beams.” Gus squeezed Ian’s hand and whispered, “I knew you could do it, my lord.”

Ian swallowed thickly. Why did his eyes feel wet? He ran the back of his hand across his eyes. ”Thank you, brave knight. Now I think a challenge for the lady’s hand is in order.”

Ian looked down and was rewarded with a large grin on Gus’s face. “As you wish, my lord.”

They walked out of the room together. Ian guided Gus toward the hallway.

“Where are we going?” Gus asked.

“Why, to the armory, of course. You cannot have a sword fight without a sword.” Ian stopped in front of a door. He was almost shaking as he pushed it open. He had been working on this present for Gus for weeks. Mr. Docherty had shown him how to carve it while they had been felling the trees. Ian shook out his hands. What if Gus didn’t like it? They stepped inside the room. It was not large, but it could have housed many weapons when it was an operational castle. However, now it only held two wooden swords. Ian picked them up and handed one to Gus.



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