Soldier at the Door(55)

“On my days off I prefer old leather,” he said tonelessly.

“Of course,” the woman nodded eagerly. “A man like you must be old leather.”

Perrin looked at his wife, wondering what that meant. She could offer no explanation.

Mrs. Hili rolled her eyes. “Mrs. Shattoe, why don’t you go back to the office. I can help the Shins.”

Mrs. Shattoe nodded and seemed happy to get away from the captain as quickly as her tight skirt would allow her to wiggle back to the shed.

“How about a little tour?” Mrs. Hili said with batting eyelashes and the overly-eager tone of someone sure they were about to wheedle gold out of one who claimed they didn’t have any.

Perrin and Mahrree were ready. “We’re not interested in a tour. Only out for a drive today.”

“But surely you want to stretch your legs?” Mrs. Hili went on in a practiced voice, as if their excuse was one of many she was prepared for. “Let the horses take a rest on such a hot—,” she shifted scripts, “I mean, cool day?”

“The horses are quite warm,” Perrin pointed out with the beginnings of a sneer, “so stopping them now would not be a favor to them.”

“They can enjoy our stables, Captain! You see, here at Edge of Idumea Estates, we have—”

Sensing the prologue to a much longer speech than Mahrree wanted to endure, she cut off Mrs. Hili with, “How’s Qualipoe doing today? I’m afraid I might miss his visit later this afternoon if we don’t get back on time.”

That comment threw Mrs. Hili completely off her script. It took a moment for her brain to reengage. “What? Qualipoe? He visits you?”

Mahrree suspected, and feared, his mother had no idea what he did each day.

“I really enjoy his company. I’m wondering what he’ll do when it gets colder, though. I’d love for him to see me every afternoon, until you’re home again.”

Mrs. Hili looked surprised. “Why, I didn’t know he was a frequent visitor.”

“Only every day this past week, when he’s on the way to the fort.”

Mrs. Hili’s eyebrows shot upwards. “The fort? He goes to the fort?” She looked at Perrin for confirmation.

Perrin smiled smugly. “He and his friends watch the soldiers drilling.”

When Mrs. Hili looked confused as to why the soldiers were involved in woodworking, Perrin clarified.

“Practicing. Bow and arrows. Wrestling. Sword play.”

Mrs. Hili eyes grew big.

“Don’t worry,” Perrin assured her. “No one gets hurt, if they do it correctly.”

“Where does he sit?”

“On the fences.”

Mrs. Hili nodded. “So he stays clean. Good boy.”

Mahrree chuckled. “I thought you were worried that he was watching the soldiers! I realize they may not be the best influence—” She stopped as both Mrs. Hili and Perrin glared at her.

Mrs. Hili put her hands on her wide hips. “Who is it, you told me yesterday at the market, that is watching your children today?”

Mahrree knew she was blushing. “A soldier. Look, what I said didn’t come out right.” She tossed Perrin an apologetic glance.

He showed no emotion.

“What I really meant was,” she started hesitantly, then knew what to say. “When it gets colder, the fort won’t be a safe, or rather a clean, environment. Mud and everything.” She glanced quickly at her husband who didn’t seem completely satisfied. “Could Qualipoe stay with me in the afternoons?”

“That’s an interesting offer, Mrs. Shin,” Mrs. Hili said slowly.

Inspiration hit Mahrree like a round rock fleeing the square block invasion before her. “I could tutor Qualipoe to get him ready for the Administrators’ testing.”

That hit its target.

“What an interesting idea,” Mrs. Hili mused. “You know,” her mind starting racing, “you could even have more children over. You could even charge a fee for it!”

She had raced too far, and her face reflected it. Now she was suggesting pay for something that would was free just seconds ago.

“Oh there’d be no charge for Qualipoe, Mrs. Hili,” Mahrree promised.

Mrs. Hili’s entire body slid into relief, and continued to wobble a bit as she spoke. “I could tell others about your tutoring, to help cover your costs.”

Mahrree shook her head. “I don’t see any costs with being a helpful neighbor, Mrs. Hili. I think I would feel awkward taking pay—”

“Oh, you simply don’t get it!” Mrs. Hili cried. “This is wonderful opportunity for you to work at your home!”

“But I’m already working—I have two children. I just want to help. Isn’t that all right?”