Sara snatched the bread and tucked it in the little girl’s hand. “Nonsense. It is our way of thanking you for allowing us to remain the night.”
Gwen grinned from ear to ear, her full cheeks turning rosy as she munched on the bread.
Ginny didn’t argue. She repeatedly thanked them as she dressed the table with dishes and bowls, making a grand affair of the meal.
The two couples ate and drank and laughed and talked, Gwen taking turns sitting on everyone’s lap and nibbling off their plates. No mention was made of Jeremy’s confrontation with the soldiers. It would have only worried Ginny, and Sara could see that the woman was already fatigued with worry. It showed in her less than sparkling eyes and her forced smile.
Ginny eyed the dwindling food regrettably, and Sara knew that she was thinking if only some were left, it would sustain them for a while at least. It was a short-term fix to their problem, and for a brief moment Sara felt a twinge of guilt for not marrying Harken. At least their joining would have served a purpose, feeding his starving clan, though she wondered if Harken cared that his clan suffered.
“I wish to pay for the shelter you offer us tonight,” Cullen said, drawing coins from the purse tucked at his waist.
Jeremy’s eyes rounded at the mound Cullen stacked on the table and seemed to struggle with his response. “Sharing of your food is payment enough.”
“Nonsense,” Cullen said, pushing the coins in front of the man. “You provide us with a roof over our heads and a bed. You deserve compensation, and don’t bother to argue. I’ll have it no other way.”
The color drained from Jeremy’s face as he scooped up the coins and his wife hugged tightly to his arm, tears shining in her dark eyes.
“Put that way, how can I refuse?” Jeremy said.
Ginny bounced off her chair. “I will dress the bed with fresh bedding for you.”
Before Sara could protest, the woman hurried out of the room with Gwen close on her heels. If it made her feel better to supply them with clean bedding in exchange for the coins, then so be it. Besides, she was feeling mighty tired from their arduous journey thus far and a clean bed would be most welcome.
With Cullen and Jeremy deep in conversation, Sara rested her head back against the rung of the high-back chair, closed her eyes and allowed the warmth of the hearth directly behind her to loll her senses.
She was proud of her new husband. His offer to them was more than generous and was made in such a way that it didn’t appear a handout. Besides, she couldn’t believe how patient and tender he was with Gwen. No matter how many times the little girl got on and off his lap, he never once grew annoyed with her. He’d smile and scoop her up, and when she wiggled off his lap, he’d assist her to stand, only to have her hold her thin little arms out to him again.
He’d scoop her up, give her a hug, and off she would go again, and through it all, Cullen maintained his calm and his conversation at the table. Why hadn’t she been able to find a man with his fine qualities when searching for a husband?
She could understand why Alaina had fallen in love with the man. He had a caring heart while retaining his strength and courage. She hadn’t failed to notice how he had positioned his horse between her and Jeremy when the man appeared out of nowhere on the road. And he had tucked the blanket around her when leaving her to sleep, not to mention how he respected her intelligence by not treating her like a woman incapable of taking care of herself.
Then there was his generosity with the less fortunate. She truly admired his unselfishness, of which she was hearing once again, as he spoke with Jeremy.
“You had mentioned your wish to go to America,” Cullen said.
“A mere dream,” Jeremy said sadly.
“I know of a ship that could get you to America.”
Jeremy shook his head. “I haven’t the coins.”
“That can be worked out.”
Sara smiled softly. Her husband was a wise man. He was allowing Jeremy to keep his pride while offering him a way out of his suffering.
Jeremy leaned forward, his arms resting on the table. “I would work for passage for me and my family.” He shook his head vehemently. “I will not leave them behind and send for them later. I know of too many families who never reunite because of such a poor choice.”
Cullen nodded slowly, and Sara knew he was thinking of his own father and the years they had lost.
“I agree, and I don’t think there’ll be a problem. I’ll write a note to the captain and explain where you and your family are to go. The ship should be reaching port soon, so I will give you enough money for lodgings until then.”
Jeremy was shaking his head before Cullen finished. “I can’t take any more. I will be forever indebted to you.”