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Gerald observed closely as she moved. The tune she hummed was light and bouncy, and it brought a smile to his face. She caught sight of him out of the corner of her eye and, startled, ceased the humming immediately. She gripped the toy she was holding, a small shield, tightly.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, all the softness retreating from her face.

Gerald moved into the room and bent down, intending to help her. He found the matching sword and handed it to her. Clara took it and placed it against the shield before carrying it to the toybox.

“I came to check on the repairs. They seem to be progressing well, and I thought since I was here, I might as well stop for a while. I’m sure I can find a way to make use of myself,” he said, and picked up a few more toys.

“I see, any help is appreciated,” Clara replied. Her words seemed forced, which amused Gerald.

“You can resume your humming. I did not mean to interrupt you.”

They moved around the room, almost as though they were dancing. Gerald didn’t consciously notice it, but they were bending down at the same time, then rising simultaneously. They passed each other as they carried the toys to the two toyboxes, one for the boys and one for the girls.

Clara arched an eyebrow and studied him.

“I don’t think I shall,” she said.

“A shame, for it was a most wonderful sound.”

“Are you teasing me?”

“I would never dare do such a thing.”

“Hmm.” Clara narrowed her eyes, studying him for a moment, and then continued to move on.

“Emily gave me a gift,” Gerald continued, intending to change the subject.

“Oh, yes?” He produced the drawing, and Clara studied it. “I shall have words with her and tell her it’s inappropriate.”

“There’s no need for that. I think it’s rather sweet, and harmless.”

“As long as she doesn’t get teased for it.” Clara tucked a stray strand of hair behind her eyes. There was a weight to her words that suggested she was speaking from experience. Before Gerald could decide whether to enquire further, Clara glanced out of the window, and her eyes widened.

“Oh no,” she gasped.

“Is something the matter?”

“I’ve told those boys not to play by the pond by themselves.” Clara was already in motion as she was speaking. She hitched up her dress and marched out of the room. Gerald thought he had no choice but to follow. Clara leaned forward, arching her body slightly. There was a purpose to her movements, and a formidable posture. Her brow was furrowed and her jaw set. Her footsteps thumped against the ground in an imposing rhythm, a stark contrast to the sweet humming that greeted him.

Indeed, the children must have been used to this authoritative manner of Clara’s. When Teddy and Oliver spotted her, they abandoned what they were doing and rushed away from the pond. They placed their hands behind their backs and looked in every direction except at Clara.

“What are you boys doing?” Clara asked, the words imbued with a sharpness that even made Gerald feel uncomfortable. He vowed to never get on the wrong side of Clara’s mood.

“Nothing,” Teddy mumbled. They were still failing to meet Clara’s gaze.

“Children, I’ve told you before that if you’re going to misbehave, then the least you can do is be honest about it. I have always been fair to you, have I not?”

“Yes, Miss Sterling,” the boys said in unison.

“Then please tell me what you were doing by the pond when I have warned you on many occasions to tell me if you wish to play here. I am not angry with you, I am merely worried because it is dangerous.” The hard quality in Clara’s voice, which had been borne more from frustration and worry than from anger, faded. She bent down slightly and tried to coax some understanding from the children.

Meanwhile, Gerald was keen to investigate the area from which the boys had run. He ambled over in a nonchalant manner and saw pieces of wood joined together by a slack rope. It was little more than a jumble of things, but having been a boy himself, Gerald realized what they were attempting.

“I believe they were trying to build a boat,” he said.

Clara turned as Gerald picked up one of the planks of wood. The rope fell away, dropping to the ground like a dead snake.

“Is this true?” Clara asked, turning back to the boys.