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Lucien looks at me again, his smile perfectly pleasant. “I’m certainly glad to see him home.”

The words are meant for my father.

His eyes are meant for me.

I turn away and crouch to gather the weeds I’ve pulled. Their roots are still damp with soil, and I occupy myself shaking the dirt from them while my father tells Lucien about the garden and everything we’ve accomplished since I returned.

Lucien listens patiently. He asks about my father’s health, compliments the repaired fence, and notices the new boards I put on the barn. When my father mentions that I’ve already started cutting wood for winter, Lucien tells him how fortunate he is to have me home again.

Anyone listening would think he’s the kindest man in the village.

Then I look up.

Lucien is staring at me. There’s something possessive in the way his attention lingers, and I slowly straighten.

“I should get back to this,” I say.

“You’ve been working all morning,” my father protests. “Come sit for a few minutes.”

“I’m fine.”

“At least have something to drink.” He looks toward Lucien. “Both of you. I made elderflower cordial yesterday.”

Lucien smiles. “That sounds wonderful.”

My father disappears into the house. I wait until the door closes behind him. Lucien’s smile disappears with it. He steps over the low garden fence instead of walking around it, closing some of the distance between us.

“You look well,” he says.

“So do you.”

“I was beginning to think you weren’t coming back.”

There’s no concern in his voice now.

I wipe my hands against my trousers. “Here I am.”

“Your father was beside himself.”

“I’m sure he was lonely.”

“Fortunately, he had me.”

There it is.

I look at him as he takes another step closer.

“I brought food every week. Had my men repair the roof when I realized it wouldn’t survive the summer rains. Paid the physician when your father developed that cough.” He gestures toward the side of the house. “I’ve been supplying his firewood too.”

“I know what you did, Lucien, and I’m grateful.”

“Grateful.”

I put more distance between us.

“If you want repayment, I have coin now.”

His eyebrows rise, and I regret saying it immediately.