“And is she still at the smithy?” asked Thomas.
“No, she said she felt sorry for my poor sister and asked would I mind if she took her walking through the town.”
Eileen’s eyes went wide. “If I have to go walking alone with that girl I don’t guarantee we’re both coming back.” She put a hand on Thomas’s arm. “If you love me, keep me away from her.”
“I love you,” said Thomas, “but I can only promise so much.” He looked to the kitchen and his stomach rumbled. “Of course, we could go walking through town.”
“What?” Eileen’s eyebrows went up.
“I say we head into the city for lunch and look for booksellers. Maybe I’ll find something out there.”
“Now that,” said Eileen, “is a good idea.”
Thomas looked to George. “Do you want to come?”
“Can’t,” said George. “I need to get back to the forge.
