THE BARGAIN
David and Meg entered Moore’s Place to an exact replica of the evening before and countless others: their father reading by the fire and yawning, their sisters sitting at the table, Annie knitting and Jinny reading a book. In the kitchen, Meg began unpacking her rucksack as David flopped into a chair at the table.
“I’ve kept your plates warm. You must be starved,” Jinny told them. “Tsk, the salmon will be dry.”
“I could eat a horse, but not the one that just drove us home,” joked David, stretching his long arms.
“You should see his pal Martin. A handsome devil!” Meg laughed. To her surprise, David blushed.
“But I know Martin. David brings him in the afternoon sometimes, when you’re all at work. He’s good company, Martin is. As nice as he is handsome.”
Annie sidled up to M
