M is for Mustering – #AtoZChallenge

M is for Mustering

Godwin grunted as he hefted the log into his arm. He ambled cautiously back into the house and dropped the log into the rack beside the fireplace.

“There you are,” said Joan. “What are you doing up?”

“I’ve got to earn my keep,” said Godwin. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been useful at all.”

Joan hustled toward him, blocking his way back outside to collect more wood. “Father said you should rest.”

“Aye, but he’s also weary. I can do something.”

“Then…” Joan sighed in exasperation. “Do something else. Groom the horses.”

“All right then,” said Godwin approaching her. “But you’ll have to let me out the door.” He stopped directly in front of her, his crooked nose inches from hers. He smiled. Her eyes were always so bright.

Her skin reddened. Godwin grinned.

“You—.” Joan flipped her hands in the air. “You shouldn’t work so hard, David.”

“Nor should you,” Godwin said. “Yet you worked your hands to the bone for me.”

She looked away. “That was different.”

Godwin leaned into her line of sight. “How?”

“Oh stop it, you.” Joan playfully pushed him back and made a break for the fire. “I’ve things to do.”

“As do I,” said Godwin with a smile. “I shall groom the horses.”

Godwin passed Kenrick in the doorway with a nod. Kenrick frowned. Godwin chuckled. Kenrick didn’t approve.

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