This short novel, purportedly written by Ellen Hall, one of the last family residents of Stoney Grove is presented here in 14 parts.

Part 10
He seemed surprised to find her there, then smiled. "May I join you?" he asked.

"Yes, of course." She nodded to the chair across from her. He sat down, placing a brown-paper package on the table between them.

It had been months since she had seen him. His face was roughened by days outdoors in the chill spring, his hair more unruly than ever. She studied him as he summoned the waitress and ordered more tea, and found what she saw to her liking.

"How have you been keeping?" he asked, when the business at hand was complete, and they were alone. "I’m surprised to see you in Puckering."

"Why is that?" she asked.

"I heard you’d gone back to London with your friends." He shrugged.

"No," she replied, " I decided to stay."

"I’ve been away myself," he added, "looking after another of our farms up East Imbiben way until we could find a manager." He looked at her. "I wouldn’t have thought there was much happening here to keep you," he said carefully. "Still, I suppose that London’s not safe these days."

"No, I suppose not. It doesn’t seem like many places are."

"That’s the truth. Still, I fancy Puckering will be all right. Nothing here of much value to anyone else."

She shook her head in disagreement. "Puckering is a marvellous place," she countered, surprised at the warmth of her feeling. "Aunt Beatrice loved it, and I had a wonderful childhood here."

"You remember it then?" he asked, teasingly. She blushed, recalling an earlier meeting.

A smile lit his face. "I had a wonderful childhood, too," he replied.

Their eyes met, and Loretta’s heart fluttered at the intensity of his gaze. What did he want with her? Last fall she had felt the look impertinent; now she welcomed the suggestion of passion that lay behind it.

"And now?" she teased back, wanting to draw him out.

He paused, considering the question, and frowned. The moment had passed. "A man cannot be happy with the world as it is," he replied.

"You’ve no part in that," she said soothingly.

He glared at her, suddenly angry. "You’ve no need to remind me," he barked. "I wake knowing the truth of that every morning. I’m here, mucking out cow sheds, instead of in Europe or Africa fighting alongside the rest of the boys. I couldn’t go, though, and leave the farms. There was nobody else to manage them."

"You have important responsibilities too," she countered. "Not everyone has to fight."

"No," he responded bitterly. "The granddads and the boys have to stay behind. And myself with the cows."

"A pot of tea and toast for you, love," cried the waitress, placing the steaming pot between them. "And another pot for you. Is there anything else, then?"

Loretta smiled and dismissed her. She reached for his teapot, and poured him out a cup.

"Used to drink coffee, but I can’t face the stuff now that there’s no sugar to be had," he grimaced, raising the cup to his lips. "At least with the herd I can get a drop of milk now and again." Loretta helped herself silently. She nibbled on a piece of toast, waiting for Arthur to regain his temper.

"I’m sorry," he sighed, placing his cup on the table and running a hand through his hair. "I shouldn’t have become cross with you. It was wrong of me. Can you forgive me?"

"Of course," she smiled at him. "I understand how you feel."

They passed a few minutes in silence. Then Loretta glanced at her watch. It was time to go.

"Excuse me," she said, reaching for her purse. "I’m terribly sorry, but I must be off."

"Can I give you a lift?" Arthur began to rise as well.

"No, no, please, finish your tea. I’ll be all right to walk."

He reached for her hand as she turned to leave the table.

"May I see you again?" he asked softly. "I’m not always this ill-tempered. I could come ‘round tomorrow and prove it to you."

She looked down for him. "I’m afraid not," she said kindly. You see, I’m leaving town for a few weeks."

"Leaving town," he repeated.

"Yes, I’m going up to London. I have…business there."

His features hardened and his voice grew cold.

"I understand," he said stiffly. "Enjoy your trip then."

Loretta stood, baffled by his changing moods. She had upset him, that was clear. It was also clear that she really must hurry if she were to catch her train.

"Goodbye," she said, and left the shop.

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