"Anthony Piers - Incarnations 3 - With a Tangled Skien" - читать интересную книгу автора (Anthony Piers)

go in and get some breakfast."

"No, I mean it, ma'am. You're the prettiest woman
I've ever seen, specially when you move like that."

She looked down at herself. She was glowing from the
exertion, breathing hard, and her nightwear was plastered
to her bosom. This was not her notion of feminine beauty,
but she was flattered all the same. "And I mean it too,
Cedric. You're a young Adonis. When you get your
growth, you'll be attracting all the girls." Then she
paused, flustered, realizing what she had said. Attract
girls? He was already marriedЧto her. She felt the flush
climbing her face.




With a Tangled Skein

8

He did not reply. He stopped to gather an armful of
wood, then carried it into the cabin. But she could tell by
the flush on his neck that he felt just as embarrassed as
she did. He was young and socially inexperienced, but he
was a good young man, meaning well. It was as awkward

for him as it was for her.

"Cedric, IЧ" But what could she say that would not
exacerbate the situation? Better to let it drop.

Inside, she explained about the stove. "Sure, ma'am,"
he said agreeably. "We use a stove in winter." He showed
his expertise in getting it going, making sure the ashes
were not clogging the air vents, adjusting the damper in
the stovepipe, and carefully building a structure of paper,
kindling and wood in the firebox. "Got to start a cold
stove slow," he explained. "Don't want it to crack." But
soon enough it was producing comforting heat, and Niobe
was making pancakes on its surface.

"You sure know how to cook, ma'am!" Cedric said as
he wolfed down his share. He had a huge appetite, as
befitted a growing boy.

"I'm a woman," Niobe said wryly.

"You sure are!" he agreed enthusiastically.