Page 18 of Whispers of Helena
“Hello, Ms. Helena,” Marcel greets me, his voice smooth, his smile easy.
“Hello, Marcel.” My tone is polite but distant. “I’m here to fetch Kiran for his lessons.”
Marcel nudges the boy lightly. “Time to go, little man.”
With a reluctant sigh, Kiran scurries down the ladder. As soon as he reaches the ground, I pluck a few stray bits of hay from his hair. He grins up at me, unbothered.
“What’s for lunch today, Ms. Helena?” Marcel’s voice draws my attention again. He leans forward slightly, his hands gripping the railing, muscles flexing just enough to catch my eye.
“Beef and barley soup, with soda bread,” I reply, keeping my tone neutral. “It’ll be ready in about an hour.”
Marcel gives a slow nod, his grin widening. “Sounds good. I’ll see you at lunch, then.”
I don’t trust myself to respond, so I simply nod. Turning to Kiran, I ask, “Ready?”
His face lights up with a sudden idea. “Can we go see Eli first? Just for a minute?”
I sigh, already softening under his wide, pleading eyes. “We really should get started?—”
“Please?” he begs, his voice dripping with innocent charm.
I shake my head with a small smile. “Alright, but only for a quick hello.”
“Yes, ma’am!” He darts off before I can change my mind, disappearing through the barn door. I glance back at Marcel, who is still watching me.
“Have a good morning, Marcel,” I say, turning to leave.
He tips his hat. “You too, Ms. Helena.”
I follow Kiran’s trail to the stables. The creak of wood and the soft rustle of hay greet me as I step inside. Sure enough, Kiran is already chatting away with Eli, who stands by the bench, wiping his hands on a rag. With fluid, precise movements, the tall, broad-shouldered Silas guides his horse into its nearby stall.
I approach Eli and Kiran, my boots echoing softly on the stable floor. “Busy morning, Eli?”
He nods. “Always. But busy is good. What brings you out here?”
“Kiran wanted to say hello before his lessons,” I reply, casting a fond glance at the boy.
Eli chuckles. “You just saw me at breakfast, kid.”
Kiran shrugs, grinning. “I know. Just wanted to visit.”
Before Eli could respond, Silas’s deep voice cuts through theair behind me. “Kiran, if it’s time for your lessons, you’d best head in.” He brushes past me. His voice softens as he adds, “Helena.”
The way he says my name, low and gravelly, gives me goosebumps.
“Morning, Silas,” I manage, my voice steadier than I felt.
He doesn’t respond, only giving a slight nod as he busies himself at the workbench. Kiran says goodbye to Eli, walking to Silas to hug him.
“Before we head in, I have a question.” As I speak, both men give me their attention. “Not sure which one of you to ask, but would it be possible for me to take a horse out this weekend? I miss riding and I could use some time outside.”
Sila’s brow pinches. “You know how to ride?”
“I told you I’ve lived on a ranch before, of course I know how to ride.”
Eli glances up at Silas. “Your call boss.” He turns back to the workbench.
Silas looks at me. “There’s a mare you could take out.”
