When Victoria brought the tea, then bustled off to help with the cooking, Duncan realized he was stuck entertaining her father.  He was not blind to the fact that Mr Crest might be matchmaking.  He did his best not to sigh.  He had honestly been expecting this.  And to be honest, the idea wasn’t unappealing.  His greatest hesitation had more to do with time - as in time travel.  That and he still hadn’t decided what path he wanted to use to try to alter time and change the event that forced him to travel into the past to begin with - which was a paradox in itself.

Duncan made a face at the sight of creamer for tea.  But sugar cubes he grinned at.  “You may have to chase my mother away with a stick until we can get some tea growing.  She sounds more like you.  Father and I grew up more … provincial.”  Duncan found himself adapting to Mr Crest’s culture.  Although, I fear I must call you Mr Crest.  My family wouldn’t approve of my use of your first name.  So it is not a good habit for me to get into.  Mr Crest or Sir Alexander.”

Duncan stopped and smiled as if at some sort of private joke.  Then he gave a sharp sigh of resignation.  “I still don’t know if they are going to show up here.  It’s complicated as family matters often are.  But I do know I need to get to work on making the house ready for them if they do show up.  I am so used to being able to walk down to the market and pick up whatever I need.  But here it is a chore to ride to town for supplies.  I have to figure out what will keep and what won’t.  I had hoped to have chickens laying eggs before winter.  But I have grave doubts that will happen.

Oh … should you ever need a refuge from outlaws or storms, come to my place.  I could hold off a small army.  And I built a storm cellar.  I doubt weather will ever be a problem here though.  We don’t get twisters here.”