Bluestone & Vine Page 7

  Mabry chuckled at that. “You might have enjoyed it more if you’d come a month or two from now,” he said. “I don’t know how lovely it will all look to you when it’s covered in mud.”

  “If I’m lucky, I hope to see it through to the first blooms of spring.”

  Mabry’s eyes widened even further at that, and not a little concern tinged his features.

  “Will that be a problem?” she asked. “I know Seth wants to help his sister by making this swap happen, but please tell me if there’s something I should know.” She smiled. “Truth be told, I don’t think he learned about this swap himself until just very recently.” Her smile turned wry. “Possibly right before my snow-covered arrival. But I don’t want to be a nuisance,” she hurried to add. “I can make other lodging arrangements.”

  She was hoping she wouldn’t have to do that, though. She felt ... better, already. Content. Settled. Or the beginnings of all those things, at least. She was happy for the escape from the chaos, the pressures, and the endless chatter and speculation that was her present day-to-day life.

  Mabry waved a hand. “I don’t think that will be necessary.” Now he leaned forward, as if also sharing a secret, his own smile a bit mischievous, which charmed her right to the core. “It’s not for me to say, of course, but I think our Mr. Brogan could do with a spot of sunshine such as yourself. Boy works himself too hard.”

  Pippa laughed at that, though given what she knew of Seth’s acquired menagerie, the news didn’t surprise her. “That’s very kind of you to say. I’ve offered to help out,” she added, “but perhaps I’d just be in the way.”

  “It may not seem it, but this is a busy time for him, too,” Mabry told her, “tending the vines, prepping them for spring. Spring, then, is a whole other thing entirely. It’s the busiest time, second only to harvest, and I know this season is a critical one for him, seeing as he’s just getting the place off and running.”

  “Oh, I see. I didn’t know that,” she said, feeling a bit shamed by focusing so strongly on her own needs that she really hadn’t truly considered the cost to Seth. “Maybe it’s best if I do make other arrangements, then.” She tamped down a wave of disappointment. You’re not the only one with life problems that need sorting out.

  Mabry gave her a critical once-over, looking a wee bit disappointed himself. “We’ve got a nice inn in town that would probably suit you just fine.”

  “Thank you,” she said, resigned to the decision. “I appreciate that.” She didn’t want to be in an inn with other guests, no matter how lovely it might be. She’d have to do a little research, see if she could find some other rental property that was more secluded.

  “But, if you mean what you say,” Mabry went on, pulling her from her musings, “about pitching in, well, maybe what Seth really needs is to not look a gift horse in the mouth, if you understand my meaning.”

  Pippa smiled, flattered by his persistence. “That’s kind of you, but, in all honesty, I know nothing about vineyards, much less making wine.”

  “You said you grew up on a farm? I can’t imagine sheep or goats are much different from one place to another. He’s got more than a few of both. Two local kids come up to help, but it would free him up a bit not to have to deal with the livestock.” He looked at her and she thought that though his eyes might be a bit dim with age, they still saw things quite clearly. “He’s not only single-handedly building up his own business, but also helping Sawyer and the others with the silk mill renovation, which put him further behind.”

  “Silk mill,” she repeated, surprised and intrigued. “Out here?”

  Mabry nodded. “Long since defunct. They’ve completely renovated the old place, turned it into what they call an artisan community center, or some such. Thanks in large part to Addie Pearl—I’m sure you’ll meet her sooner than later—Blue Hollow Falls has more than its fair share of artists and crafters in residence. She’s a weaver, but we’ve got carvers, musicians, painters, soap- and candlemakers, even a fellow who works with glass blowing and the like. All part of our Bluebird Crafters’ Guild.”

  “That must be what Seth meant by the Bluebird ladies,” she said, and Mabry nodded. “He mentioned they come up and sheer his sheep in trade for the wool. So, it’s a whole community. How lovely,” Pippa said. Somewhere inside her, a little ache formed, or maybe it was a bit of yearning. Life here was calling to her more strongly by the moment.

  “I wish my Annie had lived long enough to see that,” Mabry said. “She made lace, you see. By hand. Tatting, she called it. Learned it from her Welsh grandmother. She’d have loved having a place to work with others, maybe even sell a piece.” He shook his head, but smiled in reminiscence. “It’s a worthy endeavor, at any rate. Just opened and it’s already bringing some much-needed life to this area, in a way that doesn’t compromise what we stand for. My orchard here will benefit from the flow of new visitors, as will Seth’s winery once it’s up and producing. None of it would have been possible but for Sawyer Hartwell, and folks like Seth, and Wilson McCall, who gave their time, skill, and energy to make it all happen. Now it’s Seth’s turn to make his own place into something special.”

  “Sounds like a wonderful town here, with you all looking out for each other, pitching in. My childhood home was like that.” She smiled with her own reminiscence, grateful for those particular memories. It had been a long time since she’d thought about that time in her life.

  Mabry looked directly at her. “But a man’s life can’t be all about work, you understand?”

  Pippa laughed then. “Are you trying to play matchmaker?”

  “Are you attached?” he asked, and she shook her head, laughing again. He went on before she could gently explain that she wasn’t here looking for a beau. “You’re a breath of fresh air, Miss Pippa MacMillan,” he went on. “I don’t claim to know everything, or even a little about most things, but I do know something about family, and life. You’re both looking like you could use a bit of each at the moment.”

  Touched, she said, “That’s very sweet of you. We’ll see how things work out.” She didn’t want to get the older man’s hopes up, but a bit of life and family sounded just about perfect to her right now. “If I do end up staying on, perhaps you can come up and join us for supper one night? I’d have to check with Seth, but I make a pretty decent Irish stew, and a downright sinful shepherd’s pie.”

  Mabry hooted out a little laugh. “That’s what I want to hear. And you know what? I just might do that. You name the night and I’ll get myself on up there. Truth be told, I’ve been itching to see what he’s done to the place. I’ll admit, I never did cotton to the man who bought Dinwiddie’s old dairy farm way back when with an idea to growing grapes there. Not that he bothered to spend a minute meeting any of his neighbors. Then he up and went right back to France before barely harvesting a single crop, leaving the place to go straight to seed. Lovely couple eventually purchased the property. I came around to seeing their vision for the place, and Annie was downright tickled. Such a shame, what happened to them, him passing on before he’d even got his first harvest, her following him so soon after.” He shook his head and sighed. “But I believe all things happen as they do for a reason. There’s a greater plan going on, and your Mr. Brogan is exactly what that place needed, at exactly the right time. He’ll do right by it. I can feel it.”

  Pippa wanted to tell him that Seth wasn’t “her” anything, but she hoped Mabry was right. Maybe this place is exactly what you need, at exactly the right time, too. “Sounds like the vineyard is due for some good luck for a change,” she said, pushing that thought aside.

  Mabry nodded. “You planning on getting yourself a set of wheels while you’re out here? I’ve got an old farm truck you can borrow, if need be.”

  “Oh, that’s very dear of you to offer. I had a leased vehicle all lined up, but then I landed and saw all the snow and decided that sporty little car wouldn’t get me very far. All the four-wheel-drive vehicles were gone, so I ju
st hired a driver to get me this far and thought I’d figure it out from there. We drive on the other side of the road back at home, and the truth of it is, these days I don’t actually do a lot of driving. And I’ve never driven in snow. So, maybe it’s best to wait and start up when the conditions have improved.”

  Mabry smiled. “Sun’s out for now, and the temperatures are up. Between the plowing and the sun, should be all clear out there shortly. Rain coming will take care of the rest. We don’t get much traffic up this way. Would be good roads to get some practice on. I’ve a feeling after seeing you handle that snowmobile, you’ll do just fine.” He winked at her. “You come on down when you’re ready and we’ll go for a spin. I taught my daughter and both my grandsons to drive. I can teach you, too.”

  Pippa beamed. “You know, I believe I’ll take you up on that! If you’re sure you have the time.” She picked up the pad of paper that sat by the old-fashioned black telephone and wrote down her number. “Call me if or when you do and it’s a date.” On impulse, she gave him a quick hug, lifting up on her toes to add a peck on his cheek. “Thank you, Mr. Jenkins. My dad would be happy to know I’ve got you looking out for me.”

  It was hard to tell on those weathered cheeks, but she was pretty sure he blushed, which charmed her all the more.

  “Get Seth to take you on into town, introduce you to everyone,” Mabry said. “We always enjoy talking to someone with a story to tell. I’m sure they’ll want to hear tales of your home, and they’ll share a few of theirs.”

  “I can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon,” she said, meaning it.

  The sound of a large truck engine rumbled outside.

  “I think my ride is here.” She grinned. “Thank you again for the loan, and the driving lessons.”

  “I’m guessing you won’t need but one, but I’m always happy to help. And the offer of the truck loan stands, too. Don’t go spending money on something you can borrow. Save your pennies for something you need.”

  Pippa nodded. “Sound advice.” She liked to think that despite her newfound stability where money was concerned, she’d retained the frugal mindset she’d been raised with. Her parents worked hard for what they had, and had taught her to do the same. It had taken a few years before her parents—her father in particular—would allow her to help them along, as she was more than able to do now. She’d explained that they’d given her the foundation upon which to thrive, so the least she could do was thank them in kind.

  She was still fairly certain her father was embarrassed by the things she’d done to help her family, but seeing how delighted her ma had been with a new dishwasher, and a car that didn’t have faulty windows, he’d succumbed and been gruffly thankful. She would have bought them a whole new house if they’d let her, but understood his pride couldn’t handle such a thing.

  Pride was a tricky thing. Being here, in Mr. Jenkin’s modest home, seeing how hard he worked for what he had, she knew if she asked him, he’d say he wanted for nothing. What he had functioned, and if it didn’t, she suspected he’d fix it until it simply couldn’t be repaired again. Her father was exactly the same way. She, on the other hand, could lease an entire fleet of cars if she wanted to, without even having to consult her business manager. That she had a business manager at all said everything that needed saying on that point, really.

  While she didn’t want to borrow something that Mr. Jenkins might be needing, she understood there was pride at stake here, too. She knew it likely made Mabry feel good to think he was helping out a young lass, as it would if it were her father making the offer to one of her friends. His simple offer also made her realize that perhaps she’d grown more accustomed to her newfound lifestyle than she’d realized. It was humbling, and she thanked him for that reminder, too.

  “If you can honestly spare it,” she said, “then I’d appreciate the loan a great deal. Perhaps if you need anything in town, I could run errands for you?” She smiled. “I always like to help out where I can, too.”

  “That I can see. It’s an admirable trait that will do you well.” He smiled and walked to the front door as they heard Seth’s boots on the porch. “I think we might be able to work something out.”

  Mabry opened the door for her in time to see Seth with two of her bags propped on his broad shoulders, and another under one arm, and two more, one in each hand. Her breath caught a little, surprising her. Not because she was stunned by the load he’d hefted as if it were nothing, but because the sight of him quite literally took her breath away. He was a towering pillar of a man, sturdy-legged, narrow-hipped, and oh so broad shouldered. His long hair was loose today, and flowed in uneven waves down past his shoulder blades. In the bright sunshine, she saw now that the dark blond did in fact have more than a fair share of red in it, which was the main color of his beard. A mountain man, indeed.

  Her mind flashed on how it had felt when he’d put those big hands of his on her, so gently supporting her when she’d gotten winded and a bit light-headed. What he’d looked like, fresh from the shower, then later, out in the barn, sitting in that stall he’d converted into an oddball, makeshift office. He’d looked all fierce and focused as he typed things on the keyboard with remarkable lightning-swift speed, eyeing the monitor as if daring it not to show him the results he was looking for.

  “That boy could carry the world on his shoulders; I’m fair convinced of it,” Mabry said. “I told him they must grow them like the redwoods out west.”

  Pippa laughed at that, even as other parts of her body were reacting to the sight of Seth with a surge of unmitigated want. “He must have eaten all of his spinach as a boy.” She glanced at Mabry, who arched a surprised snowy eyebrow. “We know Popeye over in Ireland. My brothers were big fans of the sailor man. They saw the movie version as kids, and some friends of ours sent them some of the original cartoons on VHS tapes. They watched those things endlessly.”

  Mabry nodded. “Did you know that the voice actor who did Popeye for more than forty years married the woman who did Olive Oyl?”

  Now Pippa’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Is that right? How lovely!” She nudged him with her elbow. “You’re a softy, is what you are, Mabry Jenkins. A true romantic. I’m betting your wife would be fast to agree with me.”

  “Falling in love is one of the best things we do,” he told her plainly, blue eyes alight as he did. “You can do a lot in life, but none so great as that.” Now he nudged her and gave her another wink. “I’m here to tell you, it’s even better if they fall right back.”

  Pippa was still laughing when she turned to cross the porch, and walked smack into a wall of Seth. He caught her by the elbows and steadied her.

  Flustered, and by far more than the accidental collision, Pippa opted to play the ham to cover it. With Seth still holding her, she arched her head back in a dramatic pose and blew a kiss at Mabry. “Until we meet again.”

  The older man surprised her by sketching a short bow. “I look forward to it, m’dear. You kids enjoy the rest of the day.” He looked at Seth. “You take care of this one, you hear?”

  Seth looked between the two as Pippa straightened, then gave a slight shake of his head as if he wasn’t quite sure what he’d stumbled into, but whatever it was, he’d clearly missed the thread. “I think she does a pretty good job of taking care of herself,” he told Mabry kindly, and when the older man just fixed him with a steady look, Seth chuckled and added, “But I’ll do my best. I appreciate your helping out like you did.”

  “Not a problem,” the older man said. “Happy to lend a hand.”

  Pippa waited for Seth to give the older man a hard time about the snowmobile loan, but he merely nodded, then guided her down the recently shoveled and salted front steps, hand still firmly under her elbow. The sun was out in full now, making the snow an almost blinding sea of crystalline white. She noted that Mabry was right. With the sun on them, the plowed drive and road had already mostly melted, revealing the gravel and mud underneath.

&n
bsp; Seth helped her up into the cab of the enormous pickup truck, then closed the door and headed around the back before she could say thank you. Instead she waved to Mabry, who was still standing on the porch, then settled her seat belt across her chest and lap as Seth climbed in and did the same. They were on the road heading on up the mountainside a moment later.

  “Looks like you’ve made another friend,” Seth said.

  “He’s a lovely man,” Pippa replied as she took in the surrounding countryside. It was breathtaking all covered in white. The mountains had been shrouded in heavy cloud cover and fog the day before. She’d had no idea how stunning the view truly was. “It’s incredibly beautiful up here,” she said. “The view from your chalet must be impressive indeed.”

  “Chalet?”

  She glanced at him. “All wood and glass, sitting on a mountaintop. What would you call it?”

  He shrugged and nodded in conciliation. “I just call it home.”

  “Was that the house that was there when you bought the place? Seems fairly modern for the older couple who lived on the vineyard before you. Mabry told me about them,” she added, when he looked surprised. “Did the owner before that build it? The man who bought the place when it was a dairy farm?”

  “You had quite the conversation,” Seth said, and she just smiled sweetly at him. He smiled as well, shook his head, then looked back to the road. “Well, the original farmhouse, back when the acreage was used as a dairy farm, is gone now. That happened before I was born. All that’s left of it are the stone barn and the round barn, and a few other smaller outbuildings scattered over the property.”

  “Mabry said he wasn’t too fond of the man who bought the farm from Mr. Dinwiddie,” Pippa commented. “Said he didn’t even bother getting to know his neighbors.”

  “Emile Fournier,” Seth said, nodding. “I don’t think he bothered to make many friends in the area. It was strictly a business setup for him, no house on the property. Fournier planted twenty full acres of vines, with plans to expand from there. I think he intended to tear down the rest of the structures, too, but he didn’t get that far. When the Bianchis bought the place, it had been sitting for a very long time, more than a decade.”