He didn’t crack a visible smile, but there was an internal twist of triumph at her furrowed brow, and then at the little scamps who appeared. Howell eyed the boys from behind their mother with a look of scrutiny, making no choice between being amused or scathing about their antics. These boys weren’t his problem.
If he were them, he might fancy being worried about what came next though – Mrs. Hutton’s pursed lips didn’t bode well for the pair. If Howell was entertained by that, the feeling was soon sucked right out of the situation by her next suggestion. Or was it a command?
“If that’s necessary,” Howell said, but reluctantly trudged over the threshold after her in boots caked with seasons’ worth of mud. He took off his cap out of uncomfortable politeness – but that would be the only concession he would be making here, if she thought she was going to intimidate him into returning a whole shipment just because her children were hellions. She seemed imposing enough to try it, but Howell was well practised at butting heads.
If he were them, he might fancy being worried about what came next though – Mrs. Hutton’s pursed lips didn’t bode well for the pair. If Howell was entertained by that, the feeling was soon sucked right out of the situation by her next suggestion. Or was it a command?
“If that’s necessary,” Howell said, but reluctantly trudged over the threshold after her in boots caked with seasons’ worth of mud. He took off his cap out of uncomfortable politeness – but that would be the only concession he would be making here, if she thought she was going to intimidate him into returning a whole shipment just because her children were hellions. She seemed imposing enough to try it, but Howell was well practised at butting heads.
