| �Accept the money, Gabriel.� She said sternly. �What?� he looked at her in disbelief. �Although I must admit, such currency is strange to me, these coins are real gold and we could use that. Now take his money and be gone with you.� She ordered. �I will not have you command me like I am a child, Isabella. I am your older brother.� �Older but not wiser. Either you take the money or I will. Although you will gain more good favor from father if you were the one who went ahead with this wise decision.� She knew she had won him already. Gabriel was always looking for ways to gain their father�s approval. �Well�alright.� He held his hand out, took the money, and stomped off with a greater scowl on his face. �Thank you very much for helping me. My name is Owen.� He extended his hand. �Pleased to meet you Owen. I am Isabella. You are most welcome. Gabriel tends to be a little stubborn at times. Ignore him as best you can and you�ll be fine.� She smiled warmly at him. �Thank you. I�ll be sure to use that advice.� �Anytime. Do you need help getting your things to your room?� �Not at all. I can handle it.� He shook his head. �If you insist. I will head inside and help with your room�s preparations then.� With that, she hurried inside. Isabella stopped just inside the door. Gabriel was already there and was giving her a disapproving look. �What�s the matter, Gabe?� Isabella asked innocently. �You know exactly what�s the matter.� �Do I? I don�t believe I know what you�re talking about.� �Don�t play with me, little sister. Why did you help that�that�outsider?� he glared at her. �Without �outsiders� as you so put it, our little inn would not prosper. You just don�t like him because he�s taking the attention from your admirers. Now excuse me, big brother, I have to prepare a room for our guest.� She stalked off upstairs leaving Gabriel speechless. She found her mother in an empty room. �Ahh, there you are. Help me, child.� Her mother said breathlessly. �Yes mother.� And she began to tidy up the room. �Have you seen him?� �Gabriel? Yes, he�s sitting around, sulking like a child.� Isabella grinned. �No, not your brother. I mean the stranger.� Her eyes twinkled. |