DISTANCE

It was hard not to notice that there was a distance between Clarisse and Joseph. Charlotte knew the minute she saw them at breakfast the next morning; they shared a newspaper, but there was none of the cheerful, loving banter between them. Amelia could tell her grandmother was in a mood and thought it best to give her space and so disappeared into the West Wing for the day. Nicholas and Pierre commented to each other that Joseph, too, was in a foul mood and wondered what had come between the otherwise happy couple.

The wood splitting was continuing, the men were up to four cord of wood cut and piled, and estimated they could get at least another 3 done before the end of the week. Until, that is, Pierre had an accident with his axe that put anymore chopping out of the question. The blood made his hand look worse than it was, but it was enough for Joseph to send Nicholas into the West Wing for the Orphanage doctor. Doctor Michael Russo rushed out to the woodpile, hurriedly buttoning up his coat while clutching his doctor's bag. He had been the Royal Physician for forty years, and after his retirement cheerfully accepted Mia's invitation to look after the orphanage children.

"It's not too bad, but I think we'll have to put in a few stitches." Pierre groaned. "Ahh, but I'm fully stocked with lollipops today, and if you're a good boy I'll let you have one."

"I used to get two when you patched me up, Doc".

Dr. Russo glared at him over the top of his eyeglasses. "That's because one was for your brother, and now I see he never got his share, shame on you. But come on inside, we'll get you cleaned up and back to work in no time."

Nicholas, clearly relieved that Pierre was okay, joked: "Take your time with him, Doc, he's not been that much help anyway."

Pierre accompanied the Doctor inside the orphanage, and Nicholas turned and spoke to Joe. "So, shall we get back to work, or do you just want to continue moping about losing your fight with Clarisse?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Come on, Joey, it's all over your face. Breakfast was torture this morning - at least for the rest of us. You two had a fight, I'm guessing you lost and you're sore about it".

"Well, Nicki," Joseph hissed, "Suppose I take a walk and let you finish this all by yourself". Joseph dropped the axe and walked away, stuffing his hands in his pockets and leaving no indication that Nicholas was welcome to follow him.