Helena was again surprised by the quiet candidness of this rather sizable man. "Um," she said intelligently. "I just managed to make fire using Bazzer's glasses. He's a librarian from Kansas city and he's back there keeping Rowan company. She's a pregnant botanist from Canada." The way he was looking at her with expressionless patience reminded Helena of her ex-husband's brother who had been in the army. He would stand at the ready for his orders, even if it was just 'go out for milk' or 'clear the table'. Edward used to say that he did all the thinking and Thomas did all the doing. This assessment of Cross' temperament, whether it was true or not, soothed her for the time being. "I'm looking for fellwood around here. Maybe you...want to help?"