He listened as he ate.  Though his eyes often go to the little girl next to him, and quick hands when the help with the spoon was needed as Karen spoke.  "Did you like traveling?"  He asked not wanting to be impolite about her history, but he was curious about her history.

"I have tried those.  They are good.  When I first heard about them I thought they were eggs soaked in scotch.  Like pickled eggs we get back home."  He chuckled at the memory.  "I thought someone was offering me a weird kind of drink or something."

Understanding how the mention of a lost spouse could trigger deep emotions, he turned his attention to Heidi to allow Karen to have a moment.  Then said slowly.  "I think it was seeing my Cressida riding a horse had her catching my heart."  He gave Karen an understanding glance.  Something they could both understand.  Something that only someone else mourning a part of one's heart.  Another widow(er).

"I totally understand.  The older women are more ...um... well, good intending ladies with hearts of gold, but can be pushy about things once they get to know you and adopt you.  Just a heads up."  He gave her a smile.  "I write home to my ma that she doesn't have to worry too much as I have two just like her keep an eye on me and Heidi.   They are like mother hens and all us here on the property are their chicks.  You'd think I was still in short pants when they get something they think is needing attended."  He gave a slight smile.  He didn't mind, most of the time.  It was actually nice a lot of the time feeling like he was with his family.  Other times, he thought they were a bit meddling.