Sarah was, however, impressed that the girls had managed to recruit a few more players for their performance, which certainly added to the fun. And she was touched that they had included Cora, who now stood between Colin and Georgie, smiling brightly from one to the other.
After the play, Mira approached Cora to admire her felt ears. Cora removed the hat and placed it on Mira’s head and the two giggled together.
Mira avoided Colin until he had removed his mask and cape.
Then she said, “You’re not so scary.”
He grinned and tweaked her nose. “Only in the mornings before coffee.”
Sarah went to stand beside Mr. Henshall, who looked on as Effie and Georgie talked and laughed together, accepting praise and hugs from Mamma and Emily and good-natured teasing from Bibi and Lowen.
Sarah said to him, “That was sporting of you, and I’m sure Effie appreciated it.”
Perhaps hearing her name, Effie came over to join them. A teasing light in her eyes, she said, “It’s a good thing you’re a skilled musician.”
“Are ye sayin’ I’d better not give up music to become a thespian?”
“I wouldna advise it, Da’. Stick to the guitar.”
She grinned at him, then turned to rejoin the others.
Did Effie realize she’d called him Da’? Had she merely referred to his role as king to her princess? Somehow Sarah did not think so.
Callum stared after Effie, then turned back to Sarah. He started to say something, cleared his throat, then said, “Now I’m very glad I agreed to take part.”
The play over, Colin helped Georgie and Cora carry the various costumes and props back up to the attic. After stowing most of the things in the chest in the old schoolroom, Cora darted into her room to put her hat away. Colin lingered.
Georgie looked at him, slowly shaking her head. “You’re a study in contradictions, do you know that? Often insufferable, but sometimes, like today, an absolute delight.”
He bowed. “Why, thank you.” His brow furrowed. “I think.”
Cora returned, and the three of them went downstairs, where Mamma met them and insisted Colin join the family for an informal supper.
“Since our cook has the day off, it will be mostly leftover food from Christmas dinner, but please do stay. Sarah has baked fresh rolls.”
Georgie added, “And there is plenty of cake left from Mr. Gwilt’s party. If you don’t mind a blue tongue.”
“Sounds a feast compared to what I might find in the Westmountlarder. And with Chown having his own day off, well, it will be a pleasure to stay. Thank you.”
Mamma nodded. “Perhaps that explains why Viola agreed to dine with us as well.”
After their informal meal, they all helped tidy up and carry dishes belowstairs, insisting Mr. Gwilt and the others not wait on them for once.
Daylight waned early in late December, and darkness was already falling when Jack came over to rejoin his wife, having returned from a day of riding and billiards with Chown and Taggart. He sat down with them and accepted a cup of after-dinner coffee. He did not, however, accept any of the red, yellow, and blue cake.
As the others talked, Colin sidled close to Georgie and whispered, “Come and see.”
“See what?”
But he had already gone.
She rose and followed him out of the parlour.
When she joined him in the hall, he said, “I told you Mother Nature would come through.”
“What do you mean?”
He leaned toward her and gave her a boyish smile. “It’s snowing.”
