As Cora’s little fingers made quick work of the task, Sarah asked, “And how are things going, Cora? I know we can’t expect you to be happy, at least not so soon after losing your grandmother, but I hope you are content here.”
“Yes, miss. Everyone is very kind. Especially your mamma.”
“I am glad to hear it. I know she enjoys having you here. And you are good for her,” Sarah added, realizing it was the truth. Having a young girl under her roof again had given Mamma new purpose.
“All done,” Cora said.
“I appreciate your help. And while you’re here, may I brush your hair?”
“Is it untidy?” The little hand flew to her wayward curls in distress.
“Not at all,” Sarah soothed. “Your curls are charming. I only wanted to return the favor.”
“Oh. Then, yes, thank you.”
“And please call me Sarah, all right?”
“All right, Miss Sarah.”
A short while later, Cora left to go up to the attic to see if Georgiana needed any help, and Sarah went downstairs alone.
She found Mr. Henshall dressed for dinner and waiting in the parlour. He rose when she entered.
Pulse pounding in her ears, Sarah began as casually as she could, “You were gone a long time today. May I ask where you went?”
“I had some business in Exeter. Took longer than expected, but we managed to get what we went for.”
“And that was ...?”
He hesitated. “I wish I could tell ye. But I fear you’re not ready to hear it.”
Contrition burned like a hot coal in her chest. She was eager to make things right between them, or at least, as right as she could. “I am so glad you are back. Back safely, I mean. I regret how I reacted to your gift. I spoke hastily and unkindly. I also know I’ve disappointed you. Being so slow to ... respond. I hope you will forgive me.”
He stepped near and stroked gentle fingers over her cheek. She barely resisted the urge to lean close. To invite a kiss.
“I forgive ye, lass, and I am sorry too. I know ye have a lot on your shoulders. I should have been more understanding. More patient. I will leave ye in peace until after the party. But when it’s over, I hope ye will be ready to discuss the future. Our future.”
Sarah nodded. “I will. And thank you.”
Georgie, Effie, and Cora flew down the stairs and into the parlour like a flock of vociferous birds, chattering all the while.
Sarah gave Callum a final smile, then turned toward the dining room, relieved to be reconciled and grateful for the welcome reprieve.
SEVENTEEN
Just at this time these shops are filled with large plum-cakes, which are crusted over with sugar, and ornamented in every possible way ... for the festival of the kings.
—Robert Southey,Mr. Rowlandson’s England
Sarah thought back to the few Twelfth Night parties she had attended. They had hosted only one at Finderlay that she recalled, and what an evening it was. Could she manage anything half as grand?
Twelfth Night concluded the Twelve Days of Christmas and was followed by the Feast of the Epiphany, which marked the arrival of the wise men in Bethlehem to see the Christ child.
In preparation for the final celebration of the season, Sarah set out to prepare a Twelfth Night cake big enough to serve a houseful of guests.
She assembled the ingredients and began. First she weighed out several pounds of flour and scooped it into a large basin. Making a cavity in the flour, she filled it with some warm milk mixed with yeast. Then she added sugar, chopped butter, eggs, cream, brandy, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mace. The recipe instructed her to beat the batter with the hands until stiff. A lengthy effort she did not relish. She was about to reach in and begin the arduous task when Mr. Henshall entered the workroom.
“Came to see if ye needed any help down here.”
