Chapter Twelve
It took several days for the newly-enlarged household to find its feet.
Dal was somewhat taken aback by the enthusiasm and forthrightness of the Tisdale twins, especially when Hestia asked him if he’d like them to come to his rooms one evening, in front of everyone in the parlour.
Hecate hid her smiles as the normally composed Dal stuttered his way through a polite refusal, and gave her piteous looks that begged for help.
“Ladies, Dal’s religion forbids such a thing,” she said gently. “I know you both must respect the beliefs of others, so while I’m sure he’s aware of your many charms, and the honour you do him, he cannot do anything but refuse.”
“Oh,” replied Hestia sadly, “that’s different then.”
“A shame, though,” added Phoebe, her gaze lingering on Dal’s strong features.
“My loss, Miss Hestia. Miss Phoebe.” Dal had recovered his countenance and was able to bow to both with a degree of graciousness.
“Indeed.” Two identical sighs emerged.
Finn, who was seated on the other side of the parlour with a cup of tea in his hand, turned the conversation. “How is Lady Augusta this evening? I look forward to a time soon when she can be here and share tea…”
Well done, sir.Hecate mentally applauded him.
“She sleeps a lot,” frowned Phoebe. “I’m not sure if she’s resting through the night, but she certainly makes up for it during the day. She took two naps, isn’t that right?” She turned to her sister for corroboration.
Hestia nodded. “She is eating most of the food, so that’s good, and I think her colour is coming back a little. The tea you sent up, Miss Ridlington…she liked that a lot, so I suppose that’s a help as well.”
“I’m glad to hear it. There are herbs that can assist the body and the mind to relax and heal. Many are in that tea—an infusion of my own making. Let us hope we will see her with us more often in the very near future.”
Phoebe eyed the plate with a few biscuits left on it. “Do you think I might take this up to her? Most everyone likes a good shortbread biscuit. I’m sure Lady Augusta is no different. And she’ll be having her last cup of tea right about now…”
“Good idea. By all means take the plate.” Hecate gave the girls an encouraging smile and accepted their little curtsies as they left carrying the biscuits carefully from the room.
“I’ll wager five guineas that Lady Augusta won’t get to see those biscuits,” grinned Finn.
Dal frowned. “They would eat them themselves?”
Hecate couldn’t hold back a laugh. “No, Dal, I’m sure they will offer them to Lady Augusta, but if she doesn’t feel like eating one at the moment, then the rest will be for the twins to enjoy.”
Dal sighed. “Sometimes, in spite of how long I have lived in this country, I am still taken aback by many things.”
“Aren’t we all,” she agreed.
“I had a thought,” said Finn.
“We’re glad to hear it,” teased Hecate.
“No, seriously. Those two girls really do have good hearts, I think, once you peel back the layers of thedemimonde. And they need something to keep them busy.”
“No arguments there,” she replied. “Do you have anything in mind?”
Finn looked across the room at her. “What about our farmers?”
“Oh.”
Hecate sat back in her chair, surprised at the suggestion, but turning over its merits. And there were more than a few. “That’s an interesting idea.”
Dal, to her surprise, agreed. “Yes, yes, it is. Since the weather is so bad, neither of the Misses Tisdale would be doing any outdoor farm work. I would not think that appropriate at all.”
“True,” said Finn. “But indoors? Messrs Woodruff and Digby are busy adding rooms. I have no doubt that if you gave those girls paintbrushes they would be able to assist in that part of the business…”
