Selah smiled. “Orinoco-n-Vale sounds quite unpoetic.”
A rare cackle. “Quite!”
As their hostess took Watseka by the hand and excused herself to bring refreshments, there came the light tap of footsteps on the stairs.
“Mistress Hopewell?” Into the parlor stepped Nurse Lineboro. “You caught me napping—or trying to.” She rolled her eyes as the hammering resumed. “I heard talk of tonics. A sleep remedy is sorely needed.”
“Oh? I shall do what I can. You’re welcome to our stillroom should you want to visit in future.”
Nurse Lineboro took a leather chair that looked newly arrived from England. “Such a masculine domain. I confess to not feeling entirely comfortable here.”
Selah made no reply. For a servant, albeit a nurse, the woman seemed a bit high-minded and free with her opinions. Yet the refinement in her voice and carriage bespoke a genteel upbringing. “Handsome is as handsome does,” Mother would say. Mulling it, Selah took a seat. She’d make no hasty judgments as she had with Xander. Whatever her foibles and faults, Electa Lineboro was lovely to look at, her gown a deep blue, its slashed sleeves embellished with white satin ribbon, her hair covered by a lace-edged cap.
“’Tis too hot here to enjoy the outdoors. And this house, though large, has few amusements. I confess that I—” A horse’s high whinny cut short Nurse Lineboro’s words and sent her to the nearest window. “The men are back—with Oceanus intact, I hope. He’s frightfully afraid of horses.”
The tramp of booted feet and another door opening deep within the house led to Ruby and Jett’s frenzied barking and Watseka’s sudden appearance. Selah didn’t miss Nurse Lineboro rolling her eyes again as she faced the open parlor door. Amused by the melee, Selah stayed near the window as dogs and children and men poured forth into the small space, followed by Widow Brodie with too few refreshments. Out the door she went again to remedy such before anyone said a word.
“Mistress Hopewell.” Xander pulled off his hat. “Brave of you to join us.”
“Indeed, Master Renick. Rose-n-Vale hums like a hive.”
Oceanus stood beside Watseka, clearly pleased at having a pint-sized companion. From a pocket he withdrew the shell she’d given him as if to show her he’d not forgotten. “May I go out and play now, Father?”
Xander gave a nod. “Aye, you’ve earned it.”
“Don’t you want something to slake your thirst first?” Nurse Lineboro asked him.
“From the well?” He looked at Xander again.
“Or the kitchen. Cook has more than well water.”
“I shall show Watseka my new pony on the way. Mayhap she can help me name him.”
Xander winked at him. “Even a Powhatan name is most welcome.”
Nurse Lineboro took him aside but not out of earshot. “Be ever mindful that ponies kick and bite.”
Dismayed by her chastening, Selah took in Oceanus’s riding clothes, the miniature doublet and dark breeches. On his feet were the buckled shoes he’d arrived in, not boots. Bound for the cobbler next, no doubt. His long hair, so bountifully black, was shorn. Overnight he’d achieved full-fledged boyhood. As he left, he gave a courtly little bow, further tugging at her heart.
“He’s quite the wee gentleman, obedient and obliging,” McCaskey said in earnest approval. “But a bit of an old soul for one so young.”
“Lord willing, the latter will change.” Xander stepped aside as his aunt reappeared bearing a tray.
She served sugared lemon water in pewter posset cups, fresh mint atop each. Selah sipped hers gratefully, wishing they were on the half-finished portico instead as they took the seats scattered about the parlor.
“How does Oceanus take to the saddle?” Selah ventured.
“He’s asked to bring his pony inside the house.” At her smile, Xander added, “He wants nothing to do with the wooden rocking horse in his bedchamber.”
“Save it for a brother or sister then.” McCaskey grinned, looking to his right. “D’ye not ride, Nurse Lineboro?”
“I’ve had little opportunity to do so, though I might need to master it if I stay on in Virginia.”
“I thought I overheard you discussing your departure plans with Widow Brodie.”
“I’ve not yet decided.” She flushed, gaze traveling to Xander. “Master Renick hasn’t said he no longer needs my services.”
Xander held his tongue, and the room stilled uncomfortably.
