Candace began fumbling with her apron. ‘Inside, everybody. Put the duckling in the crate. We cannot have it wandering about the house.’
Blake scooped the duckling up. ‘We can’t have him thinking we’re plebeians, now can we?’
Lyndal poked her in the ribs as she passed by.
It was risky leaving any living animal unattended outside, so Blake covered the crate with a sheet and placed it behind the potted vegetables—which were also prone to disappearing.
‘For goodness’ sake,’ Candace said, finally free of her apron, ‘go put a nice dress on.’
Blake straightened. ‘Why? Is the queen with them?’
Another disapproving look from her mother. ‘How many dresses have I sewn for you? And you choose to wear that.’
Blake looked down at the plain belted dress, a stark contrast to Lyndal’s pale green gown tailored perfectly at the waist. ‘It’s practical.’ They were fortunate enough to import fabric and have a clothier in the household. ‘I’m not underdressed. Lyndal’s overdressed.’
Her mother tutted. Having been raised in a noble household, her standards were higher than the average merchant.
‘Why doesn’t Eda have to change?’
‘Because she’s not at marrying age,’ Lyndal called out.
‘Hush,’ Candace said as they walked inside. ‘Your uncle will hear you.’ She looked at Blake. ‘Change.Now.’
Blake rolled her eyes but did as she was told.
When she returned, she joined her sisters at the window. Outside, their uncle was securing the horse to the veranda. Her aunt and cousin watched as they held the skirts of their dresses off the ground.
‘Behave, all of you,’ Candace said before carefully opening the door to prevent the bell from flying off.
‘My dear sister,’ Victoria said, embracing Candace. ‘I am so sorry about Kingsley. I cannot even imagine.’
Candace pressed her eyes shut, then pulled away, focusing on Kendra. ‘Look what a lady you have become.’
Kendra kissed her aunt. ‘Soon to be eighteen.’ Then she turned to her cousins. ‘Goodness. Look how thin you all are.’ Her own face was round, her cheeks full. ‘What a difference a few months can make.’
Blake knew her cousin could not comprehend the hardships facing the merchants. She lived a sheltered, privileged life. It was unfair to hold that against her. ‘And you look as breathtaking as ever.’
‘It is a good thing we brought a plate of pastries,’ Kendra said, slipping her arm through Blake’s.
Mentioning pastries was like waving a bone in front of a starved dog. Blake’s mouth watered in response.
‘How thoughtful,’ Lyndal said, looking in Thomas’s direction as he joined them. ‘You’re looking well, Uncle.’
Thomas stepped up onto the veranda, assessing each of them. ‘Goodness me. Let us hope there is meat at the market sooner rather than later.’
‘Please,’ Candace said, gesturing to the door.
The two sisters sat at the table in the main room, and the cousins went out into the courtyard to give them some privacy. Thomas remained in the shop, flipping through the ledger. The lack of financial privacy agitated Blake. She reminded herself that the shop now belonged to him and he was free to do as he pleased with it.
‘I hear chirping,’ Kendra said, looking over at the covered crate. ‘I see Harlan delivered the duckling to you.’
Blake’s eyebrows came together. ‘Harlan?’
‘Forgive me. I meant to say Commander Wright.’
Harlan. His given name was Harlan.
‘Now we just need the thing to hurry up and grow,’ Lyndal said.
