Stepfather chuckled. “I suppose it would depend on the preference of the individual. Not all tortoises are alike. Much like people, each has their unique opinions. Personally, I would always choose potatoes first. And what would you choose, Mr. Ellington?”
“Potatoes, without question.”
“And you, Sophia?”
She met Isaac’s gaze, wiping her lips with her serviette. “Carrots.”
“My point is made.” Lord Blackstone grinned. “Differences of opinion are quite natural in all species.”
Isaac paused, casting his gaze at the chandelier in thought. “I suppose a better question would be which might the tortoise choose when presented with a plate of beef or a plate of carrots? While not strictly herbivorous, as you said, I wonder if they still prefer vegetation over meat.”
Stepfather’s eyes widened in thought. “If only we could present this scenario to a tortoise. I would be most curious as well. Would he choose what he is most comfortable with, or would he choose something unfamiliar and unknown? A fascinating question, indeed.”
“I think he would choose the meat,” Sophia said as she lowered her spoon. “After some time, I suspect he would have grown weary of carrots. He might realize that the meat is more valuable and leave the carrots to rot.”
Stepfather blinked. “A valid hypothesis, my dear.”
Sophia speared a potato with her fork, keeping her gaze fixed on her plate.
Percy’s voice cut through the air. With a flick of his head, he moved his black hair out of his eyes. “I am of the opinion that he would choose both.” His voice dripped with arrogance. “He might eat one before the other, but if he is opportunistic, he certainly won’t leave any food behind.”
“Certainly not,” Stepfather said. He seemed to be vastly enjoying this conversation, and blissfully unaware that both men were only pretending to care about his favorite creatures. Sophia could see straight through Isaac’s and Percy’s ploys to win her stepfather’s favor. It infuriated her.
Stepfather smiled broadly and clapped his hands twice, triggering the footmen in the corners of the room to step forward with four new trays. “In the spirit of our discussion about Archibald, let us test how opportunistic you all may be with your dietary choices.”
Sophia frowned. Who the devil wasArchibald?
Stepfather chuckled to himself as the footmen placed a tray on each section of the long table. “I keep the cellars stocked handsomely with my most intriguing goods, which have been imported from around the world. Much like the Hamadryas baboon, I am usually one to hoard my prize resources most aggressively.” His smile grew with pride as his guests examined the trays. “However, in company so agreeable, I cannot help but share the abundance.”
Sophia exchanged a glance with Prudence.
Mama adored their stepfather, and so did Sophia, but there were times his antics were a bit extreme. If Mama were in London, she would have strongly protested such a display.
Sophia studied the offerings on the tray that rested between Percy and herself. There were a few varieties of nuts, sliced fruits, dried fruits, candied petals, and a few other items that were completely unrecognizable.
“What you see at the center of the tray is one of my favorite delicacies,” Stepfather said in a casual voice. “Pickled eel in spiced syrup. To the left, you will find candied tamarind pods.”
The smell radiating from the tray made Sophia’s stomach lurch.
“I invite you all to taste whatever you’d like, and please do report your findings to the group!”
Sophia pinched a small, dried fruit between her fingers. It was the safest option, to be sure. She popped it into her mouth as the others at the table made their selections. It was overly sweet and chewy, sticking to her teeth as she attempted to swallow.She took a sip from her water cup and accidentally met Isaac’s gaze.
When she had known him, he hadn’t been afraid to eat anything. She could still see the fish heads poking out of the stargazey pie that he had packed from his grandfather’s house. Isaac had teased her about her unwillingness to try a bite. When he had pushed the pie toward her, she accidentally knocked it out of his hands, sending it tumbling down the cliffside and into the sea below. They had vowed to keep the ordeal a secret from his grandfather’s cook, who had spent hours making that pie. Her sides had ached from laughing so hard.
She pushed the memory from her mind, focusing on Isaac as he picked up a curved nut from the tray. He popped it in his mouth.
Stepfather’s attention was on Percy as he took a daring bite of the pickled eel. Prudence released a giddy laugh, even applauding as he swallowed.
From across the table, Isaac stilled.
His brow furrowed. He coughed once. Then again. Violently.
Sophia straightened in alarm as he reached for his glass. He took a large drink of water, but when he set it down, his face was redder than before.
“Good heavens,” Stepfather exclaimed. “Mr. Ellington? Are you all right?”
Isaac didn’t answer, a sheen of sweat appearing on his brow. He coughed again, this time continuously for several seconds.
