“This will be a delightful surprise for her.” Then she looked around. “Did your brother not join you?”
At that, tears filled Eve’s eyes and as much as she tried to swipe them away before they fell, it was of no use. “I’m sorry.”
“No, I am sorry.” Lady Norbright got up from her table and joined Eve then pressed a handkerchief into Eve’s hands. “She doesn’t know?”
“It’s not something I couldn’t write in a letter.”
“Of course not.”
Eve wiped her eyes. “I’m usually not a watering pot.”
“I’m certain it’s been a few trying days, but we’ll have you settled shortly.”
“I plan on seeking a room at the inn and then I’ll go see my sister.”
“Nonsense,” Lord Norbright interrupted. “If Mrs. Wiggons has no space, you will stay with us.”
“I couldn’t impose,” Eve insisted.
“My estate borders the school. You and Miss Doyle will need to be able to visit away fromthosestudents.”
Eve assumed he referred to the troublesome trio that Cait had written about. “Thank you. For now, I’ll visit with my sister, though I may prevail upon you and the use of your home to deliver the news, and then determine from there what I will do.”
He didn’t argue, simply nodded.
Though the two were strangers, they weren’t because Cait had written of Claudia Morris when they first met and then how Gabriel Westbrook, Lord Norbright, had moved into the estate and that his two younger sisters attended the school. The two had also married last Christmas.
“Once you’ve finished your tea, we’ll depart. My carriage is just outside.”
At least she wouldn’t need to walk and for that Eve was grateful. “Thank you, Lord Norbright.”
An instant later the door to the tea room flew open and three girls rushed in and went straight to Lady Norbright.”
“Goodness girls? What is all the excitement about? Is someone injured, sick?”
“No, not at all, Lady Norbright,” the redhead answered with enthusiasm.
“Then why are you disturbing my tea?”
“Sophia has given me the most brilliant idea and I just had to share it with you.”
Lady Norbright’s focus changed from the redhead to the blonde, who stood away from the other two biting the corner of her bottom lip.
“What’s this about Sophia? You are usually the calming influence.” Then Mrs. Norbright focused back on the redhead. “Does Mrs. Wiggons know you are away from the school?”
“Yes, Lady Norbright. We sought her permission before leaving the grounds.”
“Well, that’s a first,” Lord Norbright grumbled into his tea.
These three were the perfect distraction that Eve needed right now. She knew of this trio from Cait’s letters. Sophia was the blond and tried to keep Rosemary, the brunette and Eliza, the redhead, out of trouble.
“You see, Lady Norbright, because you took away all the horrid novels, I’ve had nothing to read.”
“There are other types of books in the library,” Lady Norbright reminded her.
“But those aren’t very exciting.”
“What’s this have to do with Sophia’s brilliant idea?”
