However, here, all of Nightshade slept until the first rays of light were about to appear on the horizon, which she had witnessed almost every morning since she arrived and the first music to reach her ears were the delicate waves as they lapped in the cove. Soon after, the gentle calls of morning songbirds grew into a chorus, filling the air, followed by rabbits, squirrels, deer near the woods, and every animal imagined going about to gather their breakfast.
Their music always began quietly and built into a beautiful crescendo of life.
“Why did you sigh?”
Pulled from her thoughts, Samantha turned to Antonia. “Did I?”
“Yes, just as you did yesterday.”
She hoped that they were not going to accuse her of thinking about Cassian again.
“Were you watching for Cassian?” Petra whispered.
“No,” she answered. “I was thinking about the brilliant sunrise this morning.”
Petra frowned. “You were up that early?”
“On purpose?” Antonia asked.
“I always am.”
“Do you stand at your window and watch?” Antonia asked.
“She cannot. Her window faces west,” Petra explained.
“I walk in the early morning hours. There is a delightful stone bench on a north hill of the Witches’ Garden that faces east and offers a spectacular view. Then I stroll through the garden before returning inside. It is a meditation, a connection with life, remembering my purpose and a reminder to be mindful of my actions.”
Petra blinked at her. “You do this every day?”
“When it is possible.” Samantha smiled. “It is the best way to begin each day. With silence then wait for the music to awaken.”
“Maybe that is why she is always happy,” Antonia suggested.
“Perhaps, but I have no intention of testing her theory,” Petra responded. “I am not one to rise before the sun and consider it unnatural.”
“It is the very best part of the day,” Cassian announced as he entered off the terrace.
“You rise with the sun too?” Antonia asked, curiosity laced in her tone as she glanced at Petra.
“Whenever possible,” he answered as he crossed to the sideboard. “I usually enjoy a cup of tea as I watch the sunrise.”
While she was happy not to be alone in her preference for how to start the day, Samantha knew that Petra and Antonia were now likely scheming. They had begun yesterday, but if Cassian had any interest in her, he would have let her know in the nearly two months that she had been at Nightshade Manor.
“Where do you watch the sunrise?” Petra asked.
“From the grove.” Plate in hand he turned. “Then sometimes I look out over St. George’s Channel while I enjoy another cup of tea.” He took a seat beside Petra. “The dolphins were playful this morning, but I miss the summer months when whales can be viewed.”
“Have you ever seen dolphins, Samantha?” Petra asked.
“No. I have not.”
“Perhaps we should take a boat out if they are still about,” Antonia suggested.
“Or Cassian could show you where they were seen,” Maia grinned as she entered the dining room.
“I am certain he has more pressing matters than to take me to see dolphins,” Samantha insisted.
“Do you, Cassian?” Petra asked. “Have you anything so pressing that you cannot show Samantha the dolphins?”
