When she asked if her mother could hear Cassian’s music, she claimed that she had not bothered to listen. Which truly hadn’t been a surprise since her mother had lived with the gift much longer and was able to silence the music often.
Samantha had wanted to ask her mother to listen and then tell her what was heard but decided not to. She would never tell anyone the secrets of another in what she heard, and she certainly should not ask her mother to do the same, therefore she would just accept that she might never understand Cassian.
“Why us?” Cassian demanded.
She glanced over at him. Ever since they had gotten into the carriage he had been slumped in the corner, arms crossed over his chest and glared out the window, much like Chedworth had been yesterday when he had been forced to accept that he must wait a day longer to marry Antonia.
Samantha had no idea why Cassian was in such a poor mood which was the reason she had not engaged him in discussion.
“Perhaps everyone else has other commitments,” she finally answered.
“They do not.”
Why was he so put out? She could have come into Bocka Morrow on her own and purchased the items, but it was Lady St. Alban who insisted that Cassian accompany her.
The poor man. This was the third time he had been told to take her somewhere. First to the temple, then to watch the dolphins and now into Bocka Morrow.
At least visiting the Romani camp had been his idea and for a short time she had begun to think he might like her. Not care about her in a way that would make a man consider courtship, but simply like her enough to talk to more often.
That all changed within hours of leaving the Romani camp and he became withdrawn and a silent observer, only responding to questions or comments made directly to him.
Had yesterday been too trying? Or had he simply not wanted to be a part of the planning?
Then again, the two of them had spent the rest of yesterday and most of the evening closeted away with her mother, Lady St. Alban, Antonia’s mother, Chedworth, and Antonia so that everything could be set for the day after Christmas, as well as the wedding on the twenty-seventh, leaving nothing to chance. No one else was allowed to provide suggestions because it was easier with fewer people to make the decisions.
They then searched Nightshade Manor for the right crystals, candles, and herbs. They decided on a menu for the festival, which were all items that could be prepared in advance, though it would be Petra and Maia who put the baskets together. That was only because the festival fell on Boxing Day when the servants were free.
However, their list did not end with items needed for the Haloa festival or the meditation during the solar eclipse, but things still needed for the wedding, ribbons for decorating for the holiday and finally more baking items so that the mothers of Nightshade Manor could prepare Kourabiedes on Yule Eve, also Mother’s Night, which was tonight.
Apparently, Kourabiedes were Greek biscuits created with the use of a family recipe, which Samantha was looking forward to enjoying while the older women told stories to honor and treasure the female ancestors.
She glanced at Cassian from the corner of her eye. His time had been taken over by Lady St. Alban and he had not truly been given a choice. Perhaps he had plans yesterday and today and now he must set them aside for the woman who raised him.
“It should not take long to purchase everything on the list and I promise to be quick.”
Cassian glanced at her. “There is no need to rush.”
“It is obvious that you would rather not be here so I will do my best not to delay our return.”
“That is not it.” He sighed and turned away from the window.
This must be what it was like for people who did not have her gift—always guessing at the truth of a meaning behind words and if a tone hid guarded emotions.
“I question why Eugenia has me helping plan entertainments, sending me into Bocka Morrow, and asking me…” He glanced away.
She suspected what he was about to say and Samantha tried not to be hurt. “Asking you to take me into the village.”
“Yes,” he answered. “Not that I truly mind. I just wonder what she is about.”
Except, he appeared to mind very much.
“Eugenia has rarely asked anything of me. However, these last few days she has asked more of me than her children combined.”
“It concerns you?” She was not certain what to make of his comment as she did not truly know Lady St. Alban all that well. “With her eldest son marrying, perhaps it is because you are the next oldest in the family.” Except, he was not a son by blood. Not that it should matter and Samantha was not going to be intrusive and ask for further details.
“She also pulled you away from your family,” Cassian reminded her. “They only arrived yesterday when you had not seen them in weeks.”
“It is only a trip into Bocka Morrow. We will not be gone long.”
