“Right.”
“We will also need the gardener to identify a few potential yule logs. The children and I will spend a few days identifying any holly, ivy, rosemary, evergreen, hawthorn, bay leaf, laurel, or hellebore on the property. I’m guessing there is hawthorn.” She grinned at her deduction based on the name of the estate. “The outings will make for good science lessons and will help them appreciate it more when the greenery is brought inside.”
“A wonderful idea, my lady.” Mrs. Torbett’s grin was as wide as Ellie’s own. It was such a pleasure to find a fellow Christmastide enthusiast.
“I will need you to do some secret work for me and discover what the children like, as we can’t forget St. Nicholas Day, as it is less than a fortnight away. I want to be sure our gifts to the children on that day are something they are yearning for. I will also ask the nursemaid, but I want as many ideas as possible, since it will be difficult to find items here in the area, I’m sure. Maggie might tell me, but Peter is still not talking to me except for his lessons. Still, it should be a surprise to both.”
“I will do my best.”
“That is quite enough for now. Let us discuss this more in a few days. I’ve already invited a few friends, but I will wait for Lord Ferncroft to return home to discuss the possibility of a ball. Even if he feels it would be inconvenient, I believe all the other activities will be quite welcome.”
“Oh, yes.” Mrs. Torbett practically jumped from her chair. “We shall start preparing right away.” The woman started for the open double doors then stopped and turned back. “Thank you, my lady. This is just what this old house needs.” Then, not waiting to be dismissed, she scurried off at her usual pace.
That interview had gone much better than Ellie had hoped. It had also given her much to think upon…and to investigate.
But first it was time to bring the children outside. Rising, Ellie brushed out her maroon dress before heading for her room.As Beacham had mentioned, it was cold outside, and her red pelisse would keep her warmer than her blue wool cloak.
Once donning her preferred outerwear, she descended the staircase to find the children and nursemaid waiting for her, all dressed for outside. “Anna, thank you for preparing the children. You may take the time to tidy up the nursery and have tea.”
The woman’s brows lowered. “Are you sure, my lady? I wouldn’t want Peter to run off and get lost.”
What an odd thing to say.“I do not believe that Peter would misbehave in such a way. I’m sure he wants me to report only good behavior to Lord Ferncroft.”
“Yes, my lady. But he’s prone to colds and such.”
“Not to worry. We will only be out half an hour and no more. Now off you go.”
Anna appeared to want to argue more but thought better of it. “Yes, my lady.”
Ellie almost wished the young womanhadargued. It had been a while since she’d had a good debate. Maybe Darius would humor her when he arrived home. “Come, children. Let us go exploring like Christopher Columbus or Ponce de León.”
Maggie immediately took her hand, while Peter stalked off toward the now-open door in the parlor.
At the feel of the cold air brushing her face, Ellie started forward, anxious to share her knowledge with the two under her care. “Today, we are on the hunt for evergreen plants. Do you know what those are?”
“Are they plants that stay green all winter?” Maggie looked up at her.
“Indeed, they are. You are very bright.”
“Daft plants,” Peter grumbled as they reached the bottom of the terrace steps.
Ellie ignored him. “This way.” She pointed to the far-right pathway. “This is my favorite path so far, as it gives the best view of the stars.”
“You come out here at night?”
At Maggie’s question, even Peter stopped to hear the answer.
“I do. Did you know the stars in the winter are different than the stars we see in the summer?”
Maggie looked up at the overcast sky. “Is that because the Earth turns?”
“That’s a very good guess. Do you have a guess, Peter?”
The boy shook his head.
“It’s actually because of the Earth’s oblong orbit around the sun.” At Maggie’s confused look, Ellie remembered how Lissa had taught her about the ancient phalanx formation. “Let’s go to the fish fountain and I’ll show you what I mean.”
“Fish fountain?” Maggie looked up at her. “I don’t think there’s any water in the fountains for fish at this time of year.”
