“Unless it’s paired with the wordfur, and not the kind youwear,” Camilla said before she returned to her notepad, wrote something down on it, then lifted her head. “I’ve made a note that it’s not an option to ever suggest Luella sit down in front of an audience to play the piano since we certainly don’t want to set any dogs to howling. With musical instruments probably out of the picture, can you think of any talents she possesses that I could use to our advantage?”
“She’s really good with a pistol.”
“And I’ll be sure to keep that in mind if we happen to get invitations to a shooting party delivered to us once we get to Wheeling, although I’m not going to hold my breath waiting for one of those.” She squared her shoulders. “What about needlepoint?”
“What about it?”
He wasn’t certain, but he thought Camilla might have released a bit of a snort before she settled a somewhat narrowed eye on him. “Have you ever seen any embroidered pillows lying about your house?”
“My mother has them all over our house on Wheeling Island.”
“And was your sister responsible for embroidering them?”
“I’m going to say ... probably not?”
“Wonderful,” Camilla muttered before she bent over her notepad again and wrote something else down. “Moving on to dancing.”
He smiled. “I know for a fact Luella’s had dancing instructors over the years, although ... she’s never been to a ball, but she does enjoy doing reels at family gatherings, and I believe she also enjoys square dancing.”
“What about waltzing?”
Owen thought about that for a moment before he smiled. “I think she might know how to waltz because after the ballroom was completed a few months back in our country house, she said something about it being a wonderful space to waltz across.”
“You have a ballroom at your country house?”
“Mother wanted to build a home where she could entertain on a grand scale.”
Camilla frowned. “Your mother must have been incredibly concerned over your father’s health to have abandoned a house she evidently would have adored but didn’t have time to enjoy before it was completed.”
“I suppose she was, but I imagine she’ll return at some point, although I hope she doesn’t return too soon because I’ve yet to hire anyone to decorate or furnish the house.”
Camilla set aside her notepad. “Didn’t you say you were going to have me stay at your country house—one that’s apparently unfurnished?”
“I did, and the reason behind having you stay there is because the Murchendorfers live directly next to our house on the island. Since Luella has refused to go back there after her encounter with Stanley, there’s no choice but to have you stay at the country house.”
“Does Luella stay there by herself?”
“She stays at our grandmother’s cabin, where I didn’t consider having you stay because my grandmother lives there.”
“Does she not like to entertain guests?”
“She’s more partial to family, and besides that, she might be a little ... difficult.”
“So, if I’m understanding you correctly, I’ll be staying at the country house with Mr. Timken, Lottie, and Bernadette, and Luella will join me there for lessons?”
Owen shook his head. “That would give Luella far too many opportunities to avoid scheduled lessons, so I’m going to entice her to stay at the country house by telling her I need her to guard you when I, or the men I’ve already had my manager, Edward Stevens, hire to guard you, aren’t available.” He smiled. “Luella won’t balk at that because she adores situations where weapons might come into play.”
“She does sound delightful,” Camilla murmured.
“She’s actually more delightful than she sounds, but if you’re worried about living in an unfurnished home, no need to fret.When I sent that telegram to Edward, I also asked him to pick up a few basics for the house, such as beds and perhaps a few chairs.”
“A table probably wouldn’t be remiss.”
Owen winced. “I didn’t think about a table.”
“And dishes.”
“Dishes might be a good idea as well.”
