Judith twisted the ends of the thread together into a quick knot and began to stitch together the fabric. Her needle moved quickly, pushed along by her worn thimble. Though her fingers knew their work well, constructing an entire costume was a slow business, even when repurposing pieces from the children’s wardrobe. Holding up the blue tunic, Judith examined the seam she’d stitched, tugging at the arm to ensure that it would hold when Griffith swung his mighty sword. Not bad, if she said so herself.
“Here you are.”
Chapter 13
The voice jerked her out of her thoughts, and Judith knocked her pincushion to the ground. When she moved to retrieve it, she bumped the sewing box, sending it over the edge of the sofa. Mr. Byrnes caught it before it fell to the ground, though the jolt dislodged a few things.
Judith’s gaze drifted to his dressing gown, and her hands flew to the edge of her own, ensuring it was still well and truly secure about her as she smoothed and straightened the snug fabric. Going about the house dressed as they were wasn’t inappropriate, but it was difficult not to feel at odds at such a moment. No master or mistress had ever seen her in such disarray before. Thank goodness she’d kept her hair pinned up.
Pushing the costume to the side, Judith tucked it out of sight and gathered her fallen things, but there was little more she could do to hide her project.
And of course, Mr. Byrnes dispelled any hope of secrecy when he asked, “What has you so busy tonight?”
Judith sighed. “I had hoped to be a surprise, though I suppose it is of no great importance.” Holding up the tunic, she added. “The children and some of their friends have been working on a play. I’m fashioning costumes for them, and as you and Mr. Hatcher had retired early, I’d hoped to get some work done where the light is better.”
Mr. Byrnes touched the edge of the tunic. “It is delightful.”
“You must promise not to give any hint that you know about it. They were quite adamant on that score,” she said with a shake of her head. “As much as they worried one of them might spill the secret, it appears I am their downfall.”
With a chuckle, Mr. Byrnes took the seat opposite her. “I shan’t breathe a word of it. What is the subject of the play?”
Judith shook her head. “I shan’t ruin their fun any further by giving you any hint on that front.” But paused and considered that. Leaning forward, she spoke in a conspiratorial whisper. “I will say it is worrisome how much Leah enjoys playing the villain. I believe she wishes to become an evil fairy.”
Mr. Byrnes let out a booming laugh, one that begged her to join in, and Judith obliged, allowing her smile to widen.
“You have quite a wit about you, Miss Delmonte,” he said, giving her name that Italian flare he was wont to do from time to time. “When we first met, I suspected you had more to you than the quiet governess facade, but you are far feistier than anticipated.”
Judith took her sewing in hand once more, turning her burning cheeks to her work, though her chagrin couldn’t erase her grin in its entirety.
“You needn’t be ashamed,” he said. “It is a pleasant discovery, I assure you. I appreciate a bit of spirit.”
Peeking at him from under her lashes, Judith hazarded a stealthy glance but found his light eyes watching her. They caught the firelight, making their bright blue stand out even more against his weathered skin and dark hair. Good gracious, his gaze was too handsome for her good.
Judith cleared her throat. “Have you received word from theMercury?”
That question turned his eyes to the fireplace, freeing her from their pull, and Judith returned to her work as he spoke at length concerning all that had happened today. She had little to add to such ramblings, but she enjoyed hearing him speak on the subject of imports, ships, and goods. Mr. Byrnes was a passionate fellow, and it was impossible not to get swept up in his excitement and frustration as he spoke.
Before she knew it, that conversation gave way to another, which led to another. Mr. Byrnes asked as many questions as he answered, meeting her interest with his own, and it startled Judith to realize just how much she’d come to rely on these moments together. More and more, she found herself ensconced in such lively discussions, and though part of her worried about the familiarity it bred, she couldn’t say she would wish it otherwise.
Without a pocket watch or clock on hand, Judith had no thought as to how long they rambled on in such a manner. Nor did she wish to know. No doubt, she would feel obligated to be a responsible adult and go to bed, and Judith was enjoying a bit of impetuousness.
The conversation lulled, replaced with the contemplative silence of two souls finding comfort in merely existing in the same sphere. Judith’s thoughts wandered to her charges, the costumes, and so many other things, though she could not guess at what occupied Mr. Byrne’s mind. His gaze was fixed on the flames in the fireplace, watching as their flickering light danced through the darkness.
This was precisely what she’d needed. Her heart creaked inside her chest, expanding with the pleasure of knowing that for this moment—however fleeting—she was not alone in the world. Here and now, she was more than an employee or obligation. She was a friend and confidant. Here and now, she had a purpose beyond filling her pocketbook.
“Might I ask you a personal question?”
Judith’s eyes moved from her needlework and met Mr. Byrnes’s curious gaze. With a nod, she urged him on, though she couldn’t tell if the accompanying flutter in her chest dreaded or anticipated his words.
“I have often replayed that first true discussion we shared about Helen.” Mr. Byrnes’s voice was low as though matching the silence of the house.
“Which part precisely?”
“All of it,” he replied with a raise of his brows. “But of late, I have thought much of what you said concerning her feelings towards me. That despite her reasons to despise me, I am family, and she is desperate to love me because she feels so very alone in the world.”
He paused a moment, and Judith prompted him, “And?”
“Were you speaking from personal experience?”
