“Excellent. Now let’s get you out of it so your maid can press it,” the duchess replied.
Daphne looked at both women. “I thought we could go to the parlor and discuss the breakfast.”
“I was wanting to go over the menu one last time,” the duchess said with a smile.
“I’m going to be starving by the time we finish with that discussion,” Harriet said.
Daphne shook her head. “You’ll not starve. I’m having a light tea served. You’ll be fine.”
“Has the duchess met Sam yet?” Harriet asked.
“Who is Sam?” Her Grace inquired.
“He’s my macaw, a parrot. My father gave him to me years ago.”
“What an unusual gift,” the duchess replied.
“Would you like to meet him?” Daphne asked.
“I’ve never seen a parrot up close. Yes, I’d like to meet him.”
“I will warn you he can swear like a sailor,” Harriet told her future mother-in-law.
Minutes later they were all in the drawing room. Daphne led them to the corner where Sam’s perch and cage were kept. Sam was busy eating a piece of orange and didn’t see them as they approached.
“Sam, are you a good bird?” Daphne asked.
“Sam always good.”
“He understands what you’re saying?” the duchess inquired.
“Yes, and probably a lot more than we’re aware of,” Daphne said.
“Sam, can you say hello to the duchess?” Harriet asked the macaw.
“Bloody hell, hello, duchess,” Sam said.
“I think he likes you,” Daphne said.
“Those are his favorite curse words and he said hello to you,” Harriet added.
“I’ll admit, he is fascinating. May I try to pet him?”
“Yes,” Daphne said. She handed the duchess a small apple slice. “Give this to him after you’ve petted him. Pet his cheek and offer the apple. You’ll gain a friend for life.”
Nervously, the duchess reached out and rubbed Sam’s feathers on his neck and then the top of his head. Finally, she offered him the apple. “Here, Sam. I’m told you love apples.” She passed it to him and he began to chew on the fruit.
“He’s amazing,” the duchess said.
“Yes, he is. You should have seen him when he first met Arthur. He was certain Arthur was a bad stranger and let me know, but he soon settled down.”
“We could have tea here,” Harriett said.
“I’d like that. It won’t upset Sam, will it?”
“Oh no, quite the opposite,” Daphne replied.
“Wonderful. What we need to do right now is to make sure everything is ready for Thursday.”
