Ward tossed Theo a coin, and the boy caught it with a grin before he ran out the door.
“That was kind of you, Papa. Both for the meal, and to allow Theo to fetch it. He likes to think he is quite grown up.”
“I am aware,” her father said with a wink, then went to let Cleta know she wouldn’t have to prepare a meal in the heat.
The rest of the day plodded quietly onward, for which Lucy was thankful. A body could only take so much excitement at a time.
A few days later, as her family sat at the table enjoying their morning meal, her father cleared his throat and looked to Cleta. She nodded and reached over to squeeze his hand.
“We think it would be beneficial for both of you to get out of the city. Your grandfather is delivering a load of produce to the market this morning. You’ll ride back to the farm with him, and will remain there for a few weeks.”
“Huzzah!” Theo shouted, and jumped out of his chair. A quelling look from Cleta had him back in the chair, looking only slightly less animated.
Lucy welcomed the opportunity to see her grandparents and rest from the ongoing stress of spying on their customers, but she wouldn’t get to see Branch. He hadn’t been in the shop since the day the two men had been watching her through the window. His absence had been acutely felt.
If she were out at the farm for a week or two, she wondered if missing him would grow into a thing of physical pain. Then again, maybe she wouldn’t think of him at all.
Additionally, if she were absent from the shop, she would feel as though she had abandoned her post. Who knew what useful information might trickle through the shop that she wouldn’t be able to hear and share in a coded message?
“Papa, shouldn’t I—” Lucy started to speak.
“Go, and enjoy yourself,” her father interrupted, holding up his hand to stop her from arguing. “There is nothing in the shop that can’t wait until you return, Daughter. Time at the farm will do both of you a world of good. Take your journal, if you like, and work on designs for those earrings Mrs. Solomon ordered.”
Lucy knew once her father’s mind was made up there was no changing it. Part of her didn’t want to try. Instead, she looked to her mother. “Will you come with us, Mama?”
“No, Luce. I’ll stay here with your father.”
The private smile her parents shared made Lucy realize they were likely looking forward to having the place to themselves without her and Theo underfoot.
“Then I guess Theo and I should pack a few things and get ready to go. What time will Grandpapa be here?”
“Likely, in an hour or so,” her father said, finishing the last of his hot chocolate, a little luxury they enjoyed occasionally. This morning, when Lucy had seen the copper pot setting out, she knew they were in for a treat.
“May I take my water warble, Papa?” Theo asked of the new whistle Branch had given him last week. The whistle was shaped like a little bird, painted white with spots, and had a tiny little pipe that went into Theo’s mouth. When water was added to the center of the bird, the air Theo blew into the whistle made it seem like the bird was chirping. The little boy had been utterly fascinated with the toy and had blown it so many times, they all had grown weary of the sound.
“It’s best you leave it here, Theo,” their father said in a kind, patient tone. “It might get broken on the way to the farm or coming back.”
“I don’t want to break it. My friend gave it to me.” Theo gulped the last of his chocolate, shoved the final bite of his bread in his mouth, then looked to his mother. “May I be excused?”
“You may, Theo,” Cleta said. “Be sure to wash your face and hands, and comb your hair.”
“I will!” he said, hopping up from the table and racing upstairs.
“I’ll help him pack,” Lucy said, imagining the odd assortment of things Theo would likely take to the farm if left to his own choices.
“Thank you, Luce. I’ll take care of the dishes if you want to gather your things,” Cleta said, looking from Lucy to Ward.
Lucy drained her cup of chocolate, finished her meal, then carried her dishes to the large tin basin, where her mother would add hot water from the kettle set over the fire and a little soap before scrubbing them clean with a rag.
She kissed her mother’s cheek, then hurried up the stairs to her room to pack a bag.
“Are you excited, Luce?” Theo called from his room when he heard her footsteps on the landing.
“I suppose I am,” she said, unwilling to share the inner turmoil she was experiencing. She loved spending time with her grandparents and being out at the farm, but she felt such a pressing need to be present in the shop lest some pertinent detail be shared that could help the Patriots.
Well, there wasn’t any help for it. She would just have to go and not let her concerns steal the joy from spending time with her mother’s parents. John and Katherine Danvers were kind, caring, and loving. Her grandfather was often quiet, but her grandmother was lively and teasing, often full of mischief. Lucy supposed her mother took after Grandpapa. She wondered if Theo got his inclination for mischief from their grandmother.
Rather than go straight to her room, Lucy instead went to Theo’s and helped him decide what to take to the farm. A few changes of clothes along with his favorite book and his bandalore would suffice. He only put up a small fuss when she told him it would be best to leave his tin soldiers at home so they weren’t accidentally misplaced or lost.
