Page 72 of Ladybird

“I do,” she said, with wide eyes. “I would be honored to wear such a fine creation at my wedding.”

“Then it’s yours,” said William. “I’ll come to the castle later today for your final fitting. Oh, and I will make up a quick wedding tunic for you as well, Hunter.”

“Thank you. That is kind of you.” Hunter nodded, sounding choked by such kindness.

“Uncle, you are the best.” Regina gave William a hug and a kiss.

Hunter cleared his throat. “William, Luke and Fred have something to tell you. Go on, boys.”

“We’re returning Inky to you.” Luke sadly held out the cat and William took her.

“Really? Why?” William’s gaze traveled over to Hunter.

“Fred? Did you want to tell him?” asked Hunter.

“Yes, sir.” Fred let out a deep sigh and looked at the floor when he spoke. “We stole your cat and we’re sorry.”

“I always wanted a black cat and so we coaxed her with lots of food until she followed us home,” admitted Luke.

“I see,” chuckled William, petting the cat in his arms. “Well, this cat is good at catching mice, and I’d hate to lose her.”

“William, let the boys have the cat. We can get another one,” said Bernadette softly.

“Nay, I cannot allow the boys to get away with thinking they can take whatever they want,” protested Hunter. “I’m afraid this is a hard lesson that they’re going to just have to learn.”

“I agree,” said William. “Stealing is not an admirable trait. I learned that many years ago. However, I would like to make a deal.”

“A deal?” asked Luke. “What kind of deal?”

“If you boys want to work in my shop for the next few weeks sweeping up and doing a few other chores, you can visit with Inky. Anytime you want, actually. I’ll also make sure you each end up with a cat of your own very soon. Cats that are earned, not stolen.”

“Uncle, what are you saying?” asked Regina.

“Did any of you notice how fat this cat has become?” William rubbed the cat’s belly.

“I’m afraid Luke must have gotten a little overzealous in feeding her,” answered Hunter.

“Mayhap so, but this cat is pregnant and about to give birth soon.”

“She is?” Luke’s eyes opened wide.

“Then there are going to be lots of kittens?” asked Fred with a huge smile.

“Yes,” chuckled William. “More than I can use in this little shop. Therefore, you boys are both welcome to choose a kitten of your own when they are old enough to leave their mother.”

“Can we?” both the boys asked at once, looking over at Hunter.

“If you work off your debt at the shop, then I don’t see why not,” Hunter answered.

“We have a lot of mice in the castle,” Regina told William. “If you have any extra cats, the castle could always use them. I might even be able to train the cats to bring the mice to me to feed the rodents to my birds.”

“You’ve got it,” answered William with a chuckle.

“So, Hunter. You and Luke will be living at the castle from now on?” asked Regina’s aunt.

“Aye,” Hunter answered. “Lord Robin and Lady Sage were kind enough to welcome us into their home.”

“I’m going to be a stableboy with Fred,” Luke proudly announced.