Page 74 of Triumph at Pemberley

“Of course.” She sounded surprised, as if she did not even need to be asked.

He lowered his voice to speak directly to Frederica. “I must find out what has happened since we left. I will be back as soon as I can. Likely not until dark, though.”

She raised her chin. “Do what needs to be done. I will manage quite well here.”

The warmth in his eyes told her he did not believe her words for a second, but he admired her spirit. “Quickthorn can reach me through Rowan any time.”

“Of course.” Though Quickthorn had been nearly silent since their arrival.

Perhaps she could convince her dragon to talk to her more now. She had missed Quickthorn these last few days. The Nest here had not wanted a strange dragon wandering unescorted through their territory, so they had allowed her to remain close to their anchor while Frederica traveled. It must be an unpleasant reminder for her dragon, who had experienced enough rejection in the past. Truth-casters were useful, but never popular.

Once she was settled in her room, she would reach out to Quickthorn. They would need each other in this strange land.

Roderick’s sister looked up from the open trunk full of crumpled clothing, the results of Frederica’s earlier rummaging to find her riding clothes. “What do you mean, you do not know how to unpack your clothes?” Mari asked.

Frederica took pity on the girl, who had met her with good cheer and willingness to help, despite her mother’s hostility. “As anyone will tell you, I am a terribly spoiled lady who always had servants to perform even the smallest task. However, things will be different here, so I am eager to learn how to do these things for myself. Can you teach me?”

“There is not much to it. We simply move your clothes from the trunk to the wardrobe, and organize them however you like.”

Probably best not to tell her that she rarely even looked in a wardrobe and had no idea how things should be placed, since her maid had always brought her everything. “Excellent. Perhaps I can hand you each thing and you can put it in?”

“If you’d like.” The girl seemed eager to please.

Frederica took her place beside the trunk and handed her the first dress.

Mari shook it out to admire it.“Oh, look how fine it is! And how bright the colors are. You must feel so beautiful wearing it.”

She had deliberately brought only her simplest and oldest clothes, but she still stood out here like a tropical bird come to nest on a cold, hostile foreign shore. “I enjoy wearing pretty dresses. Do you?”

“Of course! But mine are more practical.” Mari folded the dress carefully and placed it somewhere inside the wardrobe.

“Perhaps someday you will have ones like this.” How would they react here if they saw her usual attire?

They established a rhythm, with some delays as the girl took delight in exclaiming over every bit of embroidery or lace. Her enthusiasm was endearing. She paused, though, at one unexpected item. “What is this?” she asked.

“My breeches and shirt, for when I practice swordfighting,” Frederica said matter-of-factly. Would it shock the girl?

Her eyes grew wide. “You know how to use a sword?” she breathed.

“My brother taught me, when I was no older than you. He wanted someone to practice with. I have gone back to it recently, with all the worry about the war. It is easier in boy’s clothes.”

“You are so lucky! I wish I could learn to fight.”

“If you like, I would be happy to teach you what little I know. I am no expert, though.” Should she have asked Roderick before she made that offer to his little sister? It would likely be the politic thing to do, but she had no intention of turning into the kind of wife who sought her husband’s permission for every little thing. If he disapproved, he could forbid his sister to do it himself.

She bounced on her toes. “Would you? Oh, that would be so exciting!”

“Once I have settled in here, absolutely.” Better not raise her hopes too much, though. “I know what I should show you!” She dug inside the trunk until she found a red cashmere shawl with beaded embroidery along the edges. Another one of the gifts she had brought along. “This would look perfect with your hair and eyes. It never suited me, but it was so pretty I could not leave it behind.” She held it up and draped it across the girl’s shoulders. “Oh, my. You look so lovely! You must keep it.”

“Me?” Mari breathed. “But it is so elegant.” She touched a hesitant finger to the fabric. “I have never felt any wool so soft. It is too much.”

“I have dozens of shawls back in England.” She reached over and held the corner of the shawl up to her face. “And look at me! It makes me look so washed out. Oh, why must I be so fond of red when I simply cannot wear it?”

The girl’s look of awed joy warmed Frederica’s heart. She wanted Mari to like her. Growing up with three brothers, she had always wanted a younger sister.

And now she had one. Perhaps they could be friends, too.

Chapter 30