But Cecilia merely shrugged it off, “It’s quite all right, Brother. You only began living here a few months ago. And even then, we never really spoke to each other when Mother was… still with us.”
At this point, Oliver chose to excuse himself, thus leaving Cecilia and Anthony to stand together somewhat uncomfortably. Cecilia had not intended to make the conversation awkward. She was simply endeavoring to recall events as they had happened.
At last, Anthony cleared his throat, “Yes, to tell you the truth, I didn’t even know what to say to either you or Mother back then. I was only eight years old, after all, when they sent me off to Harrowston. I know that we have mostly been like strangers all these years, but as I promised you before, it’ll be different from now on. Right?”
She grinned, “Right.”
“Right, well, if you like, you could ride sidesaddle on my horse. What do you say, Ceil?”
* * *
“And she enjoyed it so much, that afterwards I told her that if she could prove herself capable of properly caring for a kitten, then she could have a pony. But, of course, she’ll obviously need to start her riding lessons soon regardless of what happens.”
Colin put his empty teacup down. “So the cats have now officially moved into the house?”
Anthony nodded, “Yes, they moved in about two days ago. I took Cecilia riding on Sunday, and today is what? Thursday? Yes. So they moved in on the… Tuesday.”
“Can you believe it has already been three weeks since the day we heard all of that commotion in the kitchen? It all feels as though it happened yesterday. Ouch!” yelped Kenneth.
“My sincerest apologies, Lord Farellshire. But you moved again. I promise that if you stand still, it won’t hurt at all,” said the tailor.
Kenneth was getting his new set of clothes fitted for the upcoming party at Anthony’s estate, which was only ten days away now. When Anthony had expressed his opinion that getting a new ensemble made was quite a conceited thing for Kenneth to do, Kenneth reacted by suggesting that all three of them have new clothing made.
He claimed it wouldn’t be considered conceited, if the three of them did it. So after much persuasion and grumbling, the friends got themselves measured for new attire. Since they were using Colin’s family tailor, they decided to also use Colin’s drawing room as the venue for their scheduled fittings.
“I still can’t believe that you would have us walking around in matching dark blue outfits, Kenny. Don’t you think that this is a bit… much?”
Kenneth raised his chin, “Well, Cole, I am endeavoring to make a—Ouch!—point.”
“And that point would be—?”
Kenneth grinned and raised his right arm theatrically, “The point is that we areallconceited. Every single human in the—Ouch!”
With great frustration, he dropped the theatrical voice, “For the love of everything under the— Mr. Whittington! Please make at least some effort to avoid pricking my skin! That’s about the sixth time you’ve punctured me.”
“Once again, Lord Farellshire, I apologize most sincerely. But I think you will be delighted to hear that I have finished. What do you think about the adjustments we have made? Is this satisfactory?”
Kenneth looked into the full-view mirror that the servants had transported from upstairs for this occasion. “It’s marvelous, Mr. Whittington. Your pins may have rendered me a bit sore, but I cannot deny your eye for style.”
Anthony stood up for his turn to get fitted whilst Kenneth gingerly undressed and changed into his regular wear. Anthony’s fitting was far quieter. After giving his final thoughts on the adjustments he, too, changed back and joined his friends on the couch.
“Your fitting didn’t sound nearly half as painful as mine,” moped Kenneth.
Anthony smiled back, “That’s because I’m not nearly as annoying.”
* * *
“Welcome back, Your Grace.”
“Thank you, Fletcher. Good afternoon. Might I ask what Cecilia’s doing?”
“She and Miss Meyer are in the garden for today’s lesson, Your Grace.”
Anthony nodded as they walked into the entrance hall. “Oh yes! And how is, er, Philippa, was it? The maid.”
“Yes, Your Grace. Dr. Wentworth is examining her as we speak. He says it appears to be the same kind of strange influenza that attacked the kitchen staff a few weeks ago, and Jenny only last week.”
Anthony sighed, “Kindly ask him to see me in my office before he leaves, Fletcher.”
