I thought of the pig and smiled. Tomorrow, the pig and I would go for a walk.
Looking tired, Maeve entered the dining room and joined us at the table. It felt odd taking meals there, but given the possibility of unexpected visitors, we had decided to follow formality for a while.
“How did everything go today?” Kellen asked Maeve as Judith served us bowls of stew.
“Well enough. We had twelve callers. Those whom Anne had pointed out as the most vapid gossips were first. The questions they asked about Margaret’s passing and her place at this estate bordered on unacceptable. They weren’t even trying to hide where their interests lay. Unfortunately for them, the only juicy bit they received was the lemon tartlets. I anticipate we won’t see many guests tomorrow because of it. How did you two occupy yourselves today?”
“I organized the attic,” Kellen said. “There is more room now if any of your possessions do not fit in Mother’s room.”
“Thank you for your consideration.” Maeve smiled warmly at Kellen before looking at me. “What about you, Eloise? Did you find a way to keep busy today?”
“I went for a walk and fell in some mud.”
“A king’s servant startled her,” Kellen added.
I smiled at my sister. She hated when I said anything that made me sound clumsy or incompetent in any way.
“A king’s servant?” Maeve asked. “Out here?”
“This estate sits on the king’s land,” Kellen said. “The Royal Retreat is further along the road through the trees. Several days before you arrived, we heard dogs and learned that the king would be in residence soon.”
Maeve frowned.
“That doesn’t bode well for us.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, trying to suppress my excitement that I might have an ally in my suspicions against the Crown.
“If the king will be in residence, it gives the gossips more reason to return during the mourning period. They will use the excuse of condolences to try to gain information about the king.” She looked at me. “The fact that you’re walking in the woods and running into servants is troubling, too. I wouldn’t dare suggest you refrain from your walks. I believe the fresh air is good for you. However, we will need to see both of you appropriately attired in mourning gowns. We don’t want to start tongues wagging. We shall go tomorrow. Judith and Anne can turn away any visitors on our behalves.”
The idea of going to town did not appeal to me. The trip would mean a regrettable delay in my walk to the king’s estate. Based on the look on Kellen’s face, she was likewise put out by the news. Though, the likely reason for that was due to the band of bullies who’d enjoyed tormenting us.
Maeve didn’t seem to notice either of our subdued agreements.
“Judith mentioned that you lost a necklace because of vermin. Perhaps while we are in town, we should look for a house cat as well,” she said.
Chapter Six
“Some airing will remove the musty smell in no time,” Maeve said, holding a handkerchief to her nose.
I nodded and glanced at Kellen, who sat beside me in our small, seldom used family carriage. She watched out the window as I’d been doing. However, one wouldn’t be able to tell if it was due to the need for fresh air or her interest in the passing countryside. At times, I envied her composure. At other times, I worried for her. She kept so much inside.
Reaching over, I clasped her hand. Her fingers curled around mine, the only acknowledgement she gave the gesture. That she continued to hold my hand was enough to know what she was truly feeling. My other hand clenched into a fist, and I almost hoped that the boys would be at the market again. My anger from my encounter with Kaven remained intact, and if I couldn’t use him as a target, I’d find a substitute. There was no shortage of boorish swine in Towdown.
“I’m at a disadvantage,” Maeve said interrupting my thoughts. “I’m unsure which shops are suitable for producing quality mourning attire.”
“We usually see Madame Thread,” Kellen said. “She’s affordable and adequate.”
Maeve blinked at her.
“Adequate is hardly an endorsement. I shouldn’t imagine she’s very respected with a name like Madame Thread.”
I coughed lightly in the handkerchief I held in my free hand. However, my attempt to hide my humor wasn’t lost on Maeve.
“I sound pretentious, don’t I?” she said ruefully. “I don’t mean to be. I only understand the importance of presentation. While you both are lovely, those who’ve visited us would still judge the cut and quality of the cloth covering you and try to find ways in which it is lacking. Unfortunately, with the King soon to be in residence, I fear we are not yet free of unwanted attention. To protect both of you from the ridicule of wagging tongues, I would like to see you attired by a seamstress of note.”
“We understand,” I said. Maeve’s concern for us was touching. And, I appreciated that she wasn’t attempting to shelter us from our harsh reality.
“Madame Todd’s is well known and frequented by many of the gentry,” Kellen said. “However, I’m not sure we brought enough coin for that.”
Maeve waved away Kellen’s concern.
“Your father’s arrangement with me means you have no need to concern yourself with expenses.”
Kellen smiled in acceptance, a mask to hide what she truly felt, and I struggled to do the same. What had Father been thinking to not only put the burden of two grieving girls on Maeve but also to expect her to cover our expenses while he was gone?
The carriage rolled through town, the wheels grating against the cobblestone that lined the streets of the more affluent districts. I watched the people, and a thought wormed its way into my mind. Would my family still be whole if we’d lived in town like everyone else?
Kellen’s hold in my hand loosened, and I realized the carriage was slowing. I looked out at Madame Todd’s and saw the swathes of prettily colored fabrics in the window.
“What if she doesn’t make mourning garb?” I asked.
Maeve smiled at me. “No one refuses Lady Grimmoire, my darling.”
The door opened, and Hugh offered his hand to Maeve. She nodded regally to him then stepped to the ground to wait for us, so we could enter the store together.
A floral scent, much like spring’s first blooms, wrapped around us. It was a scent I rather enjoyed.
One of the girls welcomed us and asked how she could be of assistance.
“We’re in need of two mourning wardrobes. At least three gowns each. Two suitable for daily wear, which includes accepting visitors. One for larger gatherings.”
The girl hesitated.
“Will this be a problem?” Maeve asked.
“Not at all. May I have your names, please?”
“I am Lady Grimmoire, guardian to Eloise and Kellen Cartwright.” She gestured to me then Kellen as she made the introductions.
“If you would care to have a seat, you may browse the sketches while I ask Madame Todd to join us.”
Maeve smiled as the girl hurried off, leaving us to find our own way to the chairs placed at the left of the door.
“And that is how it is done,” she said softly. “Note that there is no black fabric on display. Customers don’t want to be reminded of mourning when shopping for pretty things. I’m also certain they do not keep enough fabric on hand for six gowns.”