The next several days spun in a whirlwind of activity. Patience did her best to join us in the parlor between breakfast and tea, so she could be part of all Lady Edgehill's planning. I'm not sure what needed so much preparations, but I sat with them and pretended to be interested. My mind constantly wandered. I had not seen nor heard from Thomas since I told him about the contract. It's true that I had hoped he would be upset, but I did not anticipate his reaction at all. I was left with an emptiness, not knowing what had caused him so much sadness. Leah kept quiet and seemed to avoid my company for the most part. Freddie had left for two days to tend to some business. That was all he said, but at least he seemed in a better mood. Lord Edgehill was out often too, leaving the lady to complain about he was more fascinated with Seamus' dogs than his own family. So I was left with Patience and Lady Edgehill as they continued to plan my life.
The fittings started straightaway, but since there was no mirror during the first few and everything was in pieces, I really did not know what to think. The lady seemed pleased, so therefore I was too. Patience remained quiet and kept a keen eye on the process. I wondered what she was thinking but thought it was better that I not know. I had wished Leah would join us, I thought if I could count on anyone to tell me what they thought, it was her. But she was still awkwardly avoiding me.
More days passed and no word from Thomas or Faith. Freddie was my only source of comfort and he was still aloof. I took to hiding in the library and spending my time reading unless I was otherwise needed. Lord Edgehill did have a fine collection of books, so I was never wanting for something new to read. I recalled my last marathon of reading, when I was trying to avoid Percival for Patience's sake. Now I was losing myself in words waiting for Thomas . . . was this for Patience's sake or my own?
* * * * *
Friday came in like a lion as Leah interrupted the day's fitting by dragging Thomas into the house behind her. I stood on the stool and watched as Lady Edgehill ran to her disheveled son, "What have you done now, Thomas?" she asked warily looking over him, trying to inspect and straighten his clothes. I noticed he was sporting a blackened eye as we caught notice of each other amidst the fuss happening. I wanted to run to him as well, but with the amount of pins holding my sleeves together, I just stayed put. I offered a careful smile, not knowing if he'd return it. I felt my spirits soar when he did, that small crease in his cheek reemerged and he gave me a quick nod before turning to his mother as she pulled him down to her level. "Who did this to you?" she demanded taking a close look at his face.
"It's all right, Mother," he breathed pulling out of her reach, "you should see the other fellow." There was a slight smirk when he said it.
"Go upstairs and freshen up, we will discuss this when your father gets home," the lady said as she returned to the fitting. I watched as Thomas as Leah ran up the stairs, glad that he cast a glance or two my way. "I think that will be all today," Lady Edgehill sighed, "it is looking lovely though, isn't it Miss Woodbridge?"
"Margaret," Patience hissed to catch my attention.
"Oh yes, very," I smiled as the seamstress carefully removed the sleeves from my arms.
"When will it be finished?" the lady asked.
"Two to three weeks, your ladyship," the seamstress nodded, "just as planned."
"Very good," Lady Edgehill smiled and looked at me, "perfect timing."
The seamstress gathered her things and left. I excused myself as Patience and the lady began talking of preparations again and made my way to the stairs. I looked at them deep in conversation and tried not to look too excited as I went to see what had happened to Thomas.
* * * * *
I was pacing the corridor when Leah finally emerged, "Is he okay?" I asked rushing to her side.
She eyed me suspiciously, "Do you really want to know?"
"Of course I do!" I retorted stepping in front of her, "He looked hurt . . . "
"He'll be fine," she assured me, "I thought that you had changed your mind . . . that your brother was trying to . . . "
"Leah, I'm sorry that I told Freddie everything, but I had to. I've never kept a secret from him, especially if he was here to save me."
"Do you still need saving?" she asked cautiously.
"Honestly, I don't know," I offered, "but I explained things to him and asked that he wait until after my debut before I give him my final decision."
"For?" she asked eyeing me keenly.
"The contract," I whispered, "my final decision whether or not to break it." Leah's eyes brightened and she wrapped her arms around me. "I take it that this makes you happy?"
"Yes," she squealed, "I should have known!" We stood in the hallway for several minutes as Leah hugged me and twirled about.
"Is there cause for celebration?" Thomas asked coming from his room, adjusting his collar.
"Oh," I breathed letting go of Leah and stepping up to him, taking a good look at his eye, "are you sure you're all right?"
"Much better now," he smiled broadly, "I'm sorry that I didn't bring any violets today."
"That doesn't matter," I said as I reached out reluctantly, I wanted to see how bad it was, "I have three brothers, I am quite familiar with taking care of such things," I explained.
"Are you . . . are you offering to take care of me?" he asked, a look of astonishment crossed his face.
"I suppose that I am," I smiled, moving one of his curls off of his forehead, "come with me to the kitchen . . . " Thomas moved closer to me slowly and gently put his arm around my waist, bringing me against him. "Thomas," I breathed, "what . . . "
He pressed his lips against mine. It was a completely different experience than the first time he kissed me. This was tender and sweet. It lasted but a moment, when we parted he let his forehead stay against mine. "Should I apologize?" he asked.
"It's not necessary," I exhaled. We both laughed a bit over that and then he slowly let go of me, "Should we go to the kitchen now?" I asked.
"Leah?" Thomas said looking past me, "Leah, are you okay?" I turned to face his sister and she was standing there with both hands over her mouth and her bright blue eyes opened wide. "Leah?" he asked again.
She dropped her hands showing us a wide smile, then she ran to her brother, nearly colliding with him and wrapped her arms around him. "Leah," he winced, "maybe not as tight?" I tried to stifle a giggle as I remembered that boys rarely left a scuffle with no more than a black eye.
* * * * *
The rest of Friday the three of us spent together, mostly hiding in Leah's sanctuary just enjoying each other's company. Lord Edgehill joined us for a few hands of Whist after dinner. We took turns exchanging partners for fun. I did ask Freddie if he cared to join but he declined, instead watching the game, or more likely, us. When I occasionally caught his attention, he'd give me a nod, his lips turning from the tight line they've been since his arrival to a slight curve reminiscent of his usual smile.
Saturday morning Thomas took Leah and I back to the gallery despite his mother's objections. She was making a fuss regarding his appearance, the bruising of his eye still apparent. He assured her that with the company he was taking no one would look twice at him. He gave his little sister a twirl and quickly led us out of the house. We spent the day there, Leah leading the way to make sure we saw everything important, although Thomas did make sure we stopped to say hello to my expressive little dog, still stretched out on his master's bed. This time he looked quite content.
That evening after dinner Thomas excused himself, citing that he had things to attend to. I watched as he prepared to go, "Do you really need to go?" I asked quietly.
"I do indeed," he smiled at me as he adjusted his jacket.
"Okay," I sighed.
"I promise, I won't be gone long, but there is something that I need to . . . well, just something." I looked at him curiously, wondering why he didn't finish what he was saying. "Leah," he called to his sister, " I think that you and Miss Woodbridge should take back the title of Whist champion." He looked at me with a wink and when I turned to Leah, she had a cunning smile on her face as she glanced at her father. She reached out and took my hand but before she pulled me away, Thomas gave my cheek a quick kiss as he sprinted out the door.