Chapter Six #2
“No, I swear it. You and Aunt Mary have taught me to value myself more than that.” She reached for another leatherbound book, which was his day-to-day diary where she kept track of his meetings, when payments were due, and all things needed to keep his office running smoothly.
“Also, we’ve had a few pieces of post arrive here within the last week for Major Kourier.
When will he officially join you in your detective agency? ”
He’d asked his friend to join forces with him a month or so ago, and in that way, they wouldn’t compete against each other for cases, and it would provide a stable income for them both.
Since the major would have a baby in a few months, it was a sound business offer.
Though he’d agreed to the partnership, they hadn’t done much about it, for Gabriel needed a bigger townhouse to accommodate the business.
“Your aunt and I would like to move house soon. More space is needed for the family as well as the business. Once that occurs, he’ll come aboard full time.
I’m hoping to have our offices on the ground floor with your reception area between his and mine.
That is if you believe you can keep track of both our schedules. ”
Her smile could have lit the night. “Of course I can, Inspector. It’s interesting work, and I adore you both. Besides, it lets me spend time with Cassandra and Charlie.”
“You’re a marvel, Adelaide,” he said with a wink as he stood. “Now, if you’ll both excuse me? I’m due to take tea with my daughter, so I must dress for the occasion.” The way Mary peered at him as if he were a hero both went straight to his stones and filled his chest with warmth.
Yes, this was where he was meant to be.
Clad in his tailcoat and black satin evening breeches as if he were attending the opera instead of tea with his daughter, Gabriel entered the drawing room with a sense of adventure and fatherly pride.
Then he rested a hand over his heart as that organ gave a great thud, for Cassandra was perched like a little lady on the edge of a delicate chair.
Either Mary or Miss Alexander had dressed her in a white satin dress with a lace-edged flounce at the hem and lace at the bottoms of the short, puffed sleeves.
A blue satin sash went around her waist, tied in a large bow at her back.
Smart satin slippers graced her feet, and her platinum-blonde hair had been fashioned in plaits pinned in a coronet around her head.
A sweet white chrysanthemum was pinned to the back of her head.
“Who is this beautiful young lady in my drawing room? I don’t seem to recognize her, for she looks like a princess,” he said by way of greeting.
When she turned her head, a large grin spread across her face and it revealed a hole in her lower line of teeth, for she’d lost a baby tooth not long ago. It was a sign she was growing, and he wished time would slow down.
“Papa!” After hopping off the chair, she rushed over the floor then jumped into his waiting arms. “You came!”
“Of course I did. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.
” Gabriel whirled her around and around before finally setting Cassandra on her feet.
“Now, how’s my lovely girl? Are you ready for tea?
” He led her back to the chair and waited until she was settled before he sat on the end of a sofa next to her location.
“I am always ready for tea, Papa.”
As if he didn’t know she was always hungry.
He nodded his thanks when a footman brought in the tea service on a silver tray.
Once the young man left, he lifted the tea pot.
“It looks like the cook put all your favorites out today,” he said as he poured out the amber liquid into two delicate porcelain cups.
“I like jam tarts the most, though.” She was so happy as she took in the tea tray and its offerings. “Are these all for me and you?”
“Absolutely.” As he set down the teacup, he reached for the tiny sugar tongs. “How many lumps?” Even though he knew she always wanted two.
She held up two fingers then took a linen napkin from the tray.
While she meekly spread the napkin over her lap, Gabriel tamped a grin. He added the sugar to her cup and then stirred. Afterward, he carefully handed her the offering on the matching saucer. “So, Miss Bright, tell me what you are learning in your lessons.”
Another smile curved her lips. Clearly, she was enjoying herself. The teacup in her slim hands was the second reminder that she was quickly slipping away from childhood and away from the meek girl who was afraid of people that he and Mary had rescued from the streets over two years ago.
“Geography is fun. Miss Alexander is teaching me about all the famous places around the world.” She licked the jam from her first tart. “I only thought there was London and the sea where we went on holiday. Everywhere else is so far away.”
Ah, the dear girl. There was so much she would learn and experience. “Yes, everything is far away, but the world is a big place with many incredible things to see. Perhaps you will travel throughout your life.” If he could manage it, he would help with that endeavor.
“Will you come with me?”
“I just might. Can’t have my little princess all alone in the big world.
” The thought that she would be launched into society in a handful of years was enough to put fear into his heart.
He wasn’t ready; would probably never be ready, but he’d protect her to the best of his ability.
“What else are you learning that you find interesting?”
“Arithmetic is interesting, but I must concentrate harder for that. Numbers are more difficult than languages.”
“You have a French tutor who also teaches you Italian. And you have a music tutor. Do you enjoy that?” It was at Mary’s insistence that Cassandra have a well-rounded education.
As she put it, young women needed to be taught there was more to life than marriage, child-rearing, and keeping some man’s house.
Cassandra’s shrug lifted her delicate shoulders. “Italian is pretty; French is difficult and snooty, but they are fun.” She took another bite of her tart. “The harp is interesting though dull. I don’t like singing, but the music master said we might try the flute.”
“That is exciting.” For long moments, he remained quiet as they tucked into their tea. “Are you still working on your drawing?” They’d hired an art tutor who came by twice a week.
“I adore drawing and painting. If I can make pretty things out of nothing, that is a good thing, isn’t it, Papa?”
“It absolutely is, poppet.” In fact, he’d framed one of the watercolors she’d done for him. It hung on one of the walls of his office. “Do you enjoy the outings Miss Alexander takes you and Charlie on?”
“Oh, yes. We visited with a neighbor whose dog had a litter of puppies, and Hyde Park, and even saw the menagerie at the Tower of London. I wanted to go to the British Museum, but children under the age of ten aren’t allowed.
” As she spoke about their adventures, she was quite animated.
Which then required a few honey cakes. Then slowly that excitement died and she frowned into her teacup.
“What is wrong, Cassandra?”
“It is a bit lonely at times, I suppose.”
“Why?” Confusion gripped his mind. “Don’t you like your brother’s company?”
Her sigh seemed to come from her toes. “Charlie is annoying and he’s loud and he’s stinky and sticky. When I am free from lessons, he is still doing his. When you and Mama are out, I have no one to talk with.”
Just another reason they should get a dog for the children.
Or she needed help making friends. “Perhaps your mama can talk to a few of her friends. If they have little girls your age, would you like for her to invite them over? Or perhaps Miss Alexander can take you to meet them on an outing. That would give you someone else to talk with.”
“Yes, please.” She nodded then dabbed at the corners of her mouth like a little lady.
“Good.” After setting his cup and saucer on the low table, he gently took hers and did the same. “Now, come.”
“Where?”
“You and I are going to dance,” he said as he rose to his feet and pulled her into a standing position as well. “Would my lady enjoy that?”
“Yes! But I don’t know how to dance.”
“That matters not.” Soon enough, they would need to hire a dancing instructor for her, but that was a couple of years off. “We will do the best we can. In fact, stand on my feet.” When he took her hands and brought her close, she did just that. Then he set them into motion.
Again and again, he twirled them around the room, avoiding the groupings of furniture, and all the while, Cassandra laughed and giggled. His heart felt far too full, and once again, he couldn’t believe this was his life.
Above all, he needed to make a conscious effort to remember what truly mattered in life, and it wasn’t this case. It would never be a case.
Yet… This case could make all their lives better. How could he find balance?