Page 134 of Play On

Nicholas and I are part of the next generation. We should be heard and allowed to participate in our future, which is something different from previous generations. This is a change that should happen, but will only happen if Nicholas and I fight for it.

Nicholas has been met with nothing but rejection when he’s tried to create change, and I understand why he’s resorted to having other people present his ideas to get them to go through. He’s exhausted from fighting Dad for opportunities and standing up for himself.

Which makes me love him all the more for wanting to stand up for me.

I enter the kitchen and find Amelia and Nicholas putting dishes on the table. From the looks of things, it’s taco night. I spot shells, a dish of shredded chicken in sauce, and all the accompaniments for tacos. I smile at everyone and retrieve a glass from the cupboard.

“How are you feeling, Violet?” Mum asks as she takes her seat at the table.

“I’m still tired, but I think I’ll be fine by tomorrow,” I say, filling my glass with water. I head over to the table and slip into my seat.

Dad shakes his head. “I still can’t believe you went to Australia for one day,” he says, disapproval in his voice.

“It was what I wanted to do,” I say simply, picking up two taco shells and setting them on my plate.

Dad chuckles as he fills his shells with chicken. “That’s two different things. Doing what you want to do as opposed to what is the logical thing to do.”

I get prickly from his words, but I refuse to allow him to upset me. I take a moment to think carefully before I speak.

“I had my own reasons for going to Melbourne, personal ones, and I know I made the right decision. My travels didn’t impact anyone here, so I don’t understand why it’s such a point of interest.”

Yes! That sounded really good! I’m rather chuffed at my response.

Dad quirks a brow. “Don’t be too sure about that. Didn’t the whole gift shop schedule need to be reworked for your last-minute idea to fly off to another continent?”

I try to fight the heat that is pooling in my cheeks. I’m about to reply when Nicholas beats me to it. “The last time I checked, the gift shop was fully staffed whilst Violet was away,” he says pointedly. “So why are you making it a problem when it never was?”

Dad shoots him an annoyed look.

“Well, I’m right, aren’t I?” Nicholas continues. He picks up his taco and takes a bite, as if he knows Dad can’t argue that with him.

I love my brother so much.

I happen to glance at Amelia, who is looking at Nicholas with so much adoration in her eyes that I can’t help but love her for loving my brother in the way he deserves.

In the same way Noah loves me.

Mum clears her throat. “Amelia, I don’t know if you’d be interested, but I’m going to meet with a silver restorer tomorrow to get an estimate on restoration of some pieces. Would you care to join me?”

I glance at Amelia, and her green eyes light up with interest. Now that we all know she’s more interested in learning how an estate runs than operating a bridal boutique—so she can take the reins behind the scenes at Swallowhedge in the future—my parents love showing her what they do.

“Oh, I would love that,” she says eagerly. She glances at Nicholas. “Is that okay with you?”

“Peahen, you don’t need to ask me,” he says. “Of course it’s fine.”

“Well, I always want to make sure you don’t need me first.”

“Nope. I’m going to work on some roof repairs to one of the cottages. I’ll be busy all day.”

“I’ll come help you when I’m finished,” Amelia reassures him. Then she turns back to my mum. “Jocelyn, I’ll definitely join you tomorrow. Thank you so much for inviting me.”

Mum lights up. “I’m so glad you want to do it. Meet me here in the kitchen at ten.”

“I will,” Amelia says, smiling happily.

More chatter flows around the table, as the mood shifts to light-hearted conversation. I eat, waiting my turn for the right time to shift the topic to my art ideas.

Finally there’s a lull in the conversation, and I know it’s my time to bring it up before people start leaving the table.

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