Page 23 of His Unforgettable Bride
Although unsure what a virtue was, she nodded. “I’m not complaining, only trying to explain myself.”
“I understand.”
Life and Grandfather had taught her to offer a helping hand whenever possible. He often assisted the widows at church and even a bird with a hurt wing once upon a time. Deep inside, Juliet longed to be more like him.
Was that why she’d been so quick to help when she’d stumbled upon their patient unconscious in the woods? Maybe she was more like her grandfather than she’d realized.
It surprised her the patient had joked about drinking the ocean dry and calling himself a man of mystery. Not everyone in his situation would have jested in such a manner. Still, he had an arrogant bent, though she shouldn’t judge him too harshly since she barely knew him.
After he’d gazed into the mirror earlier today, he’d rolled onto his side, away from the women, and had grown silent. What was it like to peer into a looking glass and see a stranger? Crushing, most likely.
She hadn’t talked to him since. But her thoughts had wandered to him frequently as she’d completed her chores. The sisters had kept her busy opening shutters, starting fires, hauling soiled clothing to the washroom, cleaning mirrors, removing sparse cobwebs, wiping down the woodwork, running a feather duster over everything…and now polishing the silver.
Had she ever seen a less dusty, musty house? No. A suspicious person might think the sisters were plotting to keep her busy with chores and away from the patient. If so, their plan was working without a hitch.
Tabitha finished arranging the items on the tray and then carried them to the table. “I hope you like peppermint tea.”
Her employer was bringing her tea—Juliet, a servant—and after a scolding. What could that possibly mean?
She rested the cloth and candlestick on the table again. “It’s my favorite.”
“Mine too.” Tabitha placed the tray on the table. “I’ve ordered a variety of teas from India and expect the shipment to arrive any day now.”
“To serve in your tearoom?”
“Correct.” Tabitha lowered herself to the chair across from Juliet. “Do you have something more to say? Based on your quizzical expression, I believe you may.”
Juliet relaxed her facial muscles the best she could, not realizing she looked puzzled, even though she was. “I’m stewing because I thought you were angry with me. Instead, you did something kind. Thank you.”
“I’m not mad. However, if you haven’t noticed, I am persnickety, particularly regarding manners.”
Juliet had noticed, all right.
After the tea was steeped, Tabitha poured the liquid into each cup.
Juliet lifted her cup and blew on the steamy beverage.
“A lady never blows on her beverage to cool it.”
“Why not?”
“It’s impolite. She must wait to sip until it’s not too hot to burn her lips or tongue.”
“Well, I’ll be.” Juliet lowered her cup, clattering the saucer. Thankfully, not a drop spilled.
Tabitha’s gaze turned intent as she raised her cup, then peered over the rim. “Livy told me about the conversation you shared upstairs yesterday regarding us teaching you manners and more. Is that what you want?”
Did she? “Are you offering to assist me?”
“I’m asking you a question.”
“What I like is learning, always have. What I don’t is being disrespected or thought less of because I’m…improper sometimes. So yes, I’d be grateful for the opportunity, I suppose.”
A long moment passed before Tabitha spoke. “It will be a challenging undertaking, most likely.”
“For all of us, I wager.”
“Indeed. If you fully cooperate, Livy and I will instruct you. I’m not sure what that fully entails yet. However, long ago, someone helped us improve our lives. Now, we’re called to extend a helping hand similarly.”
