Page 34 of His Unforgettable Bride
Gray nodded. “The Bible mentions laughter in a positive vein more than once. I trust that book more than any etiquette manual ever written.”
“I do, as well.” Although Tabitha agreed, her eyes and voice held a frostiness.
After a moment, he cocked his brow. “Did you and your sister attend finishing school?”
“Naturally.”
“Then I presume,” he continued, “you already know everything necessary to deliver etiquette lessons with good sense and a gentle hand.”
Tabitha picked at a piece of lint on the arm of her chair. “Perhaps we have been overly harsh in our methods. I’ll consult with Livy, and we’ll determine whether to proceed with or without the manual.” She shifted toward Juliet. “I apologize if I’ve been too exacting, but we’re trying to prepare you for the open house and dance afterward. Life in general, as well.”
“Dance?” Juliet’s voice squeaked. “I never learned how.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll teach you whatever you need to know beforehand.”
Juliet rubbed her hands on her skirt. “I am grateful for all the lessons, even if I muck them occasionally. Well, frequently.”
“You’re doing fine. However, memorizing our teachings isn’t enough. They need to sink into your soul and match your deeds.”
Juliet’s blue eyes carried a keen sincerity. “I’ll work my best on that.”
“I found it!” Livy waltzed into the room, carrying a rectangular gold box. When she reached his side, she handed him the item. “As a boy of two, our nephew loved this music box. It belonged to our mother.”
An inlaid circle of brightly colored flowers and fruit covered the lid’s middle portion. When Tabitha slid a lever, the top lifted, music played, and a feathered bird in blues, reds, greens, and purples popped up and spun.
Held captive, a memory gathered shape, and he pictured a child sitting at the knee of an older man, admiring such a contraption. Was he the youngster?
His temple pulsated as it typically did when straining to recall his past. He tried to blink aside the pain, which threatened to send him back to his bed in the sitting room. Slowly, he drew a deep, helpful breath.
A loud knock came from the front door, startling them all.
Tabitha stood, her brow furrowed. “Who is at the door at this hour?”
“I suggest we go and see.” Livy withdrew a tiny gold key from her skirt pocket and handed it to Gray. “If you wish to crank the box again, go ahead. We’ll return shortly.”
Juliet rose, as well. “I’ll wash the teacups from earlier.”
Tabitha nodded before she and Livy turned to leave, whispering as they exited the drawing room, Juliet trailing behind them.
He glanced around, uneager to return to the sitting room where he had been confined the past few days. Should he read a book? Challenge himself at chess?
Why not dry a dish or two?
Yes, that was a fabulous idea. He could put himself to work.
After standing, he lowered the blanket, key, and music box to the chair and crossed the room. His stride was stable, and his legs were strong. Although headaches still nagged him daily, his physical strength had fully restored.
As he slipped out of the drawing room, the sisters stood in the doorway at the front entryway, speaking to someone outside, and did not seem to notice him as he made his way to the kitchen.
He slipped into the spacious room to find Juliet reaching for a pot dangling from a metal hook. When he realized he was staring at her pleasing form, he raised his eyes to her equally pleasing face.
Her brows were quirked as if questioning his arrival in the kitchen.
“I came to help you.”
“How so, exactly?”
“After you wash a dish, I shall dry it.” He glanced around the kitchen. “Where would one find a towel for such a task?”
