Page 23 of The Dreaming Beauty
“No, but you left out your relation in your introduction, leading us to believe something very different from the truth. Is there not a title I should be addressing you by?”
“I did not lie. I am very much a poor professor and a steward of sorts. I am watching over my brother’s estate for him while he is visiting the States in America. I see to his tenants and such. His previous steward ran off to join the army, and a new one was never found. And no title is tied to my name. The duke is my brother through marriage, not blood. I am just boring, unsophisticated Mr. Taylor.”
Tansy said nothing.
“Does my family bother you so much?”
She glanced around, as if searching for the best wording. “You’ve been very kind, Mr. Taylor, but you do not belong here.”
His mother would agree with her, but coming here had been his choice. He was an adult and could choose his own friends. He had hoped they would see him for who he was and not for his relations. “Isn’t it up to me to say where I belong?”
She took his measure out of the corner of her eye. “The fact that you have a say makes you and I very different.” Looking again toward her aunts, she added, “But we won’t turn you away. You can come when you’d like, but I hope you won’t find offense when we do not visit you at Ashbury Court.”
He watched her depart from his side, his thumbs going to the pockets of his waistcoat. Why did such a statement feel like a challenge?
* * *
Sundays were often hard days for Tansy. They were unpredictable for Daisy, which meant they were unpredictable for the rest of them too. Missing church was never an option, though, even with Daisy’s unique struggles with crowds. Aster always said worshipping did not have to take placeinsidea church, but going to church showed commitment and sacrifice. So while their Sabbath devotion looked different from that of others, they still put forth the effort. Without a carriage to their name, their two-mile walk into town passed quickly as they talked. Despite the underlying worry passing between them, there was an air of excitement too. All of them were eager to meet more townspeople and get a feel for their new home.
The church was white and narrow with a beautiful church bell. Several mature trees formed a cluster on one side, and several carriages lined the other side.
“It’s as beautiful as I remember,” Iris said.
Aster nodded. “Mother would be glad we’ve returned.”
Tansy wondered at the memories passing between them. “Daisy and I can wait under the trees until the service is over.”
“No, Tansy,” Aster said. “You need to go in and meet people. I will wait outside this time.”
“Nonsense. I can meet people afterward. This is clearly a special place for you both, and Daisy and I will be perfectly happy in the shade.”
Aster smiled, a sheen of moisture glossing her eyes. “Thank you, dear.”
Tansy linked arms with Daisy. “Come, let’s find a place to spread that blanket you’re carrying.”
Once they were settled, the worst part came—the staring of the people as they shuffled into the church. Tansy did her best to mask her embarrassment, though it would be far worse if Daisy panicked inside the church.
“I’m sorry, Tansy. You should be inside with the others. It’s my fault you are stuck out here with me.”
“Nonsense. You know I prefer the sunshine to a stuffy old building.”
Daisy tugged at her sleeve. “You mean abeautifulold building.”
Tansy took Daisy’s hand and gently brought it away from her sleeve. “Not any more beautiful than my companion.”
Daisy laughed. “You aren’t wrong about that.”
The two of them discussed plans for their next addition to the fairy village while they waited for the service to end. Already, Tansy could tell the move had been good for Daisy. She was happier in the country where she was not constantly reminded that she differed from other women. Here, in Whitfield, she could occupy her time according to her fancy, with fewer onlookers eager to cast judgment.
The bell rang as the service ended, and Daisy clapped. “Oh, it’s a beautiful sound.”
“I agree.” They climbed to their feet, and Tansy folded the blanket. She put on her bravest face, and the two of them made their way toward the chapel door. The reverend stepped outside and began greeting his parishioners as they exited.
Several finely dressed ladies stepped out first, followed by a rather tall gentleman. They peered curiously at Tansy and Daisy and veered away from them toward the carriages. Daisy stepped back a few steps, and Tansy let her. People were curious by nature. She couldn’t fault a few stares, nor could she blame Daisy for the discomfort those stares caused.
Next out was Iris and Aster. They chatted with the reverend much longer than they ought to have, and Tansy became anxious about those in line behind them, who were no doubt eager to leave the church and hurry home. Finally, her aunts waved goodbye and crossed the lawn toward Tansy and their sister.
“How was it?” Daisy asked.
