“Tea!” Beth added, her wide eyes sparkling. “And cakes! Don’t forget cakes!”
Penelope grabbed Isabelle’s hand and tugged at it, her tiny face determined. “We want to spend the day with ye, Lady Isabelle. Please, please!”
Isabelle laughed softly, her heart lifting despite the heaviness from the night before.
“Aye, me darlings,” she said, smoothing their hair with careful hands. “Let’s have tea together, and ye can tell me all about yer adventures.”
Mabel nodded, stepping back with a fond look. “I’ll have a maid prepare the tea and some cakes for ye all.”
The children squealed in delight, hopping from foot to foot, their laughter echoing through the corridors. Isabelle felt a warmth in her chest she had not known in days, a feeling of purpose beyond her own worries. She took each child by the hand and led them into the solar room, the sunlight catching on the polished wood floors.
As the maid bustled in with the tray, Isabelle arranged the cups and plates with care, the simple act calming her restless mind. The aroma of fresh tea and sweet cakes filled the room, mingling with the children’s chatter.
“This is perfect,” she murmured, smiling down at the triplets as they clutched their teacups. “Ye’re exactly what I needed today.”
Hallie leaned close, whispering conspiratorially. “Lady Isabelle, do ye think Da will come to play with us too?”
Isabelle felt a pang in her chest at the mention of him, but she shook her head gently.
“I’m nae sure, lass. He is very busy,” she said, offering a soft smile. “Today, it’s our day together, just us.”
Beth clapped her hands, sending crumbs tumbling onto the table. “Then we’ll have the best day!” she declared, her eyes shining with excitement.
Penelope reached out and placed her small hand over Isabelle’s. “We like bein’ with ye, Lady Isabelle. Ye make us happy.”
Isabelle’s throat tightened, and she swallowed hard, a tear threatening to fall.
“And ye make me happy too, wee ones,” she said quietly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
She let herself relax in the children’s joy, feeling the tension of yesterday’s argument with Declan melt away for just a moment.
She took a small bite of cake, the sweetness reminding her of simpler times with her sister Norah and her nephews.
She realized that perhaps, through the children’s innocence and joy, she could find comfort even in the midst of her doubts.
Their laughter filled the room like music, and she allowed herself a small, genuine smile.
“I’m glad ye came to see me,” she said to the triplets, her voice soft and warm. “We’ll spend the whole day together.”
Hallie, Beth, and Penelope cheered, and Isabelle laughed along with them, the sound lighter than it had been in days.
Even Mabel smiled, a small, approving nod that warmed Isabelle’s heart. The room felt alive, full of the promise of friendship, laughter, and the possibility of healing.
“Lady Isabelle, we cannae wait for Yule!” Hallie exclaimed, clapping her hands.
“We want to find the Yule log and help set it ablaze!” Beth and Penelope nodded furiously, eyes alight with excitement.
Isabelle laughed softly, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind Penelope’s ear.
“Och, ye sweet bairns,” she said, her voice gentle but firm. “If ye’re so eager, then we’ll find the perfect log together today.”
Mabel smiled from across the table, a quiet warmth in her gaze as she watched the children chatter.
The girls squealed in delight, almost spilling their tea in their excitement, and Isabelle found herself smiling with genuine joy.
“I promise we’ll make it the best Yule yet,” she said, ruffling Hallie’s hair. “But ye must listen to Mabel and me, or ye’ll wander off like a pack of wildlings!”
The girls giggled, nodding solemnly as if they fully understood.
