“Thank you for that, Elodie,” Lady Dallington interjected with a hint of reproach. “But it was not your news to share.”
Mattie laughed. “I do not mind, my lady.”
Elodie picked up a knife and carefully began buttering hertoast, ensuring the butter reached all corners. “Having Mattie there will make the Season that much more exciting,” she said, glancing at her brother. “Isn’t that right, Winston?”
Winston frowned, clearly annoyed. “Why do you insist on injecting me into this conversation?”
“I was hoping to get your opinion on it,” Elodie said, placing the knife down and taking a bite of her toast.
“I have no doubt that Mattie will have an enjoyable Season,” Winston said, his words flat and emotionless.
Mattie couldn’t help but wonder what had come over Winston. They had had a pleasant conversation in the entry hall, just a few moments ago. Now, he seemed distant, almost as if he were anxious to be away from her.
Melody, who had taken a seat next to her sister, haphazardly plopped some butter onto her toast and took a large bite.
Elodie scrunched up her nose. “Why do you insist on eating toast that way?”
“What way?” Melody asked, feigning innocence.
“The butter should be spread evenly throughout so every bite is just as scrumptious as the last,” Elodie said with a touch of exasperation.
Melody grinned mischievously, making Mattie think that she was doing it on purpose to goad her sister. “I am satisfied with my bite of toast.”
Turning her attention towards Mattie, Elodie asked, “How do you butter your toast?”
“I have never given it much thought before,” Mattie admitted.
Winston chuckled, breaking his aloof demeanor. “Leave Mattie alone,” he encouraged. “I am sure the way she butters her toast is perfectly acceptable.”
Elodie looked disappointed. “I am surrounded by savages,” she said, her voice light and teasing.
Leaning forward, Winston reached over and took a piece of toast off Elodie’s plate. “Allow me to seeif your way is better,” he said before taking an exaggerated bite. “It is… sufficient. But I have had better toast.”
Picking up her knife, Elodie held it up. “Give me back my toast or face the consequences, Brother.”
Lady Dallington sighed deeply. “Do you two have to do this now?” she asked. “We have a guest.”
“Mattie isn’t truly a guest,” Melody said with a smile. “She is like family.”
“Yes, but she is probably not used to people stabbing one another with knives during the course of a meal,” Lady Dallington pointed out.
Winston returned the toast to Elodie’s plate. “You are welcome.”
“For what?” Elodie asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I confirmed that your bread was not poisonous,” he said with a mock serious expression. “You may now eat it without worry.”
Elodie rolled her eyes dramatically. “It is no surprise that you are not married.”
“Elodie!” Lady Dallington chided. “Be nice to your brother.”
“Yes, Mother,” Elodie muttered, a playful grin tugging at her lips.
Shifting her gaze towards Mattie, Lady Dallington said, “I am sorry you had to witness that. They are normally on better behavior when we have guests.”
“I find it rather amusing,” Mattie admitted, her smile genuine. The banter and warmth of the Lockwood family was refreshing, and she felt a sense of belonging that she cherished deeply.
Lady Dallington tipped her head towards Mattie’s plate. “Eat up, Child,” she said. “We have loads to do this morning.”
