“That it is,” Dominic agreed, though his voice turned thoughtful. “I only hope you aren’t making a mistake by hiring Tabitha.”
“I’m not,” she said with certainty.
A moment later, Tristan returned, hand tightly clasped in his mother’s. His face was flushed with excitement. “She’s here,” he announced proudly.
Tabitha stepped into the entry hall, her eyes wide with wonder and her smile tentative but sincere. She wore a dark blue gown and her hair had been neatly braided back. She looked both grateful and slightly overwhelmed.
“My lady,” she said, dipping a quick curtsy. “Thank you for sending the gown. That was more kindness than I expected.”
Dorothea stepped forward. “You are more than welcome here, Tabitha. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed having Tristan with us.”
Tabitha glanced down at her son, then back up. “I hope he hasn’t caused too much mischief.”
“Not in the least,” Dorothea assured her.
“Well then,” Tabitha said, straightening slightly. “Shall I begin work at once?”
Dominic interjected before she could move. “Have you already eaten this morning?”
“I haven’t broken my fast yet, no, but?—”
“You must have breakfast,” Tristan interrupted, tugging at her hand. “Mrs. Dawson makes the best scones with clotted cream. You’ll love them. Come on—I’ll show you where the kitchen is.”
“Tristan, slow down!” Tabitha said with a laugh, trying to keep pace as he dragged her along the corridor.
Dorothea laughed. “I would just go with him. He has a certain determination about him.”
Tabitha smiled. “That sounds wonderful,” she said, allowing herself to be led towards the servants’ entrance.
As they disappeared, Dominic turned to Dorothea. “It was thoughtful of you to send her a dress.”
She shrugged off the praise with a wave of her hand. “I saw the condition of the one she had and couldn’t imagine how uncomfortable she must feel in it.”
Dominic studied her. “How is it you always notice those little things?”
“I don’t know,” she said, as though the answer were simple. “I saw a need, and I did what I could. Nothing more.”
“It’s more than that,” Dominic said. “You continue to impress me, Thea.”
She blinked. “What did you call me?”
With a slight wince, he replied, “Thea. I hope that wasn’t too forward.”
“No,” she said, shaking her head. “My mother used to call me that. Hearing it again... it brings back such fond memories.”
“Then Thea it is,” he said, offering his arm. “May I escort you to breakfast?”
“I would like that very much,” she replied, taking his arm.
As they walked down the hall together, Dominic turned slightly towards her. “I was wondering if you’d like to take a carriage ride through Hyde Park later today.”
Her smile widened. “That sounds delightful.”
He found himself smiling back before he could stop it. “Wonderful.”
They stepped into the dining room where the table had already been set. He led her to her chair and helped her settle before taking the seat beside her.
A moment later, Wright appeared, carrying a silver tray stacked with envelopes. “These have been arriving all morning, my lady.”
