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Mabel narrowed her gaze. She shook her head and turned her attention to her embroidery.
“You shall need both of your arms if you intend to hold any kittens,” Pippa said.
Elinor looked sharply at her. “That is true.”
“What kittens?” Mabel asked.
Pippa only shrugged, and Elinor looked decidedly mischievous.
Mabel looked at her daughter a moment longer before shaking her head. “It has been nearly a week since we invited the Blakemores to dine. We really ought to schedule a dinner soon.”
“You want to invite them here? Have you spoken with Gram about our new neighbors?” Pippa asked, looking from James to Mabel. She seemed to garner the attention of them both, though Elinor continued to pout.
Mabel shook her head. “No, does she know them? She has only lived in this house as long as we have.”
“Their reputation reaches far wider than Collacott’s boundaries.” Pippa wanted to say more, but not in the presence of the children. If Mabel wished for James and Elinor to be aware of the situation, that was her decision to make. She widened her eyes at James.
“You do realize that I am ten, not two,” he said dryly. “I can see that you are pointing to me, and I wish to know these rumors as well.”
“You’ll not hear another word until I know how extensive the rumors are, James,” Mabel said. “Run along, both of you, and let me speak to Pippa in privacy.”
James groaned. “But we are not finished with our game.”
“We can finish later. I will not touch a single piece,” Pippa promised.
It took a few minutes more before both of the children left and the door closed behind them. Pippa crossed the room to sit beside her sister, pulling her ankles beneath her and admiring the beginning of the green vine against the white baby cap in her sister’s hands.
“Well, get on with it,” Mabel said, shooting her a smile.
Pippa relayed Gram’s warnings from earlier about Black Heart Blakemore, how they had bought his smuggling goods, but had been wary of the man who supplied them.
“Even Papa bought smuggled wine. Did you know this?”
“Yes, but I didn’t think much of it then.” Mabel pulled her thread through the cap and offered Pippa an understanding smile.
“That is breaking the law.”
“It is, but most people do not see it that way. Taxes have changed, but they used to be exorbitant. Purchasing smuggled goods was the only way we could get our hands on sugar, tea, or wine during the war.”
Pippa shook her head. She’d been a child then and hadn’t known. “But this reputation Gram heard about Mr. Blakemore seemed to worry her.”
“A lot can change in twenty years, Pip,” Mabel said softly. “I do think we ought to be cautious, but we should not cut them merely because of a rumor. Susan spent some time this week with the Blakemores while they placed orders for bedclothes and other linens, and she had nothing but good things to report. They were courteous and polite.”
“So we ought to wait until they’ve harmed us or one of our friends before we know the extent of the danger they pose?”
“No, we ought to be cautious, as I said. Inviting them to dine will not lead to our demise.” Mabel lowered her embroidery. “Why are you judging them so harshly? This is unlike you.”
Why, indeed? Pippa couldn’t explain it to herself even, except that William made her feel things that were uncomfortable and foreign, and she wanted nothing to do with those feelings. Which meant that she wanted nothing to do with him. But if that were truly the case, then why could she think of little else?
“Lily has been working for them for nearly a week, and I’ve not seen or spoken to her since Sunday. I suppose I am a little nervous for her sake.”
“Mac saw Mr. Burke in town yesterday, and he reported that Lily is enjoying working for the Blakemores. I’m certain she’ll tell you more at church tomorrow.”
Pippa nodded. She needed to breathe, and it was far too difficult to inhale fully. She yearned for fresh sea air and a brisk wind to clear her head. “I think I will walk down to the cove before it gets too dark.”
Mabel looked to the window, the orange glow warming her pale skin. “It is nearly too dark already. Do not go down to the beach tonight, please.”
“Very well, I won’t go down.” She grinned. “I’ll stay on the high path.”
