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“Uncle Jesse? Is something happening?”
“Dimity?” Tom’s eyes widened.
The girl’s gaze moved from Jesse to Tom and her face brightened. “Mr. Tom,” she chirped, hurrying down the stairs. “It’s really you!”
“It’s really me, Miss Dimity,” he said with a shaky smile, shooting a confused look at Jesse. “I didn’t know you were here.”
“Uncle Jesse brought me home last night,” she said with a grin. “We had Christmas in the library.”
“UncleJesse?” Tom said, staring at Jesse again.
The commotion at the gate increased in volume. Dimity stood on tiptoes, trying to see. Jesse moved her away from the door.
“Look, sweetie,” he said, trying to keep his voice steady. “You had a real late night. Why don’t you go back to bed, huh?”
“I’m not tired,” Dimity said, tugging against Jesse’s hold. “What’s happening?”
Greenway strode out of the staff door in jeans and a Christmas jumper, her grim expression a stark contrast to her clothing. She was followed by several harried-looking security staff.
“Good morning, gentlemen. Miss Dimity. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, Kate,” Dimity said with the beginnings of a smile.
“Might I suggest Miss Dimity retire to her room?” Greenway said. “I have a small situation to deal with.”
“Whatsituation?” Dimity demanded.
“Nothing that concerns you, miss,” Greenway said, ushering to the security guards ahead of her. “Back to your room now, like I say.”
She shut the door behind her. Tom stood staring at the door then down at Dimity.
“What did Santa bring you, Mr. Tom?” Dimity said brightly.
“I haven’t opened my presents yet, miss. Why don’t we get you back to your room like Greenway said?”
“Fine,” Dimity said sulkily, then grinned at Jesse. “You’ll take me, right, Uncle Jesse?”
“Uh,” Jesse met Tom’s blank look and rubbed his neck. “I don’t know where it is, honey.”
Dimity giggled. “Silly you. I’ll show you.”
Dimity took them upstairs. Tom was close on Jesse’s heels. She led them along the corridor of the first floor.
“You said these were guest rooms,” Jesse muttered.
“Some of them are,” Tom replied in a low voice. “But along here are the family rooms.”
“Familyrooms?” Jesse frowned but then Dimity opened a door and dragged Jesse inside.
The room was decorated in all shades of blue. The bed was piled high with quilts in indigo and azure. There were matching drapes over the window. Soft toys were arranged on a dressing table in the corner. A child’s painting of a unicorn was framed on the wall over the chest of drawers. Against the opposite wall was a bookcase stuffed with books. Her easel and art supplies were set up next to the bed, and she went straight to them, explaining them eagerly to Tom.
“And no pink in sight,” Jesse observed.
Dimity folded her arms. “I don’t like pink. Aunt Helena liked pink.”
“Fair enough,” Jesse said as Tom hovered in the doorway. “Look, love. I have a few things to sort. Will you promise to stay here? Maybe do some painting?”
“Sure, I guess,” Dimity said, scraping her slipper over the carpet. “Are those policemen here to take me back?” she then asked, very quietly.
