Page 46 of Dark Tidings on the Thames
They all praised Harold’s sketches for the design of his owl. Niall stepped in to wrap an arm around his wife as everyone marveled overKara’s latest automaton project. It was a princess in a tower who emerged onto a balcony, waved down at her would-be knight rescuer, and rolled her long hair down for him to climb.
“Never say he’s going to climb it?” gasped Beth.
“No, I haven’t figured out how to make that look natural,” Kara told her with a sigh. “But the client didn’t ask for that, in any case. I will have to add a few more movement details, though.” She gestured toward the ivy covering one side of the tower. “I was thinking of some flowers opening into a bloom along the ivy.”
“Or perhaps a cat sunning on the terrace?” suggested Beth.
“Excellent idea,” Kara said thoughtfully.
They stayed a little while longer before all heading back to the main house. Niall eyed his closed, cold forge as they passed. “I need to choose my next project,” he began, but Harold interrupted him with a shout.
“Look! Someone is coming!” The boy started to run as a carriage swept up the drive and pulled to a stop before the house. As the door opened, Harold shouted again. “Rob! It’s Rob!” he called back with glee. “Rob McRae!”
Beth, who had been walking before Niall and Kara, faltered.
Niall met Kara’s gaze. They let go of each other and moved to flank Beth, each taking an arm.
“Chin up, Beth,” Niall said.
“Come,” Kara whispered. “Let’s go and greet him. I know Rob will be thrilled to see you.”
The girl looked at them both, then stiffened her spine and stepped forward.
“Well done,” Niall said, low.
Together, they went to welcome his best friend.
Rob had Gyda wrapped in a bear hug. As they drew near, he let Gyda go and came striding toward them. “Beth!” Rob cried happily. “You are here, too?”
Niall and Kara let her go as Rob picked Beth up and swung her around in a circle. The girl’s face flushed as red as fire, but she laughed and greeted Rob, then stepped back close to Kara when he set her down and turned to shake Niall’s hand.
“Here I am, landed on your doorstep, as promised!” Rob said with a grin.
“Thank goodness—we were beginning to wonder if you’d got lost,” Kara scolded, then smiled. “Your rooms are all ready for you. We are so glad to have you staying with us. Dinner might be a little later than usual this evening, as we all just stuffed ourselves at tea, but Cook will be delighted to hear you’ve arrived. You know she loves a man with an appetite.”
“And I love her apple tarts!” Rob said appreciatively.
“Let’s get your things moved inside,” Niall said, stepping forward.
Beth cleared her throat. “Perhaps I’ll take this opportunity to head back home, then.” She met Rob’s gaze. “Will your hired coach be heading back into London? Perhaps the coachman will agree to drop me off at the train station?”
“What? No!” Rob looked alarmed. “Surely you will stay for dinner as well?” He looked to Niall for support.
“Of course she should,” Kara said, before Niall could answer. “And you should spend the night with us as well, Beth. We’ll get you back to Lake Nemi in the morning.” She looked to Rob. “Your driver and his horses must be tired from the long journey, too. Tell them they are welcome to spend the night in the stables. There are plenty of stalls and an empty room with a bed over the tack room.”
Beth tried to object, but Kara would brook no resistance.
Surprisingly, Gyda supported her. “Come, Beth. You know you want to hear all of Rob’s plans just as much as the rest of us do.” Niall hid a grin as Gyda pointed a finger at his friend. “We’ll let you unpack, Rob McRae, but then we will wish to hear a full report of what has dragged you from the hills of Scotland.”
“Oh, aye, and ye’ll have it, ma’am,” Rob returned in his thickest brogue.
Gyda began to drag Beth toward the house. “I’ll have Turner put her in the blue guest room?” she called back to Kara.
“Certainly.”
Footmen began to file out of the house. Harold picked up a bag and started toward them. “Come on, Rob. I’ll help you unpack.”
Rob laughed helplessly back at Niall as he followed. “I’ll see you at dinner, then?”
