Endless Sea

Chapter 13: Alak and Lyall

Nettie sat at the large piano, her aunt Governess Peggy Porter sat nearby. Peggy swayed her finger in the air as Nettie played a little song on her piano. She wasn't very good, but Howard and Pete sat and listened. Mostly so Noelia didn't get mad at them.

Once she finished, she smiled at her aunt before turning to the boys. "Did you like it?"

"Yeah!" Howard grinned. "You're so talented,"

Nettie clapped her hands, looking to Peter for his opinion.

There was an awkward silence for a moment. "Oh- it was very good," Pete muttered as he realized what she wanted.

"I'm happy you liked it!" Nettie hopped off her piano stool, leading the two to the dining room. The table was huge! It had at least twenty chairs, Howard and Pete were directed to sit by the unnamed man from earlier.

Thad sat at the top of the table as the food was brought out. "Where are you two from," he asked.

"London," said Pete. "Howard's also from London,"

Howard was about to speak up but Peter gave him a stern look.

"London is a lovely place," Thad stated. "My brother-in-law, Noelia's father, Baron Bertram Vabsley lives there."

"What's a brother-in-law?" Howard asked.

Pete sighed loudly, knowing Howard was a bit dumb. He didn't want Thad to think they were improper.

"it is your spouse's brother," said Peggy.

"oh," Howard replied. "I'm not married,"

Thad gave Peggy an odd look.

Peter pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration with Howard's stupid behavior.

Nettie spoke up to change the topic, "Do we have any cake?" She asked as she poked her dinner with her fork.

One of the lady servants was handing food out at the table, Howard and Peter both seemed uncomfortable in a way with the different foods. More expensive than what both were used to.

"You can have cake after dinner, Selma will make you some," Peggy stated,

The lady looked at Peggy as she spoke, making Howard connect the dots that the woman must be Selma.

"I want a chocolate cake with strawberries and the pink icing please," Nettie replied.

"Yes, Lady Noelia," Selma said before walking back into the kitchen to cook.

The unnamed man didn't get food but sat there to wipe off Thad's fork with a cloth every time he set it down. Howard and Pete both noticed the odd behavior, looking at the man.

"We have guests coming to visit us later Noelia, don't be off too late." Thad insisted while Nettie finished her food.

She nodded, getting up. "Will my cake be done by the time I'm home?" She questioned.

Peggy nodded,

Nettie seemed happy with her answer, walking over to Howard and Peter who had also finished eating. Despite expensive food, it wasn't in big proportion. The boys thanked Selma for the food before leaving with Noelia.

The group walked to Eugene's home, it was a few hours away from Nettie's. There was a large carriage outside with two horses and luggage strapped into the back. Noelia walked towards the luggage, eyeing the carpet bags, a large trunk, a smaller trunk, and a small doctors bag. She lifted one of the tags on the trunk,

'LYALL MCPHERSON'

She tilted her head as Howard and Peter stood behind her.

"Whose that?" Asked Peter.