Voices From Within (Book 2)

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Six

Thanturnum Family Dinner

It was the first meal together with the Thanturnam family. Charlotte and Lucy giggled as they watched Kaiser take the lead, using three feet to go down the stairs. Then Lucy turned to walk down the hallway to the servant's staircase, leaving Charlotte at the top of the stairs.

She lifted her green brocade gown and used the railing to walk down the impressive wooden staircase. It was Oxford who came to the rescue. The butler met her on the staircase and offered his arm to escort her to the parlor. Kaiser was standing at the door. He turned his head towards Charlotte and whined.

"I'm afraid he needs to go outside."

"No problem, Ma'am. You let Oxford take care of it," said Oxford as he donned his coat. "I guess I don't have to worry about him going too far with that injury and all."

"Be sure he gets something to eat this evening."

"Oh, I will. Mrs. Thanturnam is in the parlor if you would like to join her, Ma'am."

"Thank you, Oxford."

Charlotte walked into the parlor, which was tastefully decorated in burgundy and green. The small fireplace warmed the room. Rose stood up from her chair and greeted Charlotte.

"Oh, my dear. You look stunning this evening. Let me look at you," said Reggie's mother as she took her hands. "Your cosmetics have been artfully applied. You must tell me your secrets."

"Thank you, Ma'am. It feels good to be wearing my own clothes."

"Can I offer you a drink?"

Charlotte saw her glass half-full of an amber brown liquid.

"From what I understand from Reggie and Gordon, Thanturnam women drink whiskey."

Rose laughed and handed her a drink. The two women sat in the chairs and visited about the products they use in their toiletry.

"For my sixteenth birthday, I received a beautiful toiletry box from my mother. Prior to that, I only used rosewater and clear pomade when dressed for the evening."

"I can tell you are not wearing rosewater this evening. Your perfume smells heavenly."

"Thank you. I also used the hand cream you gave me, which is lovely."

Rose examined her hands and saw the redness had faded. She also noticed the emerald ring and complimented her on her delicate jewelry. When Gordon walked into the room and saw the two of them holding hands and talking like girlfriends.

"Well, what a beautiful sight. Hello, my dear," said Gordon as he embraced his wife. "You look lovely this evening, my dear."

Gordon turned and greeted Charlotte. Out of respect, Charlotte curtsied to the man of the house and offered her hand to the gentleman. Gordon kissed her hand and said, "Charlotte, you look so elegant this evening. I trust you are feeling better."

"Oh sir, I am. Your wife has shown me so much kindness. You were right when you described the competence and beauty of Mrs. Thanturnam."

"Oh Gordon, did you fill this young girl full of blarney about me?" asked Rose with a slight blush on her cheeks from the compliments.

"Only the truth, my dear."

Gordon poured himself a glass and proposed a toast.

"Here's to beautiful women," said Gordon, which made the two of them smile and giggle at his theatrics.