A Mightnight Dance

Permission

I woke at dawn and had Emily send the letter to Lady Poppy. As a married woman, Lady Poppy was ideal for being my chaperone. I hoped she didn't have a prior engagement. Lady Melanie and Lady Tasha were my second and third choices, but I didn't feel too comfortable around them. If only Lady Yolanda was married, I could have asked her.

All through breakfast, I listened for the sound of the porter's bell but no such sound came. Even as we went our separate ways throughout the house, I kept an eye on the front door. Jonna stood watch eyeing me every time I passed by. I hadn't told Vivian or Elaine about Lord Nightingale and I wouldn't; not until his invitation officially arrived.

Instead, I helped them with their tasks - feeding and bathing Mother - and spending time with the twins. I took them into the drawing room downstairs so I could be closer to the door. They were eager to tell me how they had written a letter to Christopher. I wasn't too worried. I was sure Lady Yolanda would help him read it.

"How do you two feel about making a new friend?" I asked them.

Brian didn't look up from his paper. "I think it would be nice."

"Don't we have enough friends?" Anna asked. "We can't keep track of everyone."

"She's new to town," I continued, "and she doesn't have many friends."

Brian looked up. "What's her name?"

I hesitated. Lord Nightingale had told me her name. It was on the tip of my tongue. If only I could remember.

"I haven't met her," I confessed. "But I heard about her. Her brother just came back from war."

"Then how do you know she needs friends?" Anna asked.

"I spoke with her brother. Besides, if you're new somewhere, it's nice to have people to spend time with, don't you think?"

"I don't mind," Brian said. "Sister Tucker said we should always extend our hand to others."

Anna frowned. "I guess we can talk to her. Why are you suddenly asking?"

I cleared my throat. "Well, I was thinking what if we had the opportunity to befriend someone? I wanted to ask you two first."

"Where would that be?" Anna asked. "Here?"

"No," I told her. "There is a festival coming up. I thought it would be a nice change of pace."

The twins grew quiet.

"We don't need to go," Brian said.

"Are you worried about having pocket money?" I asked.

They didn't speak.

"It's a festival," I reminded them. "All we need is a few copper coins. We can afford that much. Besides, it's not good for children to spend their time indoors, studying all the time. Think of this as a reward."

"Will Charles let us go?" Anna asked. "You and Vivi aren't on his good side and Elaine is tired from caring for Mother."

I opened my mouth and closed it. "Let me take care of that," I told them. "Besides, Vivi and I are helping Elaine."

"Okay," Brian said, but neither he nor Anna looked convinced.

As they continued to work, I thought about Lord Nightingale's sister. What did he say her name was again? Demi? No. Denise? Not that either. Delma wasn't close. Delyth? No. Almost, but no.

"Ah!" I exclaimed. "Delilah. Her name is Delilah."

My siblings looked up at me with no expression.

"You should really work on your memorization skills," Brian said. "It's not nice to forget other's names."