A Mightnight Dance

Trust

The next day, Lord Nightingale's carriage arrived in front of our house. Anna and Brian ran to the door as soon as they heard the news. It was late afternoon and way too early for House Nightingale's carriage to wait outside our house. I finished dressing in a long skirt and long-sleeved blouse before quickly fixing my hair by securing it with a hair pin.

As I walked down the steps, I heard Brian's excited voice. No sooner had I reached the bottom of the stairs, I saw Brian holding Delilah's hand. He talked nonstop about how he had improved and wanted to show her his drawing.

"Lady Stark," Delilah said. Releasing Brian's hand, she curtsied.

I returned her greeting. I turned to Brian, "Where's Anna?

"She's getting the playroom ready."

I watched the children disappear into the drawing room. Curiously, I tip-toed toward the door and peered in. Anna had cleared the tables of books and set them aside. Emily saw me from her position in the corner and waved me away.

Smiling, I backed out and bumped into someone.

Turning, I saw Elaine. She hadn't registered my presence.

"My apologies," I began.

She crossed her arms. "Why is that man here?"

"Lord Nightingale is here!" I asked.

She finally looked at me. "Do you think anyone would send their sibling to another house without someone accompanying them?"

I recoiled at her curt tone. "I thought it would be a servant."

Elaine shook her head. "Not with what Charles proposed to him."

So Charles had told Elaine of his visit.

"Do you think-"

"You know him," Elaine suddenly said. "Lord Nightingale. Will he accept Charles's ridiculous proposal?"

I hesitated. Lord Nightingale took his responsibility seriously. He wouldn't allow two civilians to venture unprotected into Hellios' lands.

"I don't think Lord Nightingale has the authority to stop them," I said. "The Mayor wants this to happen. If anything, Lord Nightingale will advise them on how to stay safe. He might even send a few soldiers with them."

Elaine clicked her tongue. "That's useless."

I bristled at her words. "I don't like it either. But Charles has always borne the responsibility of being the Head of the family at a young age. If anything, we're the ones to blame."

Elaine glared at me.

"He cares about us," I reminded her. "Do you think Charles is capable of forgiving himself for all the hardships we have endured?"

"I don't care about the money."

"I don't either but we have to eat. He definitely hates us working too. To him, we shouldn't have to work."

"At least you and Vivian are contributing," Elaine said. "All I can do is take care of Olivia."

"Taking care of our mother is important too. If anything, I feel sorry for not helping as much."

Elaine shrugged. "It's hard to work and keep an eye on someone else."

I put my arm around Elaine's shoulders. "Don't be too angry. Something good can come out of this."

She leaned into my chest. "It sounds like you agree with Charles."

"I don't. I think he's reckless but I can't stop him. I might as well send him off with a smile."