Voices Deep Inside (Book 1)

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty

The Henderson Estate

It was late in the evening when the Huntley party arrived at the Henderson Estate. The servants quickly opened the bedroom chambers. They started fires in each of the rooms with the bedding turned down. Fresh pitchers of water were brought to the rooms as the weary travelers welcomed the hospitality.

They all declined a late supper explaining the feast that they had been served at the Huntley Estate. Nina was aghast when she saw Geneva and Gerald's faces. She administered cold compresses and salve to their wounds after they had prepared for bed.

Talia and Myrna saw to Roman and changed his bandage. Little to no blood showed on the bandage, only drainage from the incision. Myrna cleared out the used bandages and took Master Roman's clothes to the laundry.

Talia whispered 'goodnight' to Roman. She saw the weariness on his face as he laid down against the pillow. Myra followed Talia to her room.

"I want to check on my parents. I wouldn't be long."

They were almost asleep when she stepped into their room. She kissed each one goodnight and told them how thankful she was they were safe in their own home.

Talia thanked Nina and Leah for their help this evening, and then she retired to her bedchamber. She took off her navy-blue dress and washed up with the fresh water. She put on a clean nightgown, drank a full glass of cold water, and crawled into bed.

Talia awoke the next morning before eight o'clock. She crawled lazily out of bed and brushed her hair, removing the snarls. Then Talia washed up and dressed in a long black skirt and a white blouse for the day. She pulled on a heavy wool sweater over the white blouse. Then Talia braided her long red hair into a loose braid.

When she arrived downstairs for morning coffee, Lydia told her that her father and Roman were in the den having their coffee.

"Good morning," said Talia as she walked into the room carrying her pewter cup.

"I wanted to display my trophy on the mantle here in the library."

Both her father and Roman smiled as they stood up to greet her. Roman pulled up a chair next to him.

She set the pewter cup on her father's desk as she greeted both men. They explained to her they had been discussing the Henderson Estate, and Gerald had shown Roman some accounts on the estate.

"Are you up for a horse ride this morning?" asked Roman.

"Let me get some breakfast first, and then I would be ready to go," said Talia. "How did you sleep?"

"After that meal and all the fresh air yesterday, I slept well," said Roman.

"How do you feel this morning, father?" asked Talia.

"I have to admit that I am sore," said Gerald. "Omar gave me quite a beating."

"It makes me sick to think what you and mother had to go through because of that man," said Talia with anger in her voice.

"It's finally over," said her father with a sigh of relief. "Your mother is resting today. I think she is emotionally and physically worn down."

"Do you need me to check on her?" asked Talia as she stood.

"No, let her rest," said her father. "You two enjoy your ride. I want Roman to see the estate. I would be interested in his opinion."

"Thank you, sir," said Roman. "That is quite a compliment. Are you ready to go, lass?"