Sky Pirates

Chapter 16

Mildred, who had changed out of her gardening clothes into something more appropriate for luncheon, walked down the main staircase. She was greeted at the bottom of the stairs by the jangle of the front doorbell. There weren't any servants nearby, so she simply opened the door herself.

"Good afternoon, Miss Mildred," said the tall, middle-aged, yet still handsome man standing there.

"Dr. Ellis, how lovely of you to stop by." Mildred reached her right hand to the doctor, who took it. She led him into the hall and closed the door behind them. "What have you there?"

"Letters, for you." He handed the bundle to Mildred and added: "They're all from your uncle, more than a dozen of them."

"Oh, the ships must have finally caught up with him. We saw a mail schooner yesterday, and I'd hoped there'd be a letter from Uncle Parker." She beamed at the prospect of having this collection of letters that would let her know where he had been. "We're about to sit down to luncheon, won't you join us?"

"That would be lovely," said the doctor who had removed his hat and gloves, but was still holding them in his hands.

"Where are my manners, let me take those." She took the doctor's things and placed them next to the bundle of letters on the sideboard before leading him into the dining room. "Look who has come for a visit," Mildred announced to Miss Canton and Cole who were sitting in silence waiting for Mildred.

Cole bounded up from his chair. "Doctor Ellis, how nice to see you." The young man pumped the older man's hand.

"Nice to see you, too, Cole," said the doctor. "Miss Canton," the doctor said coolly with a nod in the tutor's direction, but he didn't shake her hand.

Lorain whispered into a servant's ear. The young serving maid disappeared, and two more girls quickly appeared with a place setting for the new arrival. They looked confused about where to place the glassware, silver, and china.

"Place Dr. Ellis next to me," said Mildred. She liked having a meal companion to talk to. The location was also strategic because it would keep the doctor away from Miss Canton, who didn't really care for her employer's best friend, and it would give Cole and the doctor the ability to make eye contact.

The servants placed the dinnerware while Dr. Ellis held out Mildred's chair before sitting down next to her.

"What news do you bring, Dr. Ellis?" asked Miss Canton as the first course arrived.

"Well, we've finally heard from Mr. Parker. That's what's prompted my visit." He doled out a large portion of soup for himself from the tureen held by the serving maid. "Miss Mildred has a bundle of letters from him. But, let me assure you, after reading my single letter from the man, I can report that he is doing quite well."

"Has he indicated when he will return?" Miss Canton asked.

"No, not in my brief missive. He has told me that they've discovered two new medicinal plants, and he's sent me cuttings, so that I can begin experimenting with them."

Both of the children ate their soup and listened to the doctor explain the supposed properties of the new plant discoveries.

"Well, that's just wonderful," said Miss Canton, her own spoon poised soup-less.

"What other news do you have for us, Doctor?" Mildred asked, turning her head to her meal companion.

"Well, we're finally to have a new vicar for the chapel. A Doctor Wickliffe. He and his family will be arriving in a day or two from Leeds."

"Family?" prompted Miss Canton.

"Yes, his wife and a daughter and son. I'm sorry that I don't know their Christian names, but I do know," here he turned his attention to Cole," I can report that the daughter is Mildred's age." He punctuated his sentence with a knowing wink in Cole's direction.