Sky Pirates

Chapter 48

The vicar's conversation over lunch was light and easy. He spoke with Mildred and Cole about the clocks he'd seen in his travels. He shared stories of a light nature from the daily newspaper as well as polite gossip about their neighbors and friends. He really was a charming meal companion and his presence provided the siblings a little time with an adult, which both, whether they were to admit it or not, enjoyed.

It wasn't until after the rich, chocolate pudding that Cole asked: "So, Mr. Wickliffe, to what do we owe the honor of your company for lunch?"

"Well, your cook is very good, and the conversation is pleasant, so that keeps me coming back." He chuckled lightly and the infectious sound caused Mildred and Cole to laugh. "But, I have come on a mission. Horatio told me that my mechanical horse, which he'd taken out yesterday, became water logged and stopped working. I was hoping that you might help me retrieve it this afternoon. Horatio would have come as well, but after being soaked to the bone yesterday, he's come down with a little cold."

As the vicar spoke, Mildred kept her attention not on the wise man, but on her brother. She was watching his face for some sign related to the previous day's events. But, Cole sat with a blank look on his face that she couldn't read.

At the mention of Horatio's illness, Mildred said: "I do hope your son will quickly recover. Perhaps we could send around some soup or some of our special salve?"

"Special salve?" asked Mr. Wickliffe.

"I've been told that it was our mother's recipe. One of the house girls keeps several jars, just in case a cold sets in."

"It works quite well," said Cole, his tone was conversational, but he seemed guarded.

"That would be very nice of you, Miss Greene," said the vicar.

Mildred didn't correct his formal address to her. "No trouble at all, Mr. Wickliffe. Anything that might soothe Horatio we will gladly offer."

Cole's eyes shot from his sister to the empty dish in front of him. He murmured something Mildred didn't understand, but seemed to offer his consent.

"May I come along? I might be of some assistance if the horse is not working." Mildred looked hopefully toward the vicar.

"Well, I don't know."

"Mildred, it's some distance from the house," said Cole.

"I've traveled to all edges of our shire at one time or another, Cole." She huffed.

"It is fine with me. The more hands we have the better," said Mr. Wickliffe, looking from one sibling to the other.

His eyes were kind. It did not appear, from Mildred's perspective, that the vicar knew anything about the events of the previous, rainy day.

"So, it's settled." Mildred rang the little bell that now sat next to her place at the table. Before she set the bell back down, one of the housemaids appeared at her side. She whispered an instruction about having both her horse and Cole's saddled. The girl nodded, and then cleared the empty desert bowls form the table.

"Shall we step outside and see how your clock is doing?" asked Mr. Wickliffe.

"Let's," said Mildred who stood up from her chair.

As she stood, both Mr. Wickliffe and Cole rushed out of their own chairs. The clamor made Mildred smile. She loved chivalry, mostly because it usually caught her brother off guard and it took some effort for him to catch up.

The threesome stood outside, some yards from the clock tower. The vicar removed his silver pocket watch.

"Still running on time," he pronounced.