Abel smiled. He loved the business ever since his cousin Carver had brought him on and understood the workings in a way that Cecil never would. On top of that, the job had provided a good living and a lifestyle that Abel reveled in. Big parties, fancy dinners, and long business meetings exhilarated him.
Outside the office the sound of what seemed an army marching down the hall, made both men look up, just before Mrs. August arrived with tea.
“Never mind the noise gentleman,” she said softly, a disgruntled twist on her lips. “I’ve procured a cleaning crew to put the house in order for this evening.” Both her tone and expression spoke volumes on how she felt about the situation. “I just hope they don’t walk off with the silver.”
Abel grinned at Cecil as they watched the stiff backed woman exit the room. “I thought she was hiring a new maid to help with the cleaning,” he looked at the thick layer of dust covering the room and shook his head.
“She did,” Cecil felt the blush cover his face. “Things changed.”
“Don’t tell me the children ran her off already?” Abel shook his head. “That has to be a record.”
Cecil ran his hands through his hair. “No, I paid her to wrangle the children instead. I was desperate.”
“You hired the maid to watch the children?” Abel’s eyes nearly popped out of his head.
“She was there after they had run their latest nanny off, and all I could think was that someone had to ride herd on that pair before we lost everything. All she needs to do is keep them out of the way until after dinner tonight.”
“That’s a big gamble,” Abel studied his cousin’s disheveled clothing and wild hair. It had obviously been another difficult day in the household. The children had run off their care givers, few staff members would stay and put up with their demanding attitudes, and unruly behavior. Slipping toads in the soup had finished off the last butler as well.
“She got them to clean the parlor.” Cecil’s grin was bewildered.
“She what?” Abel’s voice echoed in the quiet room.
Cecil chuckled, raising broad shoulders. “I don’t know what she told them, but they were trying to outdo each other putting things away.”
“Maybe you should send them away,” Abel mused. “Many of the best families send their children to school.”
“I can’t do that,” Cecil lifted tired eyes. “They’re just children, and they’ve lost their parents. I’m sure everything will work out.”
“I hope so,” Abel said turning back to the desk. “I have my hands full just teaching you.”
Cecil chuckled. He didn’t think he would ever learn what he needed to know to continue growing his brother’s business, but for the sake of Jonas and Beverly he had to try.
“Let’s begin,” Abel said, leaning over the desk. “We’ll worry about the children later. Sooner or later I’m sure you’ll work out what to do.”
Cecil nodded. “One step at a time, cousin, one step at a time.”
Chapter 4
“Mama never let us go down to dinner when they had guests,” Beverly said as Hester brushed the tangles from her glossy red-gold locks. “She said children didn’t belong at the dinner table.”
“Nonsense,” Hester grinned. “Now look at yourself. You’re a beautiful young lady, not a child.” Hester had spent the past hour helping Beverly dress and fix her hair. The girl was too young to put her hair up yet, but she was lovely and deep down wanted nothing more than to be seen.
“Hester, I don’t know how to tie this thing,” Jonas marched into the room struggling with a string tie. “Are you sure we should go to dinner tonight? No one ever seems to want us. All of our nannies were supposed to keep us hidden away in our rooms when the guests arrived.”
Hester helped the boy with his tie, smoothing his dark locks over his brow. “You look very handsome,” she smiled. “The two of you are very bright and talented. You’ll make your uncle proud tonight. You just have to try.” She pinned both children with her eyes compelling them to understand. As Hester’s day had progressed, it had become obvious that both children desperately wanted to be seen. There behavior sprang more from boredom and lack of attention than mean spiritedness.
Jonas shot a look at his sister. “I don’t think we ever make anyone proud.” The boy hung his head examining his highly polished shoes.
“I’m very proud of you,” Hester offered. “You did far better than I would have expected with the cleaning game today. Of course, if you don’t think you’re able to behave properly at dinner, I can have something sent up to your room.” Hester bit her lip, seeing the gleam of determination and competition spark in Jonas’s eyes.
“I can do it,” Jonas declared. “I’ll be better than Bev.”
“I can do it too,” Beverly said stroking the satin ribbon on her pale green dress. “Will you keep points for us to see who’s better? What if we do something wrong?” Bev’s voice echoed with fear. “Everyone will hate us.”
“You will be just fine.” Hester pulled the ribbon from Beverly’s hands, smoothing it into place. “If you’re worried about what to do, copy what everyone around you is doing. Beverly you’ll mimic the women, and Jonas you mind the men.”
“What about you?” Bev asked. “What will you do?”
Hester looked down at her filthy apron and smudged dress. “I’m only a servant dear,” she smiled. “I have no place at a fancy dinner party.”
“But if you don’t go,” Jonas said, “how will we know we’re playing the game right? You said that if we earn enough points, you’ll take us to see a show.”
“I’m sure you will tell me what happens,” Hester grinned. The boy’s
