“This is our best suite, Mr. Yates. It has two rooms with a private bath and a small kitchen.” Summer gasps in delight when they enter. “It is lovely.” A white marble fireplace flanked by two lanterns and post beam ceilings. A gorgeous sunshine yellow area rug on large pine wood floors. The scent of firewood and sound of the crackling wood fills the room with charm. The walls are covered in a soft gray Victorian wallpaper with wainscoting. There is even a desk with a chair.
“Dinner is served at seven, but if you would rather, we can have it sent up to you.” Victor agrees, and the owner walks to the door to discuss the hours for breakfast as well.
“Thank you. We’re exhausted and will be retiring early our first night,” he explains. Jonah runs off to explore as Summer throws open the French doors and steps outside to breathe in the fresh air on the balcony. A rap at the door and their trunks are delivered. Summer stays where she is watching the river and the sunset over the trees while Victor handles the details. She arches her back and tries to stretch out her sore muscles, and her ribs scream out in sharp pain. Her gasp of pain is not covered quickly enough, and Victor notices.
“What was that? Are you hurt?” He demands.
“It's nothing, Victor. I just need to rest, and it will heal.” Victor isn't buying it, and he steps in close to her, trapping her against the balcony.
“I am sorry you were hurt, Summer. We will speak about this further when Jonah is asleep. Dinner will be here shortly. Would you like to bathe first?” He asks, lifting her chin so he can examine the bruises.
“No, you and Jonah first. I would like a long hot soak to soothe my muscles. I will go last,” she whispers staring at his mouth. His eyes are filled with a deep need, and she is anticipating his kiss.
“Very well, rest. I will take care of Jonah.” He spins, and she is disappointed when he walks away.
Summer moves away sure now that he is repelled by her behavior with the pig who attacked her. She walks to her room and searches through her trunk, pulling out a dress to have pressed and readied for the next day. The master bedroom has a king size four poster walnut bed with a fireplace and chandelier. “So lovely.” When she glances in the mirror, she gasps in alarm, “My lord! Summer, you are a mess, aren't you?”
There is a basin and pitcher of water ready, she puts it to good use. Cleaning up her face, and hair. She grabs her brush and brushes the tangles and knots free, then braids it in a long braid down her back. “Much better,” she thinks looking into her own reflection, she wonders at the change she sees.
The sparkle and excitement for life have diminished, and she feels guilty for longing to belong to Victor and Jonah. Her family would be horrified at the rules of etiquette she has broken, but she finds she no longer cares what anyone else thinks. That is a priceless gift. A soft smile crosses her face at the sound of splashing and giggling that she can hear coming from the bathing room. That's the second gift.
Every movement brings more pain, so she walks, hoping the exercise will stretch out the muscles. In Jonah's room are two twin beds and a fireplace of its own. It has a small table and two chairs with a large plush area rug he can play on. His trunk is waiting, so she gets his pajamas out with clean underclothes then stokes the fireplace so it will be cozy for him.
A knock at the door distracts her thoughts and Summer opens the door shocked to see two colored men and a young woman waiting to serve dinner.
“Dinner is served, Mrs. Yates,” the young woman announces. “Soup, biscuits and even chocolate cake for dessert.”
“It smells wonderful!” Summer steps back and allows them to work. They come inside and set up a small table near the double windows with three chairs and the aroma fills the room. “Thank you,” she says gently.
The men leave, and the young woman turns to Summer, “Do you require anything else, miss?”
“I have a few dresses that need pressing, is that something you could take care of for me?”
“Yes, miss. I’d be glad to help with that, show me and I will collect them.” Summer leads the way, limping and moving slowly. Sweat beads on her forehead and she bites her lip to keep from calling out. The girl watches quietly and follows, grabbing the dresses when Summer points.
“I will return them to you in a few hours,” she carries the dresses out, and Summer follows.
“That would be wonderful,” she pants out.
The girl leaves as quickly as she came, and Summer dishes out soup, so it can begin to cool for Jonah. “Dinner is here,” she says, knocking on the bathroom door.
Jonah rushes through the door and runs through the living area into his bedroom wrapped in a towel with Victor hot on his heels. Summer bursts out laughing, “What in the world?”
The giggling and laughter from the other room reminds her of her family, but not sad memories. Memories of laughter and love. It is another unexpected gift that fills her soul with peace. She moves to the doors and stares outside as the last of the day light fades away.
Victor returns and finds her staring outside. “Something smells delicious, I’m famished.”
“Me too!” Jonah says running into the room and climbing into a chair.
Summer serves while the boys talk about biscuits and
