Of Thorn and Thread (Daughters of Eville #4) - Chanda Hahn Page 0,50

work, but it is honest work, and you’ll be paid and housed in the servant’s quarters. You can stay as long as you like. You are not slaves, but free people.”

“Thank you, Duke Tally!” Calah called out.

“Yes, bless you, Duke Tally,” Tamara intoned.

As each of the women sang their thanks, Duke Tally’s cheeks turned a deeper red of embarrassment.

“Ah, speak nothing of it. As long as you work hard and continue to sneak me candy whenever my daughter, the warden, denies me my vices, we shall get along splendidly.” He patted his round belly.

More laughter followed as Duke Tally tottered inside to his study.

“Dinner has already been prepared, and it is awaiting you inside.” Liam gestured to the doors, and Devin and Hayes helped the women out of the wagon. I slid off Damsel and was patting her nose when I saw a beautiful woman with brunette locks step out of the house.

Her dress was a soft cornflower yellow, her eyes a bright green, and she had the softest rouge to her cheeks. “There you are, Liam.” She clutched his elbow possessively and then turned to survey the yard and wagon. Her perfect lips turned into a frown. “Are these the questionable women father agreed to employ?”

I gasped at the insult, and my fingers dug into Damsel’s reins.

“Delphine, I already explained the extenuating circumstances in detail,” Liam said.

“Really, Liam. I know that you have a noble heart, but don’t you think this is going a bit too far? It’s not appropriate to have these women under the same house as me. Aren’t you worried about my reputation?”

“Delphine,” he turned and clasped her hands between his, “your reputation is above reproach, and I think it will only spread further if the people understand how magnanimous your charity is.” He patted her knuckles, and she preened.

“Yes, once again you are right.” She smiled and then turned to the women in the yard. “Very well, come in. I will show you to your quarters.” She snapped her fingers and spun without waiting to see if anyone would follow.

The earlier anticipation faltered, but only a little. The women eagerly accompanied Delphine. I balked, refusing to enter the house of that woman. There was something about her I didn’t like, and I didn’t need my gift to know that she was spoiled.

Liam waited until the last woman entered, and he turned and looked at me.

It was a silent standoff. He would either follow Delphine into the house or walk to me. He took a single step toward me, then halted.

“Liam!” Delphine called from inside the manor. He turned and followed her call.

I took my horse and headed around the side of the house. The stables were far larger and capable of housing more horses that were currently kept on the property. Many of the men had claimed the empty stalls for themselves to sleep in, choosing to release their own horses into the fields.

I found an empty stall and removed Damsel’s tack and brushed her down.

“You’re a beautiful lady,” I said, speaking to my horse. “And I wish I could hear your thoughts.” I ran my hands up her nose and scratched her in all the spots the bridle would rub.

She bobbed her head and pushed her nose into my chest and snuffed loudly. I closed my eyes and leaned into her nose, trying to open myself up to her. If there was any sign of me getting my powers back, it would be through her. The first time I heard thoughts, I was five. It was one of our chickens as it chased a grasshopper in the yard. I fondly remembered the chicken’s thoughts.

Eat hopper. Stop jumping. Eat hopper. Eat hopper.

My sisters didn’t understand my ramblings, and they teased me mercilessly.

I sighed and looked into my horse’s deep brown eyes. “You got nothing for me? Well, at least I tried.”

As night fell, it became darker, and the cold set in. The manor house lit up with lights and music, and most of the soldiers had found their way inside. From my spot in the stables, I could look through the side alcove into the ballroom and see that there was an impromptu dance going on. Tamara played the piano, Hayes was on the violin, and a few of the other soldiers were swinging the girls around the room in a dance.

I moved forward a few steps to watch through the glass. I had said I was just like the others, but here I was.