Camryn noticed our entrance, “Hello.” She said with a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, “Yes, he’s been very helpful. You trained him well.”
I pursed my lips, “I haven’t trained him at all.”
Camryn raised an eyebrow at me, and then looked down at Hawthorne. Now that all the rugs had been removed from his back, I saw how much he had changed since yesterday. I gaped. This kind of growth could not be possible so soon. He was now the size of a rather large dog. I would equal his height to a Golden Retriever. Just two and a half weeks ago he had been a bundle of fur that I could have held in my cupped hands.
“He’s so big.” I said amazed as I approached Hawthorne, who trotted up to me happily and stood beside me faithfully. I scratched behind his ears, and for the first time I didn’t have to bend down to reach. I noticed that his wings were the tiniest bit bigger, but not nearly big enough to lift him from the ground. It looked as though he would never fly.
“I’d say he won’t grow anymore.” Jack said sitting on a stool and watching Camryn feeding the Pegasi, “He’s already larger than your average fox. I reckon his growth spurt is over.”
I nodded, glad. If he got any bigger we wouldn’t have such an easy time hiding him.
“You know,” Camryn began slowly, “I think we’d be allowed to keep him if we asked Charles.”
I went to object but Jack shushed me and let Camryn continue.
“Well think about it. He isn’t a pest, he’s well behaved, smart, and helps out.” Camryn shrugged, “All we’d have to do is prove that to Charles.”
I frowned. It would be nice to let Hawthorne roam freely without worrying.
“And what if he just makes us get rid of him? The staff aren’t allowed to have pets. I’ll get fired.” I reminded them.
Jack and Camryn thought for a moment, and I took their silence as a chance to prove my case.
“Or worse, they could really hurt him, sell him, or-or.” I trailed off, not wanting to think about it.
“I suppose she’s right.” Jack mused, “I don’t think Charles would fire Cam or I. We’re too valuable to the manor. We shouldn’t put Ava at risk.” He added to Camryn.
I knew all too well how unimportant I was to the workings of the manor. Jack and Camryn had been there before me, and their skills were essential.
“Good. So no telling Charles.” I folded my arms, eyeing them both as if daring them to challenge my authority.
“Okay, okay.” Camryn put up her hands in defeat, “It was just a thought.”
I huffed and sat on a stool next to Jack. To no surprise Hawthorne followed me. He was far too heavy for me to pick up now.
“So,” Camryn began with an air of indifference, “Jack tells me you were asking about Noah.”
I looked at Jack furiously while Camryn’s back was turned and he flinched away from me apologetically.
“Oh. I was just wondering about him.” I tried to sound casual.
“He is very good looking.” Camryn said in an agreeing tone, still not facing me.
“What? I never said-”
“Just avoid him if possible.” She interrupted.
I sulked, “I know, Jack already told me that. I don’t see what the big deal-”
“Just take our advice.” She cut across me again. I wasn’t quite sure but she sounded annoyed.
Did they know something I didn’t? Apparently so.
Chapter Seven
A Nervous Disposition
The next week that passed I didn’t run in to Noah Forsythe at all. I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. Part of me said that I was being silly. I was staff for god sake. Not rich, or pretty or talented. And Noah was, well, to be quite frank, rich, and gorgeous. He travelled the world and had a dazzling smile. I was rather sure that all the women he encountered would fall all over themselves. But still, I was allowed to look, wasn’t I? There was no harm in admiring from afar.
On the eighth night of Noah’s return I was doing my rounds of the manor, ensuring a well balanced and temperate climate. I was always extremely tired by this point and yawning every other minute. I was on the third floor now and about to cross the landing to the music room which was often empty. It was force of habit for me to glance down the hall which led to Noah’s bedroom. As usual the door was shut. No reason for that to change today. I was shocked when a moment later Charles came bustling from the room, bowing hastily and hurrying down the corridor to me.
“Miss Redding.” He panted coming to a halt in front of me.
“Yes, Charles, are you okay?” He looked very flushed.
“Yes, yes, I’m fine.” He waved it aside, “I need you to hurry on down to the kitchens and get a bottle of wine for Master Noah.”
“But I-”