Page 55
“I’ll read it later,” his father said. “First tell us what happened.”
Casey let Cam do the talking. She was content to be sitting between him and his mother. If she were a cat, she’d roll on her back and wave her paws in the air just as Gentleman Jack was doing.
Cam’s verbal report was concise and covered everything that had happened, but Rhys frowned when Cam ended by saying, “Though the two men who tried to kill Sir Samuel were identified and captured, Casey said that someone here in London was behind the attack. I’m hoping she’ll be able to help us find whoever it is.”
Rhys’s thoughtful gaze moved to her. “That will be very helpful.”
“That’s a discussion for tomorrow,” Gwyn said firmly. “You both need to eat and rest first.”
The door to the study opened and two servants brought in trays of food and more tea. Though they’d stopped for a quick meal at a tavern on the trip from Chatham, Casey realized she was famished. The meat pies and sliced cheese and ham and pickled onions were delicious, and she ate an unladylike amount. Cameron did justice to the food as well. A small plate of cut-up meat and cheese had been prepared for Gentleman Jack.
When the meal had been polished off, Gwyn said, “I think you both need to rest since you’ve had several challenging days.”
Cam finished his tea, then asked, “Is Tamsyn here? Cade was just leaving as we arrived and I wondered if they’d come together.”
“No, he just came by to drop off a report,” Rhys said. “So no Tamsyn, alas. She’ll want to meet Casey.”
“Tamsyn is the oldest Tremayne daughter and wonderful at helping newcomers settle in,” Cam explained. “I assume that Naomi, who is the next oldest daughter, will take charge of getting Casey outfitted and settled.”
Gwyn rose. “I’ll take you up and introduce you to Naomi, Casey.”
“I’ll come as well,” Cameron said. “So you’ll have a familiar face with you.”
Gwyn’s interested gaze moved from Casey to Cameron, but she said only, “I’ll be back soon, Rhys.”
“Gentleman Jack will keep me company,” he said as he scratched the cat’s neck. “I’ll see if I can persuade him and Lord Stripes to become friends.”
As the three of them headed up the broad staircase, Gwyn said, “Luckily this house is large enough so that anyone who wants a private room can have one.”
“Not everyone does,” Cam added. “I understand that when Cade and Bran arrived here as very small boys, you couldn’t have separated them with a crowbar.”
“Very true,” Gwyn said with a laugh. “We’re a flexible household. I’m guessing that having lived a quiet life for so long, you would prefer a single room?”
“Yes, I would,” Casey admitted. “As I told Cameron earlier, I’m not used to living with a lot of people.” She suppressed the brief thought that living with a pleasant, attractive male like Cameron might be rather nice.
They climbed to the third floor and turned left into the corridor. Gwyn tapped on the first door on the right and a female voice called, “Come in!”
Cameron opened the door to a sizable, well-filled, and well-warmed room, revealing a slender, dark-haired young woman who was sewing by the light of several lamps. A fire in the fireplace warmed the room. The young woman looked up with a smile. “Is this a new Tremayne I see?”
Gwyn laughed. “Perhaps. Casey has only just arrived. Cameron worked with Casey on a vital mission down at the Chatham Royal Dockyard. A new wardrobe will be needed.” Gwyn turned to Casey. “Naomi is our master seamstress and fashion expert. She’ll help you figure out what you want and need.”
Naomi rose and studied Casey. “A pleasure to meet you, Casey. Which kind of wardrobe do you prefer?”
Casey blinked. Obviously gifted people were much quicker to identify gender than non-gifted ones were. “I’ve worn male clothing for years in order to have a job where a female would not be hired. Now … I’m not sure? I like the freedom of trousers, but I think I should try wearing skirts again to see what it feels like. I haven’t worn a dress since I was ten years old.”
“Interesting times ahead,” Naomi said cheerfully.
Casey glanced at Cameron. “I’d like to be able to ride again, but wearing breeches would be best since I’d rather not ride sidesaddle if I can avoid it.”
“We have plenty of horses,” Naomi replied. “Most of the female Tremaynes, including me, are tomboys who prefer riding astride. It’s much safer and gives better control of your mount. I’ve designed a split skirt that looks like a gown when one is walking around, but it’s perfect for riding astride.”
“I like that idea,” Casey said with interest.
“We’ll start with that kind of outfit then,” Naomi said as she made a shooing motion with her hand. “Go away, Cameron. I need to take Casey’s measurements and discuss colors and fabrics and other such things that drive men mad.”
He laughed. “As you wish, Naomi. I’ll see you in the morning, Casey.” He put a brief, warming hand on her left shoulder. “Rest well tonight.”
Gwyn said, “I’ll go to make sure your room is ready. Naomi, Casey will be in the last room on the right on this corridor.” With a final warm smile for Casey, she left Naomi’s room, Cameron at her side.