So Far From I Expected

23

Back at home Tommy slept in his basket after a bottle and Theodore and I talked at the table. He shuffled a little and looked awkward at times when we talked about the coming weeks and I had to ask him what was wrong.

‘You said you love me yesterday Caireann.’ His eyes were on his hands when he spoke he wouldn’t look at me. ‘I do love you Theodore. At least the way I feel for you is what I think love is.’ He looked up at me, his eyes sad and troubled.

‘So what do we do? I mean, Caireann you don’t want to leave here on your own but I can’t stay. My father is relying on me to continue our business.’ I interrupted him before he could continue.

‘Theodore, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I’m terrified, terrified of leaving,’ his head dropped and his face looked pained; ‘and I’m terrified of not having you. Don’t you see that? My whole life will change if I come to Junaath with you. Our lives are so different. My whole life will change. I have never had money and ...’

Theodore stood up impatiently and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. ‘Caireann I can’t help that I have money! Why do you see it as a bad thing? It will change your parent’s lives too even if they stay here!’

He stood opposite me and eventually sat down. ‘Can I finish?’ I asked him, my tone making him aware of my irritation. ‘I have never had money AND it will take me a long time to adjust.’ Theodore’s face softened and he smiled, embarrassedly and apologetically at me.

‘We have this party ball thing on Friday night yes?’ He nodded slowly not understanding where I was going. ‘Well, let’s see how I manage yeah? I’ll be in my dress and there’ll be new people and your parents and, let’s just take it one step at a time ok?’

‘You are so smart Caireann. You have no idea.’ He smiled and held my hands across the table.

‘My Mama is very excited about the ball. She has been talking about what to do with my hair and asking about my dress. Speaking of which, I don’t have it, where is it?’ Nervous that it wasn’t going to be one I had seen I was hoping to try it on before Friday which was tomorrow.

‘I was going to have you and your Momma and Grandma collected and taken to The Bridge Tower tomorrow around noon where you can have lunch and bathe and have all you want done and get ready together. Your father and I will meet you at six and a carriage will take us to the ball.’

‘Mama, Papa and Granny are coming? But they have no clothes? DO they know? The twins and Thomas? Theodore what?’ What must he have been thinking? Mama and Papa would never agree and Granny wasn’t fit!

Theodore smiled knowingly and laughed a little at my thrown reaction. ‘They know, your father was asked by Lord Tumlus to the ball and your Grandma will have a chair to be pushed around in, like Lord Tumlus’s mother. Your father left this morning to be fitted for tails and your mother and grandmother are being entertained by Sinead from Blandas Boutique at your Grandma’s home as we speak! Mrs McNamara is looking after your brothers.’

I looked at him with my mouth hanging open, he had it all arranged I couldn’t believe it. ‘You will all stay in the hotel too, your parents will have a suite with your Grandma and you will sleep in a room in my suite. Sinead will be there during the day to dress you all and she will be there to help you undress as well.’

He motioned for me to go to him and I did, he hugged my waist and leant his head against my chest. ‘You are the most wonderful man Theodore. The most wonderful man I have ever known!’

Theodore played with Tommy and the twins whilst I made dinner, a rabbit stew with soft white bread and butter courtesy of Theodore.

Mama and Papa arrived home at similar times and were both in good spirits. We chatted excitedly about the next day and when Theodore left long after we should have been in bed, my parents seemed happier than I had seen them in years.

Curled up between the twins that night, I slept and dreamt beautiful dreams.