We arrived at my home to find my mother patiently waiting at the door.
Caleb helped me off of Shadow and then went over to my mother, bowing as he took her hand in his and placed a kiss on it, "Good evening Lady Blackwood, I apologize for keeping Zenobia so long."
My mother seeming pleased with the entire situation smiled with exuberance, "Oh, there is no need to apologize my dear. I knew she was safe with you."
My mother walked us into the house, even going as far as to taking Caleb's coat for him. I could tell that he wasn't getting away so easily now that my mother had her claws in him.
"We would love it if you would join us for dinner, Caleb.," she said walking us to the drawing room.
Being overly friendly. "Mother, I'm sure Caleb will want to be heading home soon." I felt anxious about having my mother pushing him to stay.
Just then he looked at me curiously, "I would be more than happy to join you Lady Blackwood." He grinned, staring at me while he spoke.
He had been so silent all day, why the sudden enthusiasm to stay?
"Excuse me for a moment, I would like to freshen up before dinner. Mother, I'm sure you are more than capable of keeping our guest entertained.", Hooking her arm in his she dragged him off into the room while I headed upstairs.
Looking into the mirror I gasped at my appearance, I had perspired from the ride and my cheeks were flushed, My hair was a mess and strands had begun to stick to the sides of my forehead. I can't believe my mother let me walk around like this as if I looked completely normal. How embarrassing.
I quickly ran myself a bath to wash the day off, combing through my hair I braided it to one side and slipping into a simple but elegant black dress and matching pumps I went back to join the others for dinner.
As I entered the room Caleb was seated with my father at one of the tables, a cigar hanging loosely in-between his fingers as he and my father spoke quietly amongst themselves. Catching sight of me he eyed me discretely, a slight grin forming on the side of his face.
Seeing me walk across the room my father stood to greet me, "You're looking well my dear." I kissed his cheek "So are you, Papa. I hope you're not boring our guest with talk of politics." I joked as a nudged his shoulder. "On the contrary my dear, Caleb was just telling me about his travels abroad in the Summer Isles. It sounds like a very exciting land." I was surprised to see my father getting along with Caleb so well as if they had been friends for years. "Oh, I knew your family had been abroad but I didn't know you had been to the Summer Isles, Is it true that there are mermaids and fae folk there?" he stood up now so we were all at eye level, "All Legends I think, I never encountered any on my travels."
My mother had returned to the room now, "Shall we head into the dining room, dinner is ready to be served."