It was breakfast time in the Longhurst mansion, and the whole family was at the breakfast table. Bertha was standing behind Theodora as the young mistress was busy stuffing her mouth with food, oblivious to her father's tense mood.
But Cordelia was not as dense as her daughter. She was noticing how Ralph looked lost in thoughts since he had returned from the shrine the previous night. When she asked him why the priest had called him, he didn't say much and tried to avoid that topic.
But Cordelia knew her husband very well. She figured that something was bothering him, and even though he had promised to share everything with her, he was not ready to talk about this particular thing.
They were eating in silence when Zerith rushed their way.
Cordelia smiled out of habit as he neared. "Good morning, Zerith! You are at a right time. Please sit and have breakfast with us." She signalled the maid to prepare a plate for Zerith.
