Brothers at Arms Read Online Free PDF Page B

the moral high ground. He did not want to stay with these parsimonious people. “I trust you will send a copy of this paper to my man of business. I will give you his directions.”
    “May I offer you refreshment, sir?” Cobarne belatedly remembered his manners.
    “Thank you, no,” Tom said. “It would appear the children have decided to come with me today. In which case, I think we should return to Dublin and make reservations for the morning crossing to Liverpool. To save time, I will instruct my grooms to assist with carrying the cases.”
    Within half an hour, the children stood waiting in the hallway to make their farewells. The moment Charlie shook his uncle’s hand almost proved his undoing. If the boy had not been clutching his sister’s arm, he would have broken down in tears, and the uncle was scarcely less controlled.
    Tom did not particularly like Lucius Cobarne, but he could see the man felt some affection for the boy. The woman showed no trace of emotion. Neither did the little girl.
    He was glad it was time to leave. He did not know how he would get on with the children, but so far, they seemed to have accepted him. Now he must take them home to Linmore.

C HAPTER 3
    “Please, sir, will we soon be at Linmore? Sophie is tired.”
    It was obvious she was not the only one, but nothing would persuade Charlie to admit to such weakness. Squire Norbery looked at the boy’s determined face, almost grey with fatigue, and thought of the courageous way he had supported his sister from the time they entered the coach. He had not moved his arm once from around her shoulders or loosened his grip on her hand.
    Each one coped differently with the sea crossing. While Charlie was deeply engrossed in his responsibilities, Sophie became animated. It was the first time Tom had seen her smile. She clapped her hands and laughed at the waves lashing against the sides of the boat, as if daring them to do their worst. Her eyes shone as the wind blew back the hood of her cape and splashed her hair with spray, but she uttered not a word to him.
    When they went below to their berths, Charlie accepted Jack Kilcot’s offer of assistance, but Sophie ignored the girl who came to help her. She was still wearing the same clothes in which she left Blackrock, and when they sat down on their bunk, curled up alongside her brother.
    She was still asleep when they reached Liverpool. With no way of judging her reaction on waking, Tom carried her from the ship to the waiting coach. Fortunately, she did not stir.
    Once away from the port, they headed through the countryside towards the Cheshire inn and livery stables where they had left the Linmore coach horses. So far, caring for the children presented few problems. Charlie informed Mary Kilcot of his sister’s needs and the maid complied with his requests.
    The first time Charlie asked the distance, Tom said, “All being well, we should be home within a couple of days.”
    He could not blame the boy for wanting to know, but it was easier to say that, and let them be surprised if they arrived earlier. It was important for them to know they could trust his word.
    Charlie accepted what he said. Tom thought it was better to let them grow accustomed to his presence than overwhelm them with talking. He was glad of the chance to rest, and relieved to be going home. Luckily, the children slept most of the way to the inn and then awoke, ready to eat.
    He was right in thinking Sophie was not like other girls. She had no notion of decorum, table manners, or being clean. She refused to use cutlery to eat. Fingers came first and last with holding meat, dipping bread in gravy, and wiping the drips from her chin.
    Mary Kilcot tutted with disapproval, but Tom shook his head and reached for a finger bowl. Charlie did likewise, drawing Sophie’s attention as he rinsed his hands in the water and dried them on a cotton cloth. He bent his head close to his sister, and then requested, “Clean water, if you