The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1773

Eunice had indeed pulled some strings to gift her niece six boxes of an incredibly rare tea. It was a gesture that spoke volumes about the lengths she would go for family.

"Thanks, Eunice," Arabella said with a warm smile.

"Don't mention it, kiddo. We're family, after all," Eunice chuckled, her eyes twinkling with affection. "Go on, drink up while it's hot. Whatever you want, just ask and it's yours."

At that moment, through the sliding glass doors leading to the patio, Louisa caught sight of the gardener, Edith, making secretive gestures, beckoning her outside.

Not wanting to interrupt the family chat, Louisa excused herself and slipped through the doors to join Edith among the flower beds. "What's going on?" she whispered.

"Ma'am, did Sean do something wrong? It's freezing out, and he's been standing outside the front door for over an hour now. I've seen him coughing." Edith's voice was laced with concern. "The holidays are nearly upon us, and it would be terrible if he got sick. If it's because he wasn't here when Ms. Bella arrived, surely a stern talking-to would suffice? It's below freezing, and he's hardly dressed for it."

Louisa was taken aback, "Sean's back?"

When did that happen? Why hadn't she been informed? She hadn't heard a peep from the other servants.

"Yes, I've been busy supervising the garden's winter pruning when I noticed Sean still out there." Edith trailed off, visibly puzzled. "You didn't ask him to stand there, did you? What are he and Steward doing out front without coming inside?"

Edith was at a loss, and she didn't dare to probe further.

"I'll go check it out," Louisa resolved, equally clueless about what Sean and Steward were plotting.

Outside, the two men were a sorry sight, their lips tinged with the blue of the cold. They had underestimated the chill, having traveled by plane and car in a rush to get back. Sean, coming straight from a hospital visit, hadn't even thought to wear a coat, and now the gentle snowfall was turning into a bitter reminder of their oversight.