We had dinner as a family when Mr. Fisalis got home from work, then went to relax in the parlor. While we sipped our tea, Violet entertained herself in the extra crib set up beside us. Though in this instance, “entertaining herself” meant nothing more than sucking on her fingers.
“By the way, Father, I’ve been wondering... How are the ruby mines doing? Based on the reports, I’ve gotten the impression that gems have been in short supply lately. If that’s true, we ought to make up the difference with our sapphires and—”
Mr. Fisalis was in the midst of discussing our territory’s mines with his father. I recalled him debating the matter with Rohtas when they’d looked over the materials a little while back.
“Perhaps it would be faster to ask my father in person.”
“Will you pay him a visit in Le Pied, then?”
“No—I can’t afford to leave Rohze at the moment. There’s no telling when Viola might give birth.”
It had gone something like that, anyway.
Now that his father had conveniently come to him, he’d taken advantage of the opportunity to pull out the documents.
“No need to worry about that. We’re working to develop a new ruby mine, and there’s been a temporary drop in production while we refocus our efforts—that’s all. Besides, the sapphires are as bountiful as ever.”
“Oh, so that’s the issue. Next time you do something like that, be sure to inform me!”
“O-Of course, son. Sorry about that.”
It was so rare to see his son voice a strong opinion that Father Fisalis shrunk back. The sight of it had Mother Fisalis’s shoulders shaking with mirth. Come on, your son is trying to take his job seriously! You shouldn’t laugh!
The father and son put their heads together, and the mother looked on. They were the picture of a happy family.
Just as this feel-good scene was getting me feeling warm and fuzzy, Mr. Fisalis looked over at me. “Hey, Vi. Once we’re done with this conversation, shall I put Lettie to bed?”
It was almost Violet’s bedtime.
“I’ll take care of it! You should focus on getting your work done.”
I appreciate the sentiment, but shouldn’t your job take precedence right now? Father Fisalis won’t stay in Rohze forever.
“Don’t be silly—I can’t saddle you with all the parenting! Besides, I want my chance to spend some one-on-one time with Lettie.”
So he insisted, but he already took care of Violet—namely by tucking her into bed—whenever he had a moment to spare.
“Would you mind handling it, then?”
“Not at all. Here, let me wrap up this discussion and—”
Just as Mr. Fisalis went to resume the talk with his father, there came a whimper that turned into a wail.
Violet had kept quiet thus far, but now her mood was taking a turn for the worse. Uh oh, is she that sleepy?
She wasn’t going to hold out long enough for Mr. Fisalis to finish up his work. I was better off taking her up to her room myself.
But the moment I got up from the sofa to gather her in my arms, I heard Rohtas call out to Violet from beside her, picking up the rattle next to her crib and giving it a few shakes. “Feeling a widdle grumpy, Miss Lettie? Are your diapers all icky? Or is it time to go beddy-bye?”
✦ ✦ ✦
Rohtas?! Did I just hear you say “widdle”?!
I could feel the whole room’s eyes on him. Everyone else was probably thinking the same thing I was.
We were all staring at Rohtas, our jaws on the floor—and that went for Mr. Fisalis, his father, his mother, the servants...and me too, of course. Yet the butler in question was oblivious as he continued to smile and fuss over Violet.
Help! This is too funny!
When he finally noticed that everyone had stopped talking, he lifted his head and instantly deduced the reason for the silence.
Don’t think we didn’t see that look of “oh crap” that passed over your face!
But Rohtas was ever the professional. He didn’t take long to settle back into his trademark poker face and clear his throat. “Shall I take Miss Lettie to her room?” he asked me, still frozen in place on my way off the sofa.
Oh no. I’m so close to cracking up. But if I do laugh at him, something tells me there’ll be hell to pay during my next training session. Hold it together, Viola!
“Ahem... Uh, Cercis can handle it, so...pfft...”
Nope, can’t do it. It’s so obvious I’m trying to hold it in. My eyes are watering!
“I’m done here, so I can take her,” said Mr. Fisalis, an unabashed grin spreading over his face. Welp. That’s an extra workload for him.
“Gosh, Rohtas! You’re as big a sucker for Lettie as the rest of us!”
“I get it, Rohtas—I really do! I have to keep a handle on myself or I might crack and coo, “Pop-Pop wuvs you!’”
No comment from the butler.
“Don’t sweat it. Lettie’s just that adorable.”
“Don’t be shy, my good man! Humor the little girl as much as you like.”
And again, no comment.
Mother and Father Fisalis certainly are a force to be reckoned with. Cercis and I would never dream of messing with Rohtas, and here they are laughing their butts off at him!
My in-laws’ teasing had the rest of the servants shaking with silent laughter. And to think they’d been trying so hard to pretend nothing happened only moments ago.
I had to hand it to Rohtas for sitting through their ridicule with a totally straight face. Why, he was already back in the usual swing of things...or maybe not quite. I could see a vein popping out on his forehead.
That’s enough, guys! I don’t want to know what’s going to happen if this keeps up!
Mr. Fisalis and I watched the three of them, restraining ourselves from laughing at all costs.
That was the one and only day we got to see this rare side of Rohtas. Never again would we spot a crack in his composure!