Less than an hour later, our rooms were settled into, and the snow had continued a steady fall. Both Jaime and Bryleigh wanted to go outside and get sweets, while Braden, having ridden through the cold all the way to the city, preferred to warm himself by the fire at the front of the inn.
"Stay with your father, Jaime." I warned, looking pointedly at my son, who was attempting with all of his might to pull the general out of our room and down the hall toward the entrance to the inn.
Bryleigh, who was holding her father's hand with dutiful patience, opened her mouth and started, "Jaime-"
"And you," I caught her lightly on her shoulder, "Your father has the orders."
"I know-"
"Bryleigh…"
"Yes, Mama."
"Both of you," I sighed, meeting Charles' gaze for a moment before continuing, "Be kind to one another, and if you can't do that, at least be tolerant enough so no one ends up in a mood, least of all-"
"Papa." Bryleigh finished. "You say it every time."
"Then I expect it shouldn't be a concern." I answered sternly; Charles squeezed Bryleigh's hand in warning.
"Fine." Bryleigh mumbled, stiffening. Charles' expression darkened but I gestured for him to let her disobedience slide once so that they could leave with enough time not to rush.
"That little lady is going to run her father out of his mind," Kezia spoke, meeting me in the hall as we watched Bryleigh leave with her brother and father.
I shook my head and crossed my arms.
"If she hasn't already... though it might be a great help to her later."
"You would know." Kezia countered with a sly grin.
"And you wouldn't?"
"It's caused me more trouble than respite," she answered.
"I could disagree with you-"
"Don't," Kezia laughed. "We'd be here for hours."
"We might be anyway, with how Jaime and Bryleigh were pulling to go."
An hour later, Charles, Jaime and Bryleigh returned; Jaime waltzed ahead of the other two, licking chocolate off of his fingers, while Charles followed behind, carrying Bryleigh, who was fast asleep against his shoulder.
"Mum!" Jaime called excitedly, dashing forward.
"Jaime!-"
My son collided with me, knocking me back a step before I grabbed him around and held him still.
"Slow down, and wipe your hands and mouth." I said breathlessly.
"Sorry," Jaime's cheeks flushed, despite his playful grin.
"Go on, then," I pulled a cloth from one of my petticoat pockets and pushed it into his hands before turning to greet the general.
"I thought she'd be the one to wear you out." I spoke, kissing his cheek.
"She was awake long enough to get her chocolate," Charles replied, carefully pulling our daughter off of him and handing her to me. Bryleigh awoke momentarily, but settled against me.
"Did you get shirts for Jaime?"
"I did; they should be completed in a week or two. And I can pick up Bryleigh's shoes then as well."
"Indeed." I glanced past my husband toward one of the windows at the front of the inn and frowned.
"My apologies," Charles half-grinned sympathetically. "But we will leave early in the morning if the weather abates."
"General, sir-"
Charles turned to meet a young man, with sandy colored hair, wearing tattered clothes and carrying a single rucksack that looked hardly better for wear.
"Yes, come in," my husband replied before turning back to me. "My dear, this is Thomas Miller..."
"You found someone that quickly?" I murmured, appraising the stranger.
"There was a small corner article in the paper he posted, looking for work." Charles explained. "I read it a couple of days ago and found he was still looking for a position."
"Sir," I called, gesturing for the young man to come forward.
"Forgive me," Charles returned to the man, "My wife, Mary."
"Milady," Thomas inclined his head politely.
"Mister Miller." I returned, shifting as Bryleigh stirred, burying further into my neck. "Is this all you have?" I eyed his pack.
Thomas flushed in embarrassment and Charles looked at me in subtle warning.
"Well, no matter; my husband has at least a few shirts he can spare for you. You're here to serve, not to work for naught."
"Thank you, milady," the young man sighed in relief and Charles' tense stance relaxed immediately.
"Have you a place to stay?"
"I... well, I was keeping in with my horse, ma'am. Just down the road."
"Perhaps you would rather stay here until we leave tomorrow." Charles offered.
"Oh no," Thomas answered hurriedly. "I mean, I can't just leave him. Knacker's been looking him up a bit too well..."
My husband frowned and Thomas sagged further.
"Haven't been able to afford enough feed. I'm not hurting him on purpose-" he swallowed and went silent.
"We'll have him taken care of," I found my words first and Charles merely nodded, looking over at Kezia, who was starting down the hall toward us.
"Mary-" she quieted and stopped several feet from us, "General..."
"Tomas Miller was looking for work. I believe he will be of good use for the more physical outdoor work at home," Charles answered her unspoken question with a light tone.
"Of course," Kezia answered slowly.
"Milady," Thomas nodded again.
"Kezia, please," she interrupted with an unreadable expression. "Have you a room?"
"No, I haven't-"
"He will be sharing quarters with me," Charles announced. "I trust my wife and children can handle a night with you and Braden."
"Of course," Kezia answered.
"General, I could not-"
"Mister Miller, you need a proper bath and that certainly won't be found in the stables." My husband cut him off with a pointed look.
"Yes sir," Thomas bowed his head. "I'm sorry, sir."
"Take your things down the hall; our lodgings are the last room on the right."