Chapter 2 – We Don't Have Horses…. We Have a Chevy
Elizabeth was getting increasingly frustrated as she kept trying to cover for Barnabas over breakfast.
First his comment about 200 years of consideration… then his comment about women doctors… and finally his comment about the silver cutlery causing his skin to burst into flames. And she didn't think the others were buying her explanations about him being foreign… and having a metal allergy.
She appreciated that he wanted to try a restore the family business, but he certainly wasn't doing a very good job of blending in with the rest of the household.
It was clear from the look on Julia's face that she had already sensed something was odd about him. And Julia would definitely try and pry his secrets out of him at some point. It was what she did. An occupational hazard.
Of course it might help that the psychologist clearly had a slightly more than professional interest in their guest. That much was clear from the looks Julia kept sneaking at Barnabas from behind her glasses. Which for some reason irritated Liz more than it should have.
Elizabeth couldn't help a slight frown as Victoria walked in and both Barnabas and Roger stared blatantly at her. What was it about this girl that was so damn appealing to them?
Roger knew very well that Liz wouldn't be happy if he trifled with someone working for them. They had had a maid until Roger had seduced her and then quickly dropped her.
She almost rolled her eyes when Barnabas told Vicky that her name was so beautiful he couldn't bear to part with a single syllable. Roger quickly interrupted the moment, clearly not happy about Barnabas's obvious interest in Vicky.
Thankfully for all those concerned, the conversation quickly went back to the factory and the restoration of the family fortune.
"Do not concern your self with my methods" said Barnabas to Roger. "I should like to see the factory immediately. How soon can the horses be ready?" he added, looking over at Elizabeth.
Elizabeth looked back at him over her coffee cup. "We don't have horses" she replied dryly. "We have a Chevy…"
After breakfast Barnabas was walking past the library when he heard the sound of books being chucked rather roughly into a box.
He poked his head in the door. Elizabeth was taking books of a dusty shelf and putting them in a trunk.
"Is everything all right?" he asked. She jumped slightly and looked around. "Yes Barnabas… everything's fine" she said firmly, going back to the books.
"You seem a little… out of sorts. I hope it is not my fault…" he said apologetically.
She turned back towards him. "I hope you will be more careful in future…" she said, irritation in her voice. "You promised me you would keep our secret… and I'm sure everyone at that table knew something was up" she pointed out.
"I do apologize madam" he said. "This age is a mystery to me… but I will my utmost to not arouse suspicion in the future…"
She looked slightly mollified, but still bothered about something.
"Is that all that is troubling you?" he asked gently. Her eyes flicked to his face then away. "Yes… that is all" she said quickly, continuing to pack up the books.
He nodded. He wasn't convinced but he wouldn't press the matter.
"Then I will leave you and retire to my room. Being awake during the day does tire me verily" he said.
She couldn't help a slight smile at his charmingly old fashioned way of speaking.
"Sleep well Barnabas…" she said as he gave her a little bow and left the room.