How long had she'd been sleeping? The shadows must have lengthened since she had nodded off but from her angle amongst the cushions, she couldn't tell. She'd been tucked up cosily within the blanket. She couldn't recall it but she knew there had been gentle hands at work.
'A few hours' said Ada.
Hecate's eyes snapped open. The shock zinged through her for a split second. How had she been so lazy?
'You've finished the marking, Dimity has seen to the evening rounds, there's no shame in retiring early.'
'Why didn't you wake me?'
'You obviously needed it. You've been stressed lately. I just want to make sure you rest more often.'
Hecate slowly rolled and sat up. She shielded her face, yawned delicately, reached out for the cup of tea that had been set next to her, hiding her face in slight embarrassment. It was hardly professional, conking out on the sofa like a student.
Ada had been settled in a chair with her new hobby. Hecate wasn't quite sure how many limbs Ada's grandniece had and wasn't sure if she should enquire. Nevertheless, Ada knitted her woolly monstrosity with a cheerful defiance. She had been reasonably confident on the scarf project and Dimity had graciously accepted the first turquoise effort, slinging it around her neck like a friendly cat but this new venture of knitting up arm and leg space was a challenge. Hecate refrained from pointing anything out as she had no wish to do better. Knitting was not something that interested her.
They sat there in companionable silence, Hecate starting to feel more at ease. Ada offered more tea.
'I think I'd better be getting to my room Miss Cackle. I don't feel tired anymore so I'd better read for a bit.'
'Good idea. I'm not sure where this thing is going anymore, perhaps I'd better stop' said Ada, holding up the mint green monstrosity. 'If all else fails I'll give it to Pendell.' Hecate smiled. Ada could usually be relied upon to make her mood feel lighter. Ada stopped to ferret around in the drawer for sustenance. Not much to discover. Just one piece of chocolate left. She popped the square into her mouth and crunched it up. She noticed Hecate watching and realised how inconsiderate that was.
'Sorry, I didn't think. I should have offered you first.'
Hecate shook her head, said it was fine. But she kept watching Ada with an odd look in her eyes. Ada wasn't sure how to read it. If it had been on someone else's face, she would have said she looked…slightly mischievous. Her gaze dropped for a couple of seconds. Ada suddenly felt self-conscious. She felt as if Hecate had really wanted that last bit of chocolate. Was she staring at her lips?
'Do you want me to see if there is any more in the kitchen?'
Hecate shook her head, leaned forward, took Ada's face in her hands and kissed her soundly.