The Mistress of Trevelyan by Jennifer St Giles Page B

then shut it as I mentally tripped over his unexpected insight. In scrambling for an answer, I realized something about myself. "I don't think it is because as adults we do not have time to play. I think it is because we have forgotten how to play."
    "Have you forgetted?"
    "Forgotten. Yes," I said, standing. "I think I have. You and Justin are going to have to teach me how to play."
    "Pwomise?"
    "Yes."
    "I will go tell Juss." Robert let loose of my hand and started running.
    "Remember to walk in the house, not run." My words went unheeded, and I knew I'd receive another remark from Dobbs concerning the boys' behavior. I looked forward to the exchange; besting Dobbs was proving to be most interesting.
    The rest of the morning flew by with the work of our lessons. Before long, I was collecting a picnic basket from Cook Thomas with Robert dancing about my skirts and Justin scuffing his shoes across the floor. His face bore a wary look, as if he expected a monster to swoop down and snatch the picnic away. Thanking Thomas and carrying my drawing supplies along with the picnic basket, I led the boys through the house, my spirits matching Robert's excitement. It had been many years since I'd had the pleasure of picnicking in Holloway Park.
    Dobbs stood in the foyer and frowned when he saw us. "Miss Lovell, might I inquire as to where you are taking the children? It is barely noon. The boys' lessons could hardly be fin—"
    "The lessons are still in progress, Mr. Dobbs, I assure you. We are off to Holloway Park to conduct a botanical exploration, and while there, we are going to study a subject that the adults in Trevelyan Manor have completely forgotten." I saluted the suit of armor, paying homage to the metal rather than to Dobbs, who was doing his best to project a godlike image.
    He lifted a skeptical brow, indicating that there was nothing he forgot
    Opening the demon-carved doors—their gleaming darkness never failed to remind me of Benedict Trevelyan— I motioned the boys out and sent Dobbs a sunny smile. "We are off to study fun." I shut the door on his frown and turned to face the bright sun. Instead, I met Stephen Trevelyan's grin.
    "Uncle Steph, we are going to learn fun. Wanna come with us?" Robert pulled on Stephen Trevelyan's coat I noticed Justin kept walking down the stairs then waited at the bottom, putting himself on the fringes to watch rather than to participate—something he did often.
    The boys' uncle bent down, lifted Robert into his arms, and affectionately tickled him. "Since you are the fun expert, you must be teaching the class today."
    Robert blinked. "That's what Miss Wovell said. You come teach her fun, too? You are lots of fun."
    Seeing Stephen Trevelyan tease Robert was the first real affection I'd seen any of the adults in Trevelyan Manor show; it warmed me. I didn't want to deprive the children of an opportunity to have fun with their uncle, but having Stephen Trevelyan join us in the park seemed a bit too familiar. My shoulders tensed.
    Stephen ruffled Robert's hair. "Maybe later. I promised Aunt Constance that I would take her shopping."
    Robert poked out his bottom lip. "Aunt Constant is mean. She doesn't ever like to play anything. She's not like Aunt Kaff. Aunt Kaff is fun when she's not painting, even if she does not like talking."
    Stephen Trevelyan set Robert down and chuckled. "Aunt Kaff loves talking, you just have to know how to listen, and Aunt Constance only likes to play shopping. That does not make her mean, only expensive. I will bring you and Justin a treat from Winkle's Confection Shop."
    Robert grinned wide. "A candy stick?"
    "If you like. Or would you rather have gumdrops?"
    "No. A candy stick is better."
    Stephen Trevelyan turned to Justin, studying him a moment. "And what can I bring you?"
    Justin shrugged, looking down.
    "If I remember correctly, gumdrops were your favorite."
    "That was before you left," Justin said, keeping his gaze on his feet. "I do not want anything