Chapter 41: Chapter 41

"It's such false piety, " the priest said, exaggerating his pittance and the sad tone of his voice and Liam exchanged a look with his brother.

Callum was trying to suppress a smile and was failing miserably.

"Women, " the priest waved a hand around "are using their charms to make people buy their...whatever they've made.... "

"But it is for a good cause, Father Clarke." Liam said and the old man shook his head.

"You really think so, my dear boy?"

“It is for charity, Father. Why wouldn’t it be a good thing?”

The man produced a grumpy humph, which that time brought Callum to the laughter he could no longer suppress.

Liam had to admit the women helping his mother organize the bazzar had done a great job in such a short time.

They had started the tradition of organizing events of the sort every year. And even though it was still something new among the society, people reacted very well and open- heartedly to it.

With a few exceptions, of course but that was to be expected.

For this year's festivals, his mother and the other ladies close to her were organizing it with the newly opened London hospital and they had more patrons who donated the goods.

"Father Clarke, " Charlotte showed up from behind the old man and he tipped his head at her.

"I am so glad to see you attending our charity bazaar. Or did I hear you right when you called it a fancy faire?"

Liam knew his mother never missed the opportunity to tease the good old Clarke. They began exchanging the usual remarks, as Charlotte often expressed her disagreement with the priest, while still keeping her tone light.

"I may not understand the need for it, but I must say some of the...some of those items are beautiful. "

"They are, aren’t they?"

"Is the pin you're wearing one of them?'

Charlotte's hand went straight to her hair and she said "No, it's...it's a gift. "

"It's a very intricate piece, is it from here?"

"No, it's...not. I wasn't aware you follow the fashion, Father. "

"Ah...I don't. And perhaps I should leave the topic to women. "

“Perhaps.”

Charlotte smiled and Liam noted her mother had been slightly overly-sensitive on something trivial like hair pins.

He looked at his brother.

Callum was holding the same glass since the beginning of the bazaar and Liam turned to him.

"All well?"

"Yes, I just... What time is it?"

"You never learned to carry a watch, did you?"

"I don't have the space necessary in my pockets. "

"Oh, God..." he said but still took his gloves off and checked the golden watch . He hought twice then and considering the places his brother was often to, it would be better if he didn’t walk around with such expensive objects, so he just said. "Those events shouldn't be out in the open, it's already dark. It's a little after six."

"Good. "

Liam knew his brother was supposed to meet some of the men he had negotiated with back in Kent. As always, Callum provided as little detail as possible, thinking that way he saved Liam from trouble.

It had exactly the opposite effect, but Liam had given up on arguing with him, he was only hoping he'd bring Oliver with him.

What Charles had said the other day and what Liam had found out proved one thing- Oliver couldn't have shown up in a better moment.

He was just about to ask Callum about later when Lady Olenna approached, accompanied by their father.

Charlotte's expression changed momentarily, but her smile didn't falter and she greeted the other lady.

"Oleanna, I haven't seen you in so long."

"What a pity, isn't it?"

" I am sure you must've been busy, otherwise, you would've helped us organize the event. "

"I was never asked to. " Oleanna replied icily and Father Clarke said.

“I was just saying all the items look pretty, “ he was referring to the pin and Olieanna said

“Beautiful, isn’t it.” Then added, flatly “It’s why I have the same. “

"I still don't think we need those new...ways to raise money. " The priest continued and Liam wondered if he had been the only one to notice the remark.

"What's wrong with innovations?" Tennyson asked.

Charlotte laughed bitterly, "My dear husband, since when do you approve of new things, or it is the approaching holiday spirit getting to you?"

"I don't disapprove of all changes if they're for the better. Look at the railways we're building, for example. "

"Times change and we will have to accept that," Liam said and glanced at his father.

"Indeed. "

"I still don't know what's gotten with everyone with decorations and Christmas trees. "

Oleanna said.  "It's getting very popular here too. I remember we always had one in our temporary home back in Germany, but I see people here have started doing it too. "

"I think...I think it's a good idea. " Tennyson said "It definitely contributes to an overall more festive mood."

He looked at Liam, but Callum said, "I must say it does. And not only children enjoy it."

Liam, and all other people present, glanced at Callum surprised.

"What is it?" his brother asked puzzled, "I think it's something nice, there's nothing wrong with "

"It...yes." Tennyson said, and then asked, more carefully "Well, we could have one in the manor, then.”

It was like everyone else had fallen silent, expecting Callum's response.

His brother smiled and said.

"All right. It would be nice, yes."

Liam took a sip from his wine and he could swear everyone looked relieved at the outcome of their short conversation.

This was the first time Callum had just agreed with their father, even on a trivial matter like that one without turning the small exchange into a heated argument.

They shared a few more niceties and talks about the coming new year and the heavy snowfall that was expected.

Callum excused himself, saying he had to meet a friend but promised he'd be back before dinner. He left his glass on the nearest table and disappeared among the other guests, who were still marveling at the beautiful decorations.

The wine in his glass was almost untouched.