Tobias was secretly pleased when the wetnurse left. Trying to have a conversation with a brother he hadn't seen in years was awkward anough without an audience. "Don't call me that," he said with irritation in his voice.

Nate dismissed his brother's complaint "Don't be so hysterical, Toby. You must learn to relax."

Tobias clenched his jaw. His brother hadn't changed one bit from when they were boys, still telling him what to do and not do, and mocking him. "Bess and the boys are well." He changed the subject. "Though you'll hardly recognize them now. And they certainly won't remember you."

"I'm glad Bess is well, and her children too. So, when do I get to meet the real Mrs Appleton?"

Tobias would very much like to avoid that meeting if he could. And if Nathan was only staying for one night, he hoped to get away with it. "She's resting. She's still recovering. I wouldn't want to disturb her right now."

Nate shrugged.

"I'm sure I'll meet her at some point. If not this trip, then another time." He busied himself making a snack. "I suppose being home again, even for a day or so will do me some good. There's strife at chambers that I can do without and it's good to get away. Want some?" Nate proferred the bread and cheese to his brother.

Preferably in a few years, Tobias thought. Hopefully Alice would get over her hysterics and be a normal person then. "Aye, I don't see how ye can stand it." He said. Not that he wanted to encourage his brother to stay longer. He wouldn't be able to refuse of course, as this was their family home. "No thanks..."

"The city's fine. Leeds is a grand place, but work can be difficult, because lawyers." Nate answered, figuring that explained all.

"I can imagine..." said Tobias.

Poor Jenny returned from bringing up the meal and was finally allowed to sit down.

Tobias turned back to his brother but realized he had no idea what to talk about, despite them not having seen each other for so long.

Silence hung in the room as Nate didn't know what so say. He decided to break the silence by helping himself to some of the leftovers on the table, cold though they might be.

"So, Jenny, how long have you worked for my brother? I don't think you were here the last time I was at the farm."