Penina walked over to the bookcase, taking note of the titles as she waited. How mother was going to have a field day if she ever learnt of the butler. Not that Penina was going to be the one to inform her, no, the reaction would be better if it were seen in person.

At the sound of her brother, Penina turned to welcome him, although became slightly concerned with the stilted welcome. “Thank you, Zechariah, but we have been here a couple of days now. It seems you may be the tired one” she responded softly with a look of concern. “Have I come at a bad time?”