Free Of Monsters and Madness by Jessica Verday Page A

the next morning so we can go to the market. I’m excited by the thought of finally having the chance to see Philadelphia.
    My excitement is further encouraged when Father joins Grand-père and me for breakfast. He is dressed in a freshly pressed suit, and his mood is bright. Even his labored walking does not seem to bother him as much. Grand-père was right; bed rest has done him well.
    “Good morning, Annabel,” he says.
    “Good morning, Father.” I curtsy, and the smile he gives me makes me feel as if I have just accomplished the greatest feat in the world.
    “I see your lessons with Mrs. Tusk are paying off.” He whistles a cheery tune as he goes to the sideboard and begins to serve himself.
    I don’t understand the mercurial change in his demeanor, but I find myself wanting to please him further. “They are indeed. She is an excellent teacher.”
    “Yes, yes.” He smiles at me again, but he is distracted.
    I try to remember what Mrs. Tusk said about polite conversation.
Talk about the weather or gardening
. “The weather seems to be lovely this morning. Although I do hope the rain holds off while Maddy and I are at the market.”
    “Hmmmm? Are those your plans for the day? A trip to the market?”
    He carries his plate to the table and I follow with my own, even though all I’ve taken is a small piece of toasted bread. “Cook has need of licorice root.”
    “Then you’ll need some money.” He catches sight of Maddy near the dining room door and motionsher over. She offers him a deep curtsy and awaits his instruction with her eyes cast down. “Have Cook double whatever she usually spends for the week,” he says, “and see that the difference is given to my daughter.”
    Maddy bobs her head and then disappears into the kitchen.
    My heart is filled with overwhelming happiness.
I would gladly suffer through a thousand lessons with Mrs. Tusk if it continues to please him
. “Thank you, Father. I don’t know what to say.”
    “It’s my duty to provide for my daughter. Of course you should have spending money. How else are you to purchase what you need?”
    I feel foolish and look down at my plate. “I … guess I hadn’t given it very much thought.” Mother and I did not have to worry about money in the village. Trades and barters were how we paid our debts.
    “These are the things you must learn now that you’re in Philadelphia.” He lifts his fork, but pauses. “While you’re at the market, be sure to stop by the butcher’s shop. They have excellent mincemeat pies.”
    “Why don’t you place an order for two pies, Annabel, and then perhaps you and your father can enjoy them during tea this afternoon?” Grand-père suggests.
    I smile at him and he gives me a brief wink. “Shall I get one for you too, Grand-père? Will you join us?”
    “I’m afraid mincemeat pie is something I can no longer tolerate, my dear. But I’m sure you shall enjoy it. It’s a treat not to be missed.”
    “Yes, yes, that sounds fine.” Father stands and looks down at his watch. “Three o’clock it shall be, then.”
    I feel as light as a feather as he leaves the dining room. My toast has grown cold, but I’m no longer hungry. For the first time since I left Siam, I’m finally being embraced by the family I came so far to see. “Father and I are going to have tea together!” I say excitedly to Grand-père.
    He chuckles. “I told you he was happy to have you here. It’s good to see your enthusiasm return as well.”
    Impulsively, I stand and give him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you for making the suggestion.” He pats the back of my hand, and then I go to the kitchen to tell Maddy of my good fortune. As soon as I enter the room, she holds something out to me.
    “Here’s yer money, miss.”
    I stare down at the banknotes in her hand. “What am I to do with it?”
    “In yer armoire hangs a cloak with a pocket. It’snothin’ fancy, but it will do. Put the money in there to bring with you.”
    I