Caroline almost snorted at Shawn’s words. He had all the time in the world! After all, what was he even doing other than moping around the townhouse? Luckily she had long since learned to school such reactions.

Shawn waved at her as if she were no more than a bothersome maid interfering with his day, Caroline’s glare hardened at the dismissal. She couldn’t complain at being able to get out of her clothes, wet as they were, but this conversation most certainly wasn’t over. Before she could object her brother had slammed the door behind him leaving her alone in the hallway shivering. He was acting like a petulant child, Caroline’s mind declared as she tilted her chin up and made the trek upstairs, water trailing behind her as her soggy skirts limped in sodden puddles to their destination.

Upstairs Hope had poured a bath and was waiting for Caroline to help her undress. While the girl’s fingers had to be cold there were deft at their task. Surely she had heard the siblings bickering but seeming to sense Caroline’s mood the young woman remained quiet. As soon as her task was complete Caroline dismissed her for her own bath as Hope was just as cold and wet as Caroline had been. Moments later Caroline sunk into the tub, grateful for Hope’s talents with water charms, the water was just the right temperature. Caroline paid it no mind as she relaxed and began mulling over her tactics of how to handle Shawn’s unreasonable assumptions.