He gave voice to her own arguments before she could voice them herself. He was right, of course. She wasn’t their own weather witch. And the greenhouse had been established in society as a fixture to the community; they had their program with the hospitals and healers, had exhibitions year round, landscape design that sustained the family more than Philomena thought was possible. Could it be that the family just…didn’t need her anymore? Her shoulders drooped slightly at the thought. Before her imagination could run off with itself, Mr. Dempsey’s voice reached her again, and she turned back to face him. Her eyes still glimmered with unshed tears, this time at his kindness in setting her worries to rest.

“You’re right, of course.” She took a breath, mentally shaking herself for ever thinking her family might want to be rid of her now that they had established themselves. “Forgive me, I know it’s silly…” Her eye caught his hand hovering near her. Quite against her will, there was a swooping sensation in her stomach, and she swallowed, not sure how to express to him that she very much wouldn’t mind if he touched her.

So his offer of tea came greatly appreciated, giving her a chance to convey her gratitude and she smiled at him again. “I should like that very much, if you’re not too pressed for time, that is.”

---