© J.B. Norman — Published by Emona Literary Services™
Lately, Amara has taken it upon herself to help out the orphans of Lockcroft House. Nolan, in turn, has taken it upon himself to help Amara — though certainly not just as a means to spend more time with Amara.
That would ungentlemanly, taking advantage of orphans like that…
“This is Addie, Nolan,” Amara says, introducing him to a girl in a red dress and holding a weasel he only realises isn’t stuffed when it making weasel-noises at him. “She helps me with the cooking and the cleaning.”
The girl in red nods and gently strokes her pet weasel’s head. “As one of the older orphans, it makes sense for me to look after the younger orphans.”
“Addie is what we call my sister,” Nolan says. “Is your name Adelaide, too?”
“No.”
“Adeline?”
“No.”
“Uh… Adrianne?”
She rolls her eyes. “No. It is short for Adelgundis,” she says, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world.
“Ah,” Nolan says.
“The children call me Weasel Girl,” Adelgundis.
“And you don’t mind?” Nolan asks.
She shrugs. “I pay little mind to the opinions of the two-legged. Weasels are much better company than orphans.”
“See?” one of the orphans calls. “Saying things like that is why nobody likes you!”
“That is quite enough, Clancy!” Amara says, brandishing the big wooden serving spoon. “While Sister Ansgara is away, I am the law here at Lockcroft House!”
“Eep,” the orphan says, quickly disappearing around the corner.
The girl shrugs again. “Regardless, I am content with my weasels.” She looks thoughtfully at Nolan. “There’s still time before dinner. Let me show you my collection.”
“Your collection of?” Nolan asks.
“Weasels, of course,” Adelgundis answers. “They are the most wonderful creatures in the world.” She turns towards Nolan and holds up the weasel in her arms up him. “And this is my dear Augustinus. He is my favourite. You may hold him, if you wish, but be gentle. I could not bear it if he came to harm.”
“He, uh, he’s not going to bite me, or anything, is he?” Nolan asks cautiously.
Adelgundis looks at him like he just kicked her dog — or well, weasel —“The very notion is absurd. My darlings are exceedingly well-trained and Augustinus is a gentleman among weasels,” she says.
She holds the weasel to Nolan. Although Nolan makes no move to accept the weasel, Augustinus takes matters into his own paws and clambers into Nolan’s arms.
“Uh…” Nolan says.
“Clearly, you are in awe,” Adelgundis decides. “And how could you not be? Truly, Augustinus is the finest of weasels.”
Awe isn’t exactly the word Nolan would use for it. “He’s definitely… cute?” he offers.
“No,” Adelgundis answers bluntly. “ No, he is not. Augustinus is majestic. And perfect. And fit to be king of all weasels.”
“I’m sorry?” Nolan offers.
“I forgive you,” Adelgundis decides. She blushes a little and looks away. “Thank you for indulging me. The children don’t like spending time with me or my darlings. And the Sisters talk down to me and only pretend to pay me any mind when I discuss my weasels. You and Amara are the only ones who have treated me so kindly.”
“Yeah,” Nolan agrees. “Amara’s great.”
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