An Invitation to Stay

[Pearce Lockheed]

Pearce had enjoyed his visit with his sister Primrose Cadigan and his niece and nephews, enjoying the marketplace and the docks and the street food and buying small gifts for each of her children. This time around it had been small sweets because he had bought them toys last time. While it had only been a few weeks since he last spoke to his sister, a lot had happened. Conversation had been much lighter and easier then, though he had noticed she seemed tired. And she likely noticed he was a bit more anxious than normal, if that were possible.

It was high time he invited her to the manor for tea and a meal should she wish to stay long. Prim was always welcome, but Pearce surmised that with three children, it could be a lot to pull herself away without knowing her brother was prepared to accommodate her. It was her family home as well, however, and one he wanted her children to be better acquainted with than they were.

He'd written a short note a few days ago, to let his sister know he hoped to see her as soon as she was able. Their cousin Percival was staying with him and between the three of them and the Bright Hollow staff, plenty of eyes and hands to attend to the children so that she might be able to take a break. Not that he imagined Percival was that interested in children. Pearce mentioned Briella as well, explaining her and Zander were friends of his and since she was nine, only a bit older than Edmund.

When the single mother arrived, she would be welcomed by Heather, his head of the housing staff. She led Primrose to the blue room, which was the sitting room with the most natural lighting, lots of arm chairs and couches, and blue accents (hence the name). There were small pastries and crackers and fruits and meats laid out on the table. There was no tea set out just yet, though it arrived shortly.

Pearce himself arrived a moment later, having been in his office on the second floor and after navigating the stairs down, had needed a moment to recover himself. He still had balance problems, especially on the steps and being even a little bit dizzy was not a pleasant feeling.

"Prim! I'm so happy to see you. It's been too long." A few weeks, but still too long. He stepped into the room and immediately wrapped her in a gentle hug. "And how are my favorite niece and nephews?" He asked with a smile.

[Primrose Cadigan]

It would be almost laughable if it wasn’t so sad at how tired Primrose was. Both mentally and physically. While she thought she loved her husbands family, her mother in-law had been less then supportive the last few weeks and she was sure Sandra was about ready to give her the boot. Prims children were not as tame as their grandmother would have liked, and yet they took after their son more then she realized in their wild spirits. Still, they could be a handful and following their grandmothers rules was wearing on them. And Prim for that matter, who refused to let any sort of Nanny do what she could do herself.

Her times at the infirmary were her only means of escape. The only “quiet” time she had despite sometimes being in less then quiet circumstances. It had been a relief to receive her brothers invitation. How long had it been since she’d been home? Too long if she struggled to even remember.

She’d been hesitant on bringing the children with her, but ultimately brought them anyway with the promise that they’d been good. And hearing that Briella was there as well, and that it wouldn’t be a problem had been such a relief she’d had tears in her eyes by the time she’d finished the invite.

A play date was just what the kids needed. A new friend, and a chance to let them get out some of that pent up energy. So, Prim had decided to go. Children in tow of course. They’d been greeted by Miss Heather, and Prim wanted to speak to see Pearce privately at first. Desperate for adult conversation not where small ears could be heard. Promised that the children would be in good hands, they’d been taken to find Briella while Prim went to the blue room. Fond memories coming back from her time here. It was almost nostalgic.

She didn’t wait long before Pearce was there and she turned with a smile. Welcoming his hug, and she hugged him back tightly. Enjoying his calming presence that soothed her otherwise frayed nerves. “Me too big brother, me too.” She murmured softly. Smiling as she pulled away. He’d clearly be able to see how tired she was. There was no hiding it anymore as it showed on her wary face. “Behaving hopefully,” She said with a small laugh. “They’ve been taken to meet Briella.” She explained, turning to one of the chairs nearest the table. “I’m in desperate need of adult conversation, and figured we could check on them later?” She asked, a soft plea in her blue eyes. “I don’t see you one on one really anymore.” She confessed, which was the truth. And maybe, Prim just wanted to be a little selfish and steal Pearce to herself for just a short bit.