Lavinia made a frustrated sound.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake.”
Sebastian stood.
“Then we’ll stay here.”
He moved the chair beside his.
A guest began to rise.
“You can have mine.”
“Thank you,” Sebastian said. “He already has a chair.”
He looked toward the household manager.
“Please bring his place setting back.”
Nobody moved for a moment.
Then Mrs. Bell went toward the sideboard.
Sebastian untied the apron.
The knot resisted.
Teddy reached behind himself automatically.
“I can do it.”
“I know.”
Sebastian loosened the second knot and lifted the apron away.
He folded it over the back of an unused chair.
His son stared at the table.
“Do I sit now?”
“Yes.”
Teddy climbed into his place.
Sebastian sat beside him.
For the first time since arriving, he looked properly at the food.
There were roast potatoes, green beans, carved beef, and a sauce Teddy disliked because it contained mushrooms.
“Has he eaten?”
Lavinia answered immediately.
“He had opportunities.”
Rose did not let that stand.
“He had a small sandwich at noon. He hasn’t been allowed to eat anything since.”
Sebastian checked the clock.
Seven forty.
Teddy watched him.
“I’m not that hungry.”
His stomach made a small, unmistakable sound.
Nobody laughed.
Sebastian turned toward his son.
“You don’t have to make this easier for anybody.”
Teddy’s eyes filled.
A plate arrived.
The chef had sent chicken, plain potatoes, and the carrots Teddy would sometimes eat if nobody discussed them.
Sebastian thanked the server.
Then he placed a glass of water beside the plate.
Teddy reached for his fork.
Stopped.
“Do I have to say something first?”
“No.”
“Thank you?”
“You can say thank you. You don’t need permission to eat.”
