#Chapter 77Courtship Gift

A few days after the council meeting, I was sitting in the garden with my mother and Ethan's sisters. Elise had begged for a chance to feed the baby. So she had Sable in her lap and a bottle in her hand. Estelle quietly guided Elise through the process of feeding a stubborn infant. My mother moved a piece on the game board she and Erma were playing on. I turned the page in my book. Everything was peaceful and quiet. Ernie came around a rose trellis and cleared his throat. “Tessa? Are you feeling up to a visit from Leo?” he asked. “Sure, is he here to see Sable?” I asked. It was a little early in the day for a visit, but we hadn't set up a strict schedule. That wouldn't be fair with all of Leo's new responsibilities. We had decided flexibility was the best option. Ernie shook his head. “He wants to talk to you, just you,” he said. “You can say no. I'll kick him out on his tail.” I smiled and patted Ernie's shoulder. It was sweet how protective Ethan's siblings were. I s