"Theodora! Theodora!"
Theodora was laughing at something Bertha had said that she didn't hear her father at the first call. Bertha was relieved that as she had begun keeping her distance from Gerald, Theodora's behaviour toward her had changed back to normal.
Theodora stopped mid-laugh, turning her head to see her father approaching her. Bertha, who sat across Theodora, painting Theodora's nails, quickly stood up and took a step back with a bowed head.
"Good morning, My Lord!"
"Good morning, Bertha!" Ralph smiled at her.
After Cordelia's recovery, even Ralph had turned more compassionate toward Bertha. He had seen how Bertha took care of his wife and prayed for her good health. And that impressed him greatly.
Bertha returned the smile.
"Good morning father! Look!" Theodora excitedly showed her father her neatly manicured nails. "Aren't they pretty father?!"
