“Please, Adelind, you’ve known me how long? Call me Louis!”

Adelind giggled and responded in her “I’m-really-a-schoolgirl-in-older-woman’s-clothing” voice, “Alright, Louis, will you join us in the parlor for tea?”

“I’m afraid I can’t, dear, I’ve got many more houses to visit.”

“At least have a glass of ice water, you must be parched!” Adelind persisted.

“I suppose I have enough time for some cool water,” Louis conceded and I was given an off-handed nod from Adelind. I left the adults to retrieve some water from the well and draw some water from the bucket in the cooler. When I returned, Adelind had succeeded in persuading Louis into the first floor parlor and into one of the overstuffed chairs. He took his water from me with a contented sigh and gulped it eagerly.

“So, Louis, what is it that brings you here?” Adelind inquired smoothly.

“Perhaps you would make for a bit more privacy, that I may indulge you?” Louis suggested and I, along with Cristyne and Elsebeth, was ushered out of the room.