“I’d like that but only if you’re certain. I’m fine with calling you whatever you like.” And Molly meant it. If the child chose to go by ‘her royal highness’ for a week, Molly would gladly – if laughingly – oblige.
Molly leaned in when Bridget’s started speaking softly. She had no problem at all being conspiratorial when the situation called for it. Well, if these other ‘ladies’ were being unfriendly to Bridget, she’d have a word or two with them. There was no defense any of them could use if they made Bridget feel less than at home at her own pub. Molly briefly looked away from Bridget to glare accusingly at the nearest possible offender. Quickly, she turned back to Bridget and whispered, “They’re not real ladies – not if they’re not nice to you, even if they’d been born titled and all.” Realizing she was probably being more protective than she had any right to be – Bridget could probably take care of herself and had her whole family here after all – Molly switched tactics. “I’m glad you think I’m nice.” Molly was surprised how much she meant it too. Even more surprising was how much she found she wanted Bridget’s approval. “Sometimes I don’t feel like I’m very nice.” The sentence was a confession and solemnly delivered. “I think maybe I’ve inconvenienced someone very much and that they were too polite to tell me so.” Molly, of course, meant Captain Vine. She didn’t take the time to consider how else her words might be taken.