“That must be bad for Bianca. How is she?”
“Fine,” he said shortly.
“And why are you taking that tone with me, young man?”
“Nothing, Grandmother.” He sighed and met her gaze. “I just don’t see what about her warrants our special attention. She’s a timid mouse of a girl.”
She stared at him piercingly for a moment, but he said nothing further.
“Very well, Robin. I suppose you are entitled to your opinion. No matter how wrong you happen to be.”
Idiot snorted in amusement, and Robin glared at her. Merriweather ignored the byplay.
“Your position remains secure?”
“If Brannon didn’t discover me before, he won’t now. He’s only a few steps shy of being a raving madman. Unless he begins slaughtering everyone, I should be safe. “
“See that you are.” She smiled for the first time. “It would be exceedingly distressing if anything untoward happened. I’m really quite fond of you, Robin.”
“And I, you, Grandmother.” He smiled back. “No matter how many sodden milquetoast maidens you set me to watching. Any further instructions?”
“Just keep her safe, Robin. Bianca is going to be important.”
Robin executed a florid bow, and then kissed Merriweather on the cheek. “In that case, I shall guard her with my life, Grandmother.” Idiot whinnied in farewell as he darted away, and Merriweather watched him go with a speculative gaze.
As the mists closed over the crossroads, she let out a petulant sigh.
A tea shop really wasn’t so much to ask.
The End
Table of Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Epilogue