To Best the Boys(72)

I bite my lip. Perhaps they’re having a hard time.

Or perhaps . . .

Perhaps Lute’s emotions have calmed and the reality of things has set in.

I lift my chin and turn to go find Sam and Will—only to be met by a woman accompanying two young girls strolling up in ill-fitting, worn cotton dresses and braids tied up above flushed pink faces.

“Excuse me,” the older one says. “Will you write something on our kerchiefs?” They both hold out their soiled hand linens and look up with expectant gazes and hands that are shaking a little.

I offer them an embarrassed smile, then take my own kerchief from my sleeve. “Only if you’ll sign mine.” And then they are grinning as awkwardly as I am, and somehow it doesn’t feel so strange.

As soon as I’ve finished, Seleni is calling my name, and when I turn she’s beckoning me. She and Beryll are standing with his parents, looking my way. I put my kerchief away and stride over as someone whispers, “Gordon’s son must be getting serious about Miss Lake if both parents are here.”

When I reach them, Beryll’s parents greet me with muted smiles and reserved nods, and I don’t know what I expected, but it’s not this. Whereas Beryll is brown haired, his father is a ginger with freckles and a good-humored smile, and his mother is petite. And where I’d believed they’d appear sour in spirit toward Seleni, they both seem to be quite pleasant with her. They smell of cinnamon.

“We were just speaking of Vincent,” Seleni says. “Father said he’s being held at the constable’s until he can be transported to the courts.”

“We’re sorry to hear about it.” Beryll’s father looks kindly at me. “What a tragedy for you all.”

I nod and reach a hand out to him and his wife. “Thanks. I’m Rhen, by the way. Seleni’s cousin.”

Beryll blushes. “Pardon. Father and Mum, this is Miss Tellur. Miss Tellur, these are my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jaymes, and one of their acquaintances—Ms. Danford.”

Ms. Danford has turned away to speak with someone, but Beryll’s mum smiles at me, then looks around. “Are your parents here, Miss Tellur?”

I return her smile with my own and refuse to let my fears flicker bigger than they already are. “They’re hoping to come.”

“Oh, they’ll be here.” Seleni slips her hand into mine and squeezes. “And they’ll be glad to know Beryll was just saying he’s made a decision.” She peers proudly at him. “He’s decided to pursue a career in parliament.” Beryll’s father clears his throat. “My son seems to have taken a concern with social issues as of late.”

He eyes Seleni who promptly blushes. “I believe it has something to do with the friends he’s made, no?” He sets a hand on his son’s shoulder and pats it. “Now, I think my wife and I are due to meet your parents, Miss Lake. Miss Tellur. If you’ll both excuse us.”

I watch them depart when Ms. Danford finishes her conversation and turns our way. She’s wearing a bright-green hat over a rather wrinkled face that looks curiously full of mirth. But it’s her eyes that catch me. They’re lavender.

She lifts her hand to mine. “Miss Tellur, did I hear? How very nice to meet you.” Her fingers enfold mine and the oddest sensation nudges me. There’s something familiar about her. “I hope you enjoyed your time in the Labyrinth. You certainly proved yourself in there, didn’t you?”

I freeze. And blink. Then go to respond, except I’m not sure what to say because all I can think is it couldn’t be. I shake my head and move in to peer closer at her, but she abruptly turns and says in a tinkling voice, “Now if you’ll pardon me, I believe there’s a Labyrinth cake with my name on it somewhere.” And she strolls off toward the side hallway.

“There you three are.” I jump as Sam’s voice rings out. “We’ve been scouring everywhere for you.” He hobbles up to us on crutches with Will by his side—his hair as peacock-ish as ever.

Will grins. “Had to down four desserts on our own since we didn’t have anyone to share ’em with. Then we had to start in on this sweet pigeon pie.”

“You didn’t spike the juice, did you?” I eye them and their full plates, keeping Ms. Danford in my sights as she steps into the hall, which is the exact opposite direction of the food.

“Maybe.” Will bows slightly and winks at Seleni. “You’re welcome for any entertainment that ensues. Just don’t tell your mum.”

Beryll chuckles, before his expression turns serious. “By the way, I approached my father about revisiting the fishing initiative at the House of Lords. He’s going to request a fuller impact study be done, to see if anything was overlooked.”

“Tell them what else,” Seleni quietly squeals and grabs his arm.

She’s bouncing on her heels as he blushes. “I have officially informed them I will be courting Miss Lake.”

My grin is huge and accompanied by a hug that promises to scream with her later when it won’t embarrass Beryll even more. So that’s why she’s been glowing like a firebug since he walked in.

“Good goin’, chap.” Will slaps him on the back. Then wrinkles his brow. “So the old man’s not against it, eh?”

Seleni slides her arm through Beryll’s. “He’d apparently been too shy to stand firm on it.”