Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 95196 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95196 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
“Good mornin’. Elle,” Gavina replied with a tilt of her head. In a form-fitting white dress, she looked pretty and professional. And maybe a little miserable? She eyed my T-shirt with envy. “On a scale from one to ten, how comfortable are you? The answer is twelve, isn’t it?”
“Fifteen. And Gavina? You can toss any rules of decorum as long as I’m here. You are welcome to shop in my closet any time.”
“Truly?” She beamed at me. “Thank you.”
“Skye is dying.” Morose, Mirren motioned to the doll. “She probably won’t survive the day.”
“I thought her name was Bonnie,” I said.
The girl rolled her eyes. “Skye is Bonnie’s sister. Obviously.”
Three maids sailed through the hidden door, each carrying a silver platter. One of the women—Mackenzie—nodded to acknowledge me. The other two flashed sunny smiles in my direction. I barely contained a rebuke as the platters were set before us. Clearly, they expected me to oversee Mr. Bruce’s seduction.
As Mackenzie delivered my platter, I whispered, “I’d like to speak with you later.”
She couldn’t mask a slight wince before she nodded. Oh yeah. She’d lied and told everyone I agreed to their terms. At least it offered a good cover, because I planned to grill her about Tavish and potions after breakfast.
A feast lay before me. Square sausages, fried eggs, crispy bacon, a scoop of baked beans, black pudding, fried tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast.
“I want porridge,” Mirren announced.
“You can have porridge tomorrow,” Gavina replied, picking up a fork and knife. “Your da wanted you to enjoy your favorite breakfast today.”
The two argued back and forth. Sensing Gavina was about to cave, I decided to treat the dining room as my classroom and take charge. “I’m guessing you’re not going to eat this, since you want porridge and all,” I interjected, reaching for Mirren’s plate. If she was anything like her father, she had possessive instincts galore.
As I slid the dish my way, she jumped into action, grabbing the edge to halt my progress. “Mine!”
Ding, ding, ding. “But you want porridge,” I reminded her. “And I’m extra hungry.” Not an exaggeration. I was extra hungry most mornings.
“Didn’t you listen? I’m getting porridge tomorrow.”
“Ah.” I released her property and dug into my own. Gavina caught my gaze and I winked before refocusing on the little girl. “What time do you leave for the Academy?”
“Zero o’clock.” She followed suit, shoveling food into her mouth with gusto. “We’re on holiday to celebrate the marriage no one wanted.”
Again such a matter-of-fact tone, repeating what she’d heard. And yeah, probably lashing out. Like before, I took no offense. Why should I?
“Mind your manners,” Gavina gently admonished with a nervous laugh “No speaking insults with your mouth full. Or ever.”
I waved the “insult” away. “No one wanted your dad to marry me because I used to be an awful person. The worst.”
Gavina blinked at me, a bite of beans halfway to her lips.
Mirren finally glanced my way. “How awful?”
I recalled Isobel’s cold confession about Roderick’s death. “Worse than stepping in dog vomit with a bare foot.” I wrinkled my nose with distaste, and the little girl giggled.
“You’re not supposed to talk about vomit at the table,” she informed me.
“No other description painted an accurate picture.”
“What changed?” Gavina asked without censure. “I must admit, you are far different than advertised. Why, I haven’t beheld horns, fangs or a tail even once!”
I snorted, and Mirren giggled again. But, um, how to answer Gavina’s question without admitting the truth? I wracked my brain to cobble together an intelligent response, but only one word left my mouth. “Everything.” To get the spotlight off me, I asked, “If it’s okay with you, Mirren, I’d like to examine Skye.”
“Why? You’re not a doctor.” Her brow wrinkled. “Are you?”
“No. But I’ve saved many dolls from the brink of death.” I’d made all kinds of toys for my classroom. Some from scratch. Others I bought at thrifts stores and repaired. “I might as well try to save her. She’s gonna die if I don’t, right?”
The girl’s expression turned pensive. “I guess.”
“An examination will have to wait,” Gavina said. “Mirren’s schedule is full. She’s to read a book by nine. Obligations must be met.”
“Why don’t we do both?” I suggested, eager to help the little girl. “Mirren can read to us while I do the doctoring.” I could put my sleuthing on hold for a bit. But just a bit!
“Oh. Well.” Gavina pondered for a moment. “I suppose Callen will find no fault with such a plan. If Miss Mirren agrees, of course.”
“Maybe she will, maybe she won’t. I’m good either way.” Rather than push my offer to the little girl, I kept my focus on the aunt. A strategy I’d learned from my stepfather as he’d dealt with my hot-headed Momma. Apply no pressure. Let the feral ones set the pace. “Are you dating anyone?”