“Things are a mess here, so I hired a carriage to take you back a few days early. Betsy is getting your luggage together. I’m sorry this wasn’t the vacation I promised.”
Yup, the tears are coming.I pushed off the sofa and nearly bumped into the tea cart. A tear escaped before I could get away, and I jerked my hair over my shoulders to hide it.
“I’ll go say goodbye to Edward and everyone else then. Congratulations on the promotion. At least something good came of this trip.”
“Tessa, wait. I think you’re—”
“No. Don’t say anything else. I understand, loud and clear.”
“I don’t think you do. Come here.”
And let you see me blubbering? Not a chance.Picking up my pace, I hurried from the room.
***
“Space! My grandson wants to give you space? Where is the young man? I don’t think he’s met the blunt end of my cane yet.” Edward slammed the referenced cane against the floor and glowered.
The carriage was stationed in front of the manor, and the driver loaded my bags in the back. I was leaving alone. Vivian had predicted I might need to leave early, but she was only half right. I didn’t need to pawn the golden medallion. I guess it was lucky.
No—Derrick was sending me home on my own.
I couldn’t believe it, and I waffled between abject despair and belligerent rage.
Edward gripped my hand when the driver indicated he was finished preparing the carriage. “You’re going to be just fine, my dear. This conversation aside, my grandson isn’t a fool, and only a fool would let you go.”
“Thank you, Edward,” I said, dropping his hand and dragging him into a hug. Squeezing my eyes shut, I tightened my hold, and he patted my back in a comforting gesture.
“It was a great pleasure to meet you, and I know we’ll see you again soon. Even if I have to travel into the kingdom myself. Cynthia has already been badgering my ear about seeing your magic shop, so expect visitors.”
I nodded, swiping at my lashes. “I should go.”
“Safe travels, my dear.”
He waved to me as I boarded the carriage and settled into the plush seats. It was the same one as before, rigged with skis to plow through the fresh snow.
The horses neighed, stomping their feet on the drive. I couldn’t look out the window at the manor and watch it fade into the distance, so I focused on fiddling with the medallion in my lap, waiting for us to start our journey home.
Coming full circle sucks.
The carriage door jolted open, and a burst of icy air hit me in the face.
Derrick nodded as he climbed up the steps and took the seat across from me. He had a stack of folders in his hands, and he shrugged out of his coat, getting comfortable.
“What are you doing?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Turns out I’m needed at the agency sooner than planned. I’ll travel back with you if you don’t mind.”
Oh, come on!Did he have to join me on my sleigh ride of shame? If this was what he meant by “space,” it wasn’t far enough.
My nightmare was coming true. It was going to be nothing but awkward glances and strained silence for two days straight. It wasn’t fair. At least he had reading material! The grimoire was locked in a trunk in the back.
I slumped against the seat and turned to look out the window. “That’s fine. I’m pretty tired. I’ll probably sleep for the entire trip anyway.”
“Are you warm enough? I could get you a blanket.”
“No.” I was freezing.
“I have to catch up on these files—there’s a ton of them. More on my desk at the agency. You should see what they expect me to get done in my first week.”
