“Yes.”
“I haven’t given him a second thought, my little librarian.”He tapped the book resting on her lap.
“I have.”
“You needn’t.”Soren plopped down into the space beside her.“Bart is not worth negotiating with.And after what happened when we returned to pick up your sister, I realized the situation is a lot more volatile than I thought.”
“You mean those hirelings we ran into?”
“I never would have suspected that Bart is wrapped up in such a scheme.”
“He doesn’t really own Night Sky, does he?”
“No.”
“And those hirelings aren’t under his employ, are they?He’s under their surveillance, isn’t he?”
“It appears that way.”Soren rubbed his hand along her knee.
“It’s a good thing you didn’t haul Fidelia out of there on our first visit.”
“I almost did.”
“I know.But imagine what could have happened to you.”She blinked hard and rubbed the pads of her fingers along her eyelids.
“I’m safe, darling.”
“I’m glad.”
“And in a very bizarre way, Fidelia is safer there for now, too.”
“I didn’t understand it at the time, but she was right.We’ll have to find a different way to rescue her.I’m still not sure about keeping it a secret from Tempy and Verity.”
“It’s the only thing she asked of us.Let’s respect her wishes for now.Who knows what kind of danger it might put them in,” he reassured.
“You’re right.”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll think of something.”
“We won’t give up until we do—”
Just then, Tempy and Verity walked into the parlor and Pru rushed to her feet.
“What’s this I hear about an engagement?”Verity asked, straight to the point.
Pru chuckled.“No engagement yet.”
“Soon.Very soon,” Soren shot her a look.“I’m just waiting for the perfect moment.”
“Perfect moment?”Verity eyed him cautiously.
“I’m only doing this once, and I want her to remember it.”
“I’m so excited for you two!”Tempy squealed, pulling the couple into a squished embrace.“I can’t wait for you to get married.”
“Ahhh, so you’re the starry-eyed romantic then?”Soren asked.
“That she is,” Pru affirmed.“Now, shall we have tea?”
