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“Och, as if we can afford such things as you’re speaking of,” muttered one of them.
“I’ve a few pennies,” said the shy one.
“Aye. Myself, I’ve a few, too,” said another, stepping forward.
A gnarled old hand appeared in the midst of their little group and dropped a handful of bent coins onto the wooden counter. “That’s all you’ll get from myself.”
Everyone looked at her in astonishment. “Grand-maman,” murmured the tall owner. “Where did you get that?”
“You don’t know everything about me,” she muttered, and that cryptic phrase was the most anyone could get out of her.
“That’s a good deal of money,” observed the owner, considering the pile with a knowing eye. “But ’tisn’t enough.”
Senna looked up from the pile. Their eyes met.
“No,” Senna agreed slowly. “Not enough by far.”
She tromped back to the table and began rummaging through her pack. “Do we have a pressing need for money just now, Finian?” she asked, her head to the side as she peered into the bag.
“We’ve got to pay for these.” He tapped the rim of his mug.
“Aye. The drinks. But other t
han that, do we need money for anything?”
His eyes swept across her dirty face, her ripped leggings. He pictured her in a green dress, with ribbons in her hair. And a jewel around her curving neck. On a bed. With fur covers. And the dress coming off. The necklace staying on.
“A few dozen things come to mind, aye,” he said slowly. “Have ye more coin, then?”
“A little.”
His gaze slid up. “Ye’re like a treasure trove, Senna. Where did you get all that?”
She slid her hand from her pack, clutching a small pouch in her palm. “I brought some with me from England.”
“Ye did?”
She shrugged. “Some. The rest is from Rardove’s coffers. ’Tis recompense for my physic expenses.” She paused. “What is your rate of pay?”
He gave a slow smile. “A powerful lot.”
She smiled back.
“Ye’ve the makings of a very fine thief, Senna. How much coin did ye take?”
“Just one scoop.” She cupped her hand and swept it through the air, like she was scooping a handful of water.
“Just one little scoop, is it?”
“Just one. Out of each coffer.”
He laughed.
She held up the purse. “So, do we need this?”
“Aye, lass.”
“As much as they do?” she asked, and flung her hand out behind her.
