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Felicity explained to Tabitha: “Like many of our kind, we provide clothing for those who arrive to our lands in need.”
Lady Coleman eyed Tabitha’s serviceable walking dress. “That fabric is from Italy, the north of the country.”
“It is Florentine.” She ran her hands down the front of it, its tight weave smooth as glass, soothing against her palms. “My brother and I spent much time traveling abroad and found Italy most congenial.”
“My own brother enjoys the freedom of the Continent,” said the lady, and they shared a measuring glance. “He has for some time. As a confirmed bachelor.”
Ah. “It is possible our brothers are acquainted, Lady Coleman.”
“The world is small,” she agreed.
“I have found it so, if one’s interests intersect.”
“Oh, indeed,” Lady Coleman replied. “I myself have spent much time in France. Being abroad offered me the freedom to pursue my art, as I suspect it did yours.”
“Yes, I did not fail to find those in need of succor wherever we went,” Tabitha said. “I learned much, and it kept the wolf from the door.”
“A universal desire,” Jemima agreed.
“I did not even consider that you two would find common ground,” Felicity said. “I hope you will take the opportunity to further your acquaintance—”
Another stable master, or manager—how many people did it take to mind horses?—came running. “Miss!” he called, hailing Felicity and waving a letter.
“Are you now delivering post, Bailey? Do not let Mr. Marshall see you parted from your duties as his second-in-command.” Felicity took the missive from the lanky fellow, whose exotic species took Tabitha by surprise. “And do not let His Grace hear you call memiss.”
“Not at all, miss.” He grinned cheekily and cast a sultry look at Mary before heading for the stable. The little mouse blushed and stuck her chin in the air the way Felicity was prone to do. Lowell Close was a veritable den of romance.
Felicity scanned the letter’s contents. “Jem—Lady Coleman! This is from Mrs. Anchoretta Asquith. She is to pass through Sussex on her next research expedition.” She turned to Tabitha. “It was Lady Coleman who introduced me to her work.”
“Her Grace in turn has lent me her latest,” Tabitha said to the dove Shifter.
“I do hope you will be here when she arrives.” Felicity slid the letter into one of her pockets. “I have never met an author. I will be delighted to welcome her.”
“I am here now, which is all I can promise.” Lady Coleman’s response was serene but one sensed undercurrents. “I was not able to attend the ceremony at Lupercalia, so I am here to observe Ostara with you and your pack.”
Felicity hugged her friend once more. “Again, wonderful and a surprise.”
“It was spur-of-the-moment, as my aunt was called away to a house party. As a rule she requires my company, but happily not in this instance. And so I am here, without my trunks, alas,” Lady Coleman said. “How convenient it will be to take a coach from Town.”
“Perhaps you may seek to influence Mr. Bates’s poor opinion on that score,” Felicity said, a teasing look in her eye.
Any response the lady may have made was drowned out by yet another cheer as the pub’s sign hung securely on its own.
***
It was Alwyn’s turn to pretend he wasn’t startled as another rousing cheer rang out in the village.
Lowell clapped Matthias on the back. “That sound is likely due to the Sleuth and Scepter’s sign going up.”
“That sound is the end of our safety,” the wolf mumbled.
“Or the beginning of our prosperity,” countered the boar.
“Increased prosperity, though I do not like to brag,” said Lowell, who was shouted down by his Second and Third. And rightly so; all wolves did was brag and boast.
Lowell’s pride was not baseless, for he was doing something good here, something strong and secure and welcoming. It was not hard to believe he could protect his pack from incursion, but the trust he was placing in his people to keep their secret and the humans not to see what he had and try to steal it away…it was a risk, but to what end? Surely not so the weavers could sell their cloth to the wider world. The wolf Alpha continued, “Increased prosperity and the chance to open up and make new, er, friends.”
Ah-ha. “Mates.” The three turned to Alwyn, only two faces showing surprise; Lowell looked caught with his hand in the biscuit jar.
