Harry strolled to his parked car, and I waved to him from the bottom of the steps, feeling a bit forlorn as I watched him disappear down the tree-lined drive. It was getting close to teatime and the afternoon was turning cool. I pulled my sweater sleeves down over my hands and crossed my arms over my chest.

I knew I had better get inside and check on Viv and Andre. Piper had seemed determined to have Viv join her hen, but Viv was not one to do something she didn’t want to do—vast understatement there—and things could get tense if Piper got pushy.

There was a butler waiting at the large main door who hadn’t been there a moment ago. I was relieved to see him, because I knew he could tell me where to find the suite that Viv and I were sharing. He was tall and thin, with neatly trimmed sideburns and a mustache that perched just above his upper lip. He wore a black suit with a white dress shirt and a narrow black tie. His shoes were shined to such mirrored perfection that I was certain I could check my lipstick in them if need be.

“Ms. Parker, good afternoon,” he said. His voice was low and distinct and very proper. “I’m Mr. Jenkins, the castle’s head of staff, at your service.”

My mouth popped open. How did he know my name?

“Your cousin, Ms. Tremont, mentioned that you would be arriving at any moment, and asked me to direct you to the blue suite,” he said.

“She described my hair, didn’t she?” I asked.

A small smile tipped the right corner of his lips. “She did give a very apt description of you.”

Ah, the British gift of tact. It really was their superpower.

“Very thoughtful of her.” I wondered what else she’d said, but I didn’t think he’d tell me if I asked. His impeccable manners wouldn’t allow it.

“If you’ll follow me,” he said. “Your bags have already been brought up to your room.”

He gestured for me to step inside with a sweep of his arm and I did so, gaining my second glimpse of the enormous great hall and the interior of Waverly Castle. Wowza! How had I missed it the first time? Oh, yeah, I’d had my gaze fastened on the floor as Harry and I scuttled out like criminals.

Even in my wildest imaginings, I could not have conjured up this space. There were tapestries, incredibly detailed and massive, hanging on the walls. The fireplace was so big and broad, I could have walked right into it and stood at my full height. Me! And I’m not short.