G.R. FREEMAN

Solicitor At Law

Staple Inn

London

Seren’s heart gave a leap. That had been her aunt’s lawyer. Why was he writing to Captain Jones? Was it about her?

Her hand crept towards the envelope but at that moment Mrs Villiers bustled out of the drawing room, her arms full of flowers. ‘Seren! Don’t touch anything! Everything is ready for the Ball. The first guests are expected in a few hours. Some are staying the night, you know.’

Seren jumped back. ‘Are they?’

‘You and Tomos will have supper in the schoolroom, and then you can come down when the music starts. Meanwhile, stay out of the way.’

Seren nodded. She started to hurry to the door. Then she turned, abruptly. ‘Thank you, Mrs Villiers.

‘Goodness. What for?’

‘For everything. Since I came.’

‘Well … I… That’s quite all right, Seren. Quite all right.’ Mrs Villiers seemed a little embarrassed. She hastily arranged the flowers in a vase.

‘Off you go now. No arguing.’

She swept up the envelope and carried it quickly away towards the Captain’s study.

Seren frowned. She walked slowly down the steps.

Outside, the summer afternoon was waning. The stable clock struck four. Tomos was jigging with impatience. ‘Come on! It’s time to go!’

He had a small knapsack on his back. ‘The Box is in here. And the other stuff.’ He whispered. ‘Let’s go. ‘

‘Where’s the Crow?’

‘Waiting outside.’

They flitted through the busy house. Everyone was so caught up in preparations that even Lady Mair didn’t notice them slip past the dining-room door, where she was inspecting the table.

On the terrace Seren hissed, ‘Where are you?’

‘Here.’ The Crow was a dark shape perched on the low stone wall. ‘Got everything?’

‘Yes.’

‘Sure?’

‘Yes!’

‘Well, let me see.’

Tomos opened the bag; the Crow peered in and rummaged. ‘Good. Now. We go fast and silent. And remember. This is a journey into a very strange place. Keep your wits about you. Don’t speak unless I tell you to. For heaven’s sake, don’t touch anything. And don’t,’ it glared at Seren, ‘promise anything!’

‘I won’t.’ She felt a little annoyed, but excited too.

The Crow flew. They hurried after it over the musky warmth of the summer lawns.

But just as they got to the gate into the park a small figure stepped out of the bushes in front of them and said, ‘You wait right there.’

Seren gasped. The Crow screeched to a halt. Tomos almost fell over.

Denzil said, ‘Where are you off to?’

He had the shotgun over his arm.

‘What are you doing with that?’ Seren stared.

‘Keeping an eye, bach, just keeping an eye.’ The small man looked at the Crow. ‘So. The time has come, has it? I think it’s about time we spoke, Sir, you and I.’

‘Yes.’ The Crow nodded. ‘Perhaps it is.’

There was another stir of branches and Seren saw Gwyn standing in the bushes behind, staring wide-eyed at the Crow.

‘Because I am not allowing Master Tomos and Miss Seren to be taken away anywhere,’ Denzil said firmly.