“So,” June said, leaning in toward me. “I have planned a few more opportunities for you to be quite busy with your studies today. And, in fact, eventually, we might even plan a trip together. To gather a few”—she cleared her throat—“scholastic supplies…that you might have left behind at Kendrick Estate. I figure you are yearning to return, even if it is just for a visit.”

Perfect. Could not be more perfect. I would use the opportunity to visit the trade route points and to liberate some pyres. We would put the tunnels to use with immediacy. And then I would return to Rennington Estate with none the wiser.

June smiled, though she knew nothing of the trade routes or my plans to use them. “I thought that might excite you. Perhaps we could leave this week?”

I shook my head.

“Or…in two days time?”

No.

“Tomorrow?”

That would do nicely. I led June through the servants’ tunnels in the heart of the manor until we appeared in the kitchen. Niall was there, as I expected, stuffing warm bread into his cheeks and trying to pretend he did not miss his Lilac. I patted him heartily on the shoulder so June understood.

“We will take the gangly fellow as well?”

His mouth too full for him to swallow, his eyes went wide. “Me? Take me where?”

“We are going to Kendrick Estate, and we need a fancy Braun to accompany us, as we are small and frail women who cannot fend for ourselves in the out of doors,” June explained.

Niall grinned past the bread. “And you picked me  to escort you?” He leapt to his feet. “I have just purchased new suspenders perfect for such an occasion. I will ready myself immediately. Yes, thank you for thinking of me!” And, after he force-swallowed his bread, he kissed my face and June’s hand as well and dashed off.

Isther Rennington did not enjoy the prospect of me leaving her watchful, nigh dictatorial eye, but alas, she was the one who hired an impossibly strict governess to break me of my speechless ways. What sense would it make to curtail the woman’s attempts at civilizing?

And so, one day later, in a spitefully small and crowded carriage pulled by my beloved Vagabond, June, Niall, and I smiled as Rennington Manor faded into the background. Once we were on the road, I had June dismiss our driver and took the reins myself, though we could not continue quite yet.

“Forgive me, cousin, but is there a reason we are simply stopped on the road?” Niall asked, leaning out the carriage window.

June sighed. “You must simply go along with her plans, Braun Rennington, for she will not tell you what they are until they are upon you.”

“Oh?”