Sebastian, calm as can be, knocks three times and then clasps his hands behind his back. Almost immediately, a man answers the door. He’s dressed well in a simple doublet, and he wears his graying hair in a neat tail at his neck. But before I am put at ease, he looks at me with such disdain, I almost step back.
“We are here in response to the inquiry posted in the square.” Sebastian gestures for me to hand the man the parchment.
I dig it out of my bodice. The man’s eyes widen, and I regret placing it there. Clearing my throat, attempting a cool, impartial look, I hand the man the wrinkled paper.
From the corner of my eye, I see Sebastian attempting—and failing—to hide a smirk.
“Won’t you come in?” the man asks after he reads the inquiry. “I’ll notify Baron Malcomny you are here.”
We’re led into a grand foyer. It’s so large, I could pick up my family’s entire cottage and plop it down in the middle…with room to spare. There are hundreds of strange plants growing from pots placed on the floor and shelves. Vines tumble from planters and climb the walls. The room has an odd damp feel to it, as if we’re far closer to the coast than we are. A massive chandelier hangs over us, lit by the sun shining in through a wall of windows toward the south. I stand, bemused, staring at dozens of tiny rainbows on the ceiling.
“Stop gaping like a wide-eyed milkmaid,” Sebastian says quietly.
“My apologies.” I smile up at him sweetly. “Am I embarrassing you? If I am, you are free to leave.”
He’s opening his mouth to respond when movement at the top of the stairs catches his attention. Putting on twin pleasant expressions, we immediately face the man walking with his steward. He’s tall, and all his features are pointy. He smiles when he draws closer, but I seem to be unable to focus on anything but his unusually large nose.
Baron Malcomny looks very much like a human stork.
“Pleasant afternoon,” Sebastian says, bowing at the waist. When I don’t move, he subtly jabs his elbow in my side, reminding me to curtsy.
I do my best, but I’m unpracticed. That, and it looks ridiculous when you’re wearing trousers. It feels far more graceful when you have a skirt to fluff out when you dip down.
Baron Malcomny doesn’t seem to notice my discomfort. He comes forward, heartily greeting us. “I was beginning to give up hope on anyone in Baywhite answering my inquiry. I thought I was going to be forced to post one in Tiern.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Lordship.” I come forward. Then, feeling ornery, I continue, “I am Lucia, and this is Sebastian…my assistant.”
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Fire and Feathers_Novelette Prequel to Moss Forest Orchid Page 5
