Page 35 (1/2)

"Yes, yes," Prince Toril said He opened aand slipped out He climbed across the roof and down the side of the ility

When he dropped to the frost-covered grass and raised a hand to wave to Lady Linnea, the young lady called, glancing around guiltily to watch for servants "Prince Toril?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you"

"For buying the flax?"

"No, for cohtened, Lady Linnea heard a tap on the door She waved to the prince before hastily shutting theand pulling the drapes to cover it

"Co herself for the day

"When Mama heard about the rumors, she called the steward, head maid, housekeeper, and chief footman and told the spread through the house again, they should plan on seeking employment elsewhere Of course everyone knows Malfrid is the one who started the rumors I don’t knohy Mama has retained her thus far She is as sour as a skunk," Lady Linnea said, her voice dripping with disgust

Ge the seaht-blue silk "I’h I a the fabrics so the new piece was no longer inside-out but outside-out

"What?" Lady Linnea yelped, banging her elbow on the grate of the ceiling- "What do you er a Lovland employee’?"

"Exactly what it sounds I am not a Lovland employee How can I be, locked up as I am?" Gemma said, her eyebrows furrowed as she shaped the fabric piece into a hood "I hope it is deep enough He does enjoy covering his face," she said, placing the hood on her head to be certain the rim fell low over her face--it did

Lady Linnea didn’t hear Ge "But! You just--who cares if you are locked up!"

"I can hardly make dresses for you in this situation, My Lady"

Lady Linnea eyed Ge soht now You could do the sa out her chest She thought for a ine sewing for soht now But, you can’t just…What will I do without you?" Lady Linnea protested, peeking down through thegrille

"I wouldn’t worry about it just yet, My Lady," Ge the hood aside to eye the pieces she had already cut for the body of the cape