Page 57 (1/2)

Theypond and society behind The grounds were full of exotic plants of strange shapes There was steam-powered mechanical statuary as well, built to rese a pattern over and over, like the ballerina in a musical box Here and there monkeys chattered abuse and hurled projectiles at them

"They don’t think much of olves," explained Professor Lyall

Prim and Rue raised their parasols in defence Nuts and s noises as they bounced harmlessly off the taut cloth

Rue said, "Well, Uncle?"

"I only wanted to say, Miss Rue, that the pack and I are at your disposal Sidheag can be grumpy but she knows her duty to queen and country or ouldn’t be stationed here If you are acting under the auspices of any of your parents in their forovernmental roles, ill aid you by any means necessary"

Rue was startled by such an offer "Why, thank you very much"

Professor Lyall bowed "And I am, most particularly, your servant"

"You trust me more than she does – why is that?"

"I’ve received several letters over the years extolling your virtues"

There was a ain, Rue sensed deeper troubles with his connection to the London Pack

"Why does air back to London?"

"A bargain was struck, debts need to be paid She has been waiting for the suer than any of us expected"

"Oh, indeed?"

"Yourwo she touches, doesn’t she?"

"Oh, yes? What kind of everything do you ht say And you, little one, are you the same? I have so many questions Have you reatly missed the opportunity to learn the scientific details as you gro does the shift feel for you? What is it like to be a vampire one moment and olf the next? If you touch both simultaneously can you be both at once?" Academic curiosity must be how he had earned theto divert her attention

"Please, professor, why is Lady Kingair needed in London?"