Page 69 (1/2)

"That will depend on you, Lady Captain" Quesnel’s tone became formal

"There could be a more convenient time"

"On The Spotted Custard it’s rarely convenient I will go down and resume my duties, if you would only talk with the way to ?"

Quesnel tilted his head, giving nothing away

"If you insist Come and see me later, once we’re in float? Official business There’s so we need to discuss I’m afraid my mother has spilled the beans" Rue could hardly believe thisto die? she wanted to ask Why didn’t you just tell me about the true purpose of the tank? Why don’t you trust me?

"Ominous"

"You’ve no idea"

"I’ll just make introductions and be off"

Quesnel helped the old er woman down from the net

"Lady Akeldama, please allow me to introduce Grandfather Panettone and Miss Panettone Grandfather, Miss Panettone, this is my captain and friend, Lady Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama"

Quesnel bowed and then left

Rue, conscious of her duties as hostess, led her strange visitors over to Pri area

"Mr Panettone, Miss Panettone? Do sit Tea? I’lish variety"

The oldas if he would like to smile in pleasure at the idea But he did not have the kind of face that smiled well

Rue hailed a foot Cook wouldn’t be too mad at the disruption to float off preparations Apparently not, for the footman reappeared promptly with a fresh pot and a few biscuits

Miss Panettone was a lively little thing, thin but with a round cheerful face darkened by the sun She did not wear the full veil as Rue had seen on most women in Cairo and her hair was pulled out to fraly symmetrical, with serious liquid black eyes and thick lashes She wore black robes, fitted at the top, with a velvet belt around her hips fro colourful tassels Her robe’s skirt and sleeves were richly eold embroidery Over the top she wore a dark blue velvet vest with yellow embroidery which reminded Rue of a Spanish bull dancer The embroidery was a repeated motif of a stylised balloon

"A pleasure toaccent Her voice was oddly familiar As were her eyes