Page 24 of Must Love Scones and Secrets
“And where did you end up?” Lady Thornberry asked politely, though her eyes twinkled with curiosity.
I paused. “I… The Sconery. Rosalyn was kind enough to offer me a little supper,” I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.
Emmalyn, who was mid-pour, paused with her teapot still aloft. Her gaze flicked to mine, narrowed ever so slightly, then softened into a knowing smile before returning her attention to her drink again.
I cleared my throat and looked away from her.
“Oh, yes. Poor dear Rosalyn,” Lady Thornberry said, shaking her head. “Such a lovely girl. I can’t believe she’s still single. All the town’s still talking about that terrible date she had the other night. The brutish man! Poor Rosalyn had to slip out through the kitchen to get away. A tragedy. Such a beauty and so kind and charming. It’s a miracle she hasn’t been snatched up yet! I even heard that?—”
“Mother,” Emmalyn interrupted gently, giving her mother a knowing look.
Lady Thornberry caught her daughter’s meaning. “Yes, well. Rosalyn is quite the talented beauty and a great baker,” she said, giving me an affirmative nod.
I turned back to my plate, avoiding Emmalyn’s gaze. So, Rosalyn was unlucky in love. That realization twisted something in my chest. How did someone as beautiful and warm-hearted as her earn such a reputation? One more reason to leave her alone. If the truth ever came out that I was lying, I’d only be another mark on her long list of disappointments.
“Faelor will take you out to the fields this morning, Bjorn,” Elder Thornberry said. “He knows the place well. We’ve already sent someone out to stock the cabin. You should be in good shape to stay a few days and spend some time with the unicorns. If you find yourself in need of anything, just send a message.”
“Thank you, sir. That’s very kind of you,” I said.
I tried to finish up my breakfast without catching Emmalyn’s eye again, but it soon became clear that the elder and his wife could spend all morning recounting local gossip, and the unicorns weren’t going to wait.
“Father. Mother,” Emmalyn said smoothly, “I believe Bjorn is finished, and it would do him good to get an early start. May I escort him to the stables?”
“Of course, of course! We don’t want to hold you up,” Elder Thornberry said. “Just remember to send word if you need anything. We all hope this unicorn issue is resolved quickly. It’s got everyone in town on edge.”
I rose and bowed politely to the elder and his wife, then turned to Emmalyn, who offered me a sly smile as she led me outside toward the stone-lined path to the stables.
“We’ll see you have a horse to ride to the fields. And if you need anything while you’re out there, you’re free to ask,” she said.
“Thank you,” I replied, already sensing she was preparing an inquisition.
“What a coincidence,” she said, her voice airy, “that you managed to find Rosalyn’s shop after meeting her just that morning.”
I reached into my pocket and pulled out the compass bird. “I have this little guy to thank. He’s the one who led me to Rosalyn’s door.”
Emmalyn smiled. “Sometimes the simplest charms are the most honest. And while my father is right that there are manyfine restaurants in Moonshine Hollow, there’s no one quite like Rosalyn. Agreed?” she asked, a smirk already forming. I caught the same glimmer in her eye Asa often had. I knew better than to fall for it. So, instead, I leaned into it.
“It was a hearty dinner,” I said with a perfectly straight face, “served with a warm smile. What more can a man ask for?”
I gave her the same knowing look I always gave Asa when I knew she was trying to bait me.
Emmalyn chuckled and let the conversation drop.
When we reached the stables, Emmalyn led me to a tall, golden-eyed man waiting beside a saddled horse.
“Bjorn, this is Faelor, our Master of Horse,” Emmalyn said.
“Pleasure to meet you,” Faelor said, politely bowing to me. His voice was smooth, deep, and laced with a melodic quality. He had swarthy skin, gold-colored hair, and curling horns. His goat-like hoofed legs stuck out from under his short trousers.
“You as well,” I said, setting my hand on my waist and bowing politely. We had no satyrs in the Frozen Isles, so I was very pleased to meet him.
Faelor and I saddled up our horses, and we prepared the unicorn mare and foal to return with us to the fields.
“Be well, Bjorn,” Emmalyn said. “I’m off to book club with some friends…and Rosalyn. I’ll be sure to send your greetings,” she said with a grin, then wandered off.
I shook my head and then prepared to ride out.
Soon, Faelor and I rode across the green fields to the far pastures where the unicorns grazed.
