Page 26 of Must Love Scones and Secrets
I grinned at her.I already know it’s coming. Just say it.
“I don’t mean to be dismissive,” Portia continued, “but I found it so…pedestrian.”
The others laughed lightly. No one was surprised. Portia was a dear friend, but her taste in books always leaned toward heavier reads.
“At least we could understand it,” Winifred told her, making the others chuckle. “I know you love him, Portia, but I could barely understand Bard Silas Drear’s poems,” she said, referringto our last read, which had been Portia’s selection. “His ideas were lofty, but I could barely keep my eyes open.”
“Bard Silas Drear is a master,” Portia protested. “I had hoped you would enjoy his poems,” she said with a defeated sigh.
“We did,” Juniper said warmly. “The meaning was just a bit obscure, at times.”
Sir Hootington opened one eye and let out an empathetic “hoo” before tucking his head back under his wing.
“I’ve heard Bard Drear’s poems performed on the road,” Tansy piped in. “When set to music, theycanbe very moving.”
“Yes, I suppose so,” Portia lamented.
“Crown and Crumpetsdoes have its deeper meanings,” Emmalyn said. “It’s about being honest about what you want and truly knowing yourself. Lord Thornwick struggled with that, and I think that’s a universal pain, right?” she asked tepidly, showing some of her own vulnerability for just a moment.
I nodded enthusiastically. “That’s what grabbed me about this book when I first read it. I wanted to leave Spring Haven then, but pixies usually stay in pixie lands—at least, that’s what my mother made me believe. But I knew I had to find myself. I also saw my own struggle in Lord Thornwick.”
Emmalyn gave me a soft smile.
“And itisa spicy love story,” Winifred said, fanning herself jokingly. “When he leaped into the river to save her, coming out soaking wet…whew.”
The others laughed, even Portia.
I grinned. “There is that. And you all know my imagination is always primed for true love. I’m forever waiting for Lord Thornberry to sweep me off my feet.”
“Would a Rune elf do instead?” Emmalyn asked with a smirk.
I paused and turned to her, a curious expression on my face.
Sir Hootington’s head also swiveled in her direction, suddenly interested.
“Oh, yes,” Winnie said, tossing aside her book with glee and leaning in to hear the gossip. “Let’s talk abouthim! Who was that man lingering around your shop, Rosalyn? That Rune elf? What was he doing? Who is he?”
“He’s working for my father and the other elders to help the unicorns,” Emmalyn replied, gesturing to a sugar cube that did a little somersault into her tea. “He’s staying with us.”
“Hmm,” Winnie mused suspiciously. “Well, he was practically stalking Rosalyn last night.”
“I wouldn’t call stopping by for dinnerstalking,” I replied. “We met at the elder’s estate, and he stopped by the café for something to eat. He doesn’t know anyone in town, and you all know I can’t help but be friendly to strangers, especially the tall, handsome ones.”
The others chuckled.
Sir Hootington hooted in agreement.
“Hewaslingering. I saw him at your doortwice. You need to watch him, Rosalyn,” Winifred warned. “We don’t know anything about him,” she said, then turned to Emmalyn. “Where did he come from?”
“He’s King Ramr of Frostfjord’s Master of Horse and a unicorn expert.”
“Married?” Winifred asked.
“I don’t know,” Emmalyn replied.
“Girlfriend?” Winnie added.
I would have tried to stop her, but I was dying to know too.
