Page 66 of Claws and Contrivances
“I don’t think Mr Chalmers is flustered by anything. Did you know that he can sing as well as act? We’re going to practise one of my favourite Mozart duets tomorrow.” Serena gave a catlike smirk that signalled many new possibilities being developed.
And – as Rose realised in a sudden burst of joy – she would be there to witness every one of them, while she devoted herself to an absorbing purpose she believed in and managed a home that she would never have to lose.
She would never have to leave behind the relatives she’d come to love, and even when this vast house became home to dragons and visiting scholars alike, there would still be plenty of space for both of her sisters to spend as much time as possible here.
“Still, it does sound like a great deal of practical effort.” Aunt Parry looked at her with an air of concern. “Perhaps you’d better take some time to think it all over, dear. I’m sure you could wait at least a few more days to properly make up your mind ...”
But Rose’s joy was already so intense that it brought Rhiannon popping into the room at her feet, chirping eagerly and nudging at Rose’s legs for attention. Still holding Mr Aubrey’s hand, Rose knelt to brush her cheek against Rhiannon’s wine-red snout with the most exquisite relief.
Together, they would go and rescue all of the dragons still trapped in their cages upstairs – and then she’d fill up that empty Grand Plan for her future with a lifetime full of scales and magic and wild, impossible dreams come true.
* * *
~The End~
