Claudia smiled as Rosalind wandered away, then set her mind toward figuring out how to get Vidal to ask. A few minutes later, the question was taken out of her hands. Vidal walked up to her as though examining the sweets.
“Now, now, young man,” Claudia said, “You may not be a child, but I’ll not let you eat dessert before dinner either. You’re not so big I can’t whack you.” She waved her spoon menacingly and smiled.
Vidal laughed. “I’m not interested in your sweets, Señora. I have a question to ask you.”
“Ask away.”
“I have a bit of a dilemma,” Vidal began, shifting his weight from foot to foot with discomfort. “I owe Rosalinda a great deal. In the last year, she has been a constant friend and support.” His cheeks flamed beyond what his words warranted.
Claudia narrowed her eyes, wond
