33
“Of course, Mave.” Nora bowed her head, then narrowed her eyes as she studied me. “She’ll be beautiful.”
“Good girl.” Mave swept back toward the stairs. “Now I’ve got to manage her brother.”
I watched Mave disappear down the steps, feeling the stares of the five women prickling the back of my neck.
“Who’s your brother?” the girl in the pink robe asked.
“I…” I felt as though I were withering under their gazes. “I’m not sure you’d know him.”
The girl in pink raised an eyebrow.
“Emmet Ryeland,” I said.
“Emmet’s here?” A girl with chestnut curls started toward the stairs. “The Emmet?”
“Leave it, Lolli.” Nora caught her arm. “I don’t think Mave would like you storming in.”
“How do you know my brother?” I asked.
A chorus of laughter rang from the girls.
Nora fluttered a hand for t
