Noel’s expression became serious, his eyes attentive. "Maybe now’s the time to tell us what this is about, Baron."
The baron sighed and nodded. He sat back heavily in the chair while the baroness went to a sideboard where a silver tea service sat. She lifted the tray and brought it to the rosewood coffee table where she set it down. Like any good hostess, she began to serve tea to each in turn.
The baron started to tell his tale.
"After the original Baron died, he bequeathed this castle, all its possessions, and his title to me, his creation. Since my only name was The Monster, I assumed his family name as my own." The baroness sat down with a cup of tea in her hand just as the baron gazed at the delicate creature with her high cheekbones, perfect posture, and skin the color of alabaste
