9
Ruby, Pixley, and Fina leaned in closer.
“Pardon me.” Pixley adjusted his spectacles. “Did you say purification?”
A burst of laughter tumbled forth from Lady Shillington. Her chin shook in much the same way Pixley’s did when he was enjoying himself. Her eyes glistened. She put a hand on Pixley’s arm and then on Ruby’s. “Please forgive me, dears. I couldn’t help myself.”
Though Alice had vanished, Snave stood still next to them, and Fina swore she detected a slight shaking of his head. He withdrew a handkerchief from his breast pocket and handed it to Lady Shillington.
Lady Shillington dabbed her eyes with the cloth. “Last month, I had builders install a replica of a Turkish hammam – or steam bath – next to the winter garden. It was just an empty spot filled with lawn, so I thought w
