Presently Charley smoothed out the displeasure from her face and stalked away from the spot by the pillar to the front desk. She collected and read her telegrams, and came back towards the terrace entrance doors. On her brief journey across the carpeted floor, she squared her shoulders and gathered calm to her face and manner.
My inimitable friend, who could look an adversary in the eye and continue smiling. There but for the grace of God...
I hurried back outside to ensure that I would return to Vincent and Tilly ahead of Charley, that there would be no awkward questions or explanations required. It was clear that Charley had added another secret to her treasury that she did not intend yet to share.
“Oh, there you are!” exclaimed Tilly. “We were beginning to think we’d lost you both.”
