Chapter Ten
‘Tell me about Grenlowe.’
Sophy sat beside Mr. Balligumph on the edge of the old stone bridge, her legs folded beneath the fabric of her gown, her bonnet lying discarded upon the stone slabs beside her. The mid-day sun shone warm upon her smiling face, and the fresh breeze seemed to take all her cares sailing away with it.
The troll had taken off his hat, too, though he chose to cradle it in his lap. He sat near to Sophy, idly stroking the crown as he spoke. ‘Grenlowe, is it?’ he said, with a toothily smug smile. ‘I take it ye’re pleased wi’ the place, to be askin’ me that.’
‘One should not form judgements too quickly, I know,’ replied Sophy, ‘but I could not help myself. Grenlowe was charming.’
Balli’s smug smile vanished and he turned serious. ‘Aye, well, I won’t deny I
