Five
THERE WERE ONLY a few candles lit in the long, dark solarium, creating a small pool of light at the table where Lady Vallentyn and her niece, Miss Havelock, were working. Every so often, flashes of lightning from outside the large windows dispelled the shadows. The women paid no attention to the storm, however, speaking quietly and intently as they tended to their plants. Adriana hesitated at the door, unsure of whether she should interrupt them.
It seemed as if a lesson was going on. Lady Vallentyn, who had her back to Adriana, was explaining something to Miss Havelock about the particular plant in front of her. Miss Havelock nodded her understanding, but before she could say anything, Lady Vallentyn held up her hand to quiet her.
“What is it, my dear?” Lady Vallentyn asked sweetl
