19
A knock sounded on the dining room door and at a word from Sheldrake, Stefan entered. Maud, Eloquin the governess, Sasha, and Jayhan were already seated.
“Good morning, all,” he said cheerily as he sat down at the table and unfolded his napkin.
“Good morning, Stefan,” replied Maud. “Once more, your notion of training our entire staff, rather than introducing men-at-arms, has proved its worth. Well done.”
Stefan chuckled. “The congratulations should go to Hannah. She is becoming a dab hand with a frying pan… as a weapon, I mean.” Everyone around the table smiled but he noticed that Sasha’s smile was forced, and that she was looking down at her plate, which was currently empty. “Are you still not feeling safe, little one?” he asked.
She gave her head a tiny shake then dragged her dar
