Chapter 39
A much smaller crowd lingered in the kitchens the morning after Elizabeth’s party, most with hangovers demanding enough caffeine to fuel twice their number. John had been in the same regrettable shape more than he wanted to admit after a party or holiday in this house.
He wasn’t sure whether to be worried or relieved that Elizabeth was nowhere in sight.
Still, he was more than grateful for the subdued mood when he and Branwen appeared. A few of the less bleary eyed grinned and shook his hand. Easy enough to smile, nod in return, and move on.
Branwen surprised him yet again with her own responses. Instead of the tearful silence of the night before, she returned hugs, answered questions, and listened to a stream of warnings and advice. He moved himself out of the way at the sm
