Her normal twenty-minute walk was done in under ten, as Mary-Michael almost ran the entire way, and skipped up the steps to enter the house. She called out for Sally, who replied from the dining room where she was setting the table for dinner.
“Sally, set two extra settings please.” Mary-Michael practically sang, her mood was so happy. “And use the good china and silver, for we’ll be having company for dinner.”
“Who is it?”
“Captain Gualtiero is back,” Mary-Michael poured a glass of water and drank heartily before refilling it to carry up with her. “He’s brought his partner with him. Their two ships sailed into our bay not an hour ago. I have one of the lads in the yard rowing out to invite them.”
“Then you won’t want me and Victor sharing the table.” The servant began to gather the pl
