Chapter 8The lad raced from the chamber, not waiting to see if Gregory was behind him, leading the way at pace through a bewildering array of richly decorated, unpeopled rooms. Gregory wondered where on earth they were going until suddenly they emerged through an outside door and into formal gardens.
With a panicked glance at the wide windows overlooking the beautifully maintained paths, the boy scurried to the side of the house as though seeking a more sheltered location, which Gregory guessed must be a familiar shelter from his elders.
They reached a hedge-lined herb garden containing one or two strategically placed benches. Gregory reckoned that under different circumstances, this must be a pleasant spot.
Now in his territory, the young man found his courage. He faced Gregory, standi
