Page 25 of Boy of Chaotic Making

“It was more trouble than it was worth,” Briar said as she and Cora pulled apart. She gave her sister a genuine smile. “But I noticed damage on the west hall—was there a storm?”

Briar made no effort to sit at the table; meanwhile, Ernst was helping himself to every tray. Merritt watched them quietly.

Lady Helen threw down her napkin. “I’ll let William catch you up on all of it, because I’m tired of it all!” After steadying herself with a breath, she said, “Baron, Briar, this is Mr. Fernsby and Mr. Mansel, whom I wrote you about.”

Briar started, seeming to see Merritt for the first time. “My apologies.” She offered a mild curtsy. “I hope you are enjoying your stay. And ...” She searched the room, two fine lines forming between her brows.

Owein walked up beside Merritt so he could be seen.

“Oh. Oh, right.” Briar’s face notably fell. She plastered on a smile, but it affected only her mouth, leaving the rest of her expression tight. “How ... peculiar. I hope you, too, are finding everything well.”

We were almost crushed,Owein responded.

Merritt set a hand on the dog’s shoulder. “He is, thank you.”

Owein shot him a scorning look that was surprisingly human.

The sound of distant barking outside caught Merritt’s attention. Owein’s, too, by the way his ears rose.

“Don’t mind that,” Lady Helen said as Cora tiredly resumed her seat. She waved Briar over, but Briar replied with a subtle shake of her head, which made Merritt curious. “That’s just our kennel master readying the hounds.”

“I thought a fox hunt might be a splendid way to start the morning.” Prince Friedrich helped himself to a bite of ham. “Good thing to get our minds off it all, eh, Mr. Fernsby?”

Owein’s voice chimed in,Don’t leave.

Merritt kept his eyes forward. “I’ve never hunted a fox before.”And maybe I’ll be harder to randomly murder if I’m on horseback.

Those thoughts would not get him anywhere.

Baron von Gayl wiped his mouth and said, “But surely you ride, yes?”

Merritt managed a smile. “I know how to stay atop the saddle, at least.”

“You should join them,” Briar said to Baron von Gayl, still looming near the door. “You do love a good hunt.”

“Surely you both want to rest,” said Lady Helen.

“We’re quite rested,” Briar pressed. “Aren’t we, Ernst?”

Seems she’s not fond of her husband,Merritt said to Owein.

Owein tipped his head.

“Yes, yes, I think I shall.” The German nodded.

Don’t leave me behind,Owein repeated. A slight whine followed.

Merritt hesitated, unsure what decorum required of him. “Uh ...”

Lady Helen perked up. “Is he speaking?”

To Briar, Cora explained, “Mr. Fernsby is a communionist. He can tell us what Owein—I mean, Mr. Mansel—says.”

Owein glanced at her.She can call me Owein.

Clearing his throat, Merritt relayed the message. Cora seemed pleased.

“He’d also like to attend the hunt,” Merritt added.

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