Page 197 of The Seven Rings
“Yes, a very pretty girl. Clover let us know she worked here for five years before she died. I know she was happy here. She loved the manor.”
“And she still does,” Trey murmured. “The mirror came to you.”
“Yes, and like I said, it wasn’t like the other times. I had a choice, and it felt good.”
She lifted her glass, sipped again.
“It felt as if I was being invited. I wanted it, and it gave me a choice because it wasn’t something I had to see, but wanted to see. But only that much. When I thought I’d look around more, it blocked the way. I got my wish, but that was it.”
“And on this side,” Cleo added, “it was two or three minutes, tops.”
“At least ten, and I think a little more over there. It was a good space, so clean and well-appointed. Lamps lit, a fire simmering low, comfortable-looking chairs, the servants’ bells all shining.”
“You were still a little shaky when you came back.”
“But not for as long, Cleo. And I think you’re right about it sucking up some of my energy. Anyway, it was an amazing experience.”
“You want to do it again.”
She looked at Trey. “I do, but I think—or feel, anyway—that it has to matter. Not just a whim. Today, it was because I wanted to do something for the manor, and wanted to see someone who does so much.”
“It could be a conduit to the rings.”
“Maybe, and I’m hoping maybe. But I don’t want to make a mistake and screw it all up.”
“You need to wait for Astrid’s portrait.” Owen shrugged. “You need all seven, or why the space for the seventh portrait?”
“Manor logic,” Trey muttered. “Yeah, that fits. So we wait. And if you find it when we’re not here?”
“We tell you, then and there,” Sonya finished. “And wait for both of you. All of us hang Astrid’s portrait together.”
“Not just manor logic,” Cleo put in as she checked on the lasagna. “Common sense. About five more on the lasagna.”
“You made lasagna. And a cake. Where’d you get the bread?”
Smiling at Owen, Cleo mimed kneading dough. “From yeast and flour and so on.”
He wrapped an arm around her waist, yanked her in for a long kiss. “Lafayette, when the time comes, I’m going to build you one hell of a kitchen.”
“And butler’s pantry. I’ve gotten used to having one.”
“Seriously?”
“Completely.”
“I’ll make a note.”
Sonya let out a sigh. “This has been a beautiful day. A really big, beautiful day.”
They extended it with Cleo’s celebration dinner.
After his second helping of lasagna, Owen looked at her. “It’s a good thing you’ve got another job or I’d be building you a restaurant.”
“This was fun. I don’t think a restaurant would be nearly as much fun as cooking for family.”
“Grateful family,” Trey added. “Everything was terrific.”
“Why don’t we walk some of the terrific off?” Sonya suggested. “I’d really like to show you what I have in mind downstairs.”
