Tracey dipped a little curtsey. ‘It’s a new recipe. I always thought it would be hard to improve upon the original but I’d say it’s working out well.’ She winked at me. ‘The sprinkling of fresh thyme makes a difference.’
I grinned. ‘So I’ve heard.’
There was a loud thud and I flinched, my eyes inadvertently trailing to the body of my own father. He was still dead, however: the thud had come from the overturned armoured car. Several muscled men dressed in tight black clothing were emerging from it and brushing themselves down.
‘Is that…?’ I started.
Hugo nodded. ‘John Thurgood and the rest of his team. When he heard what was happening, he got in touch and asked to be involved. He reckoned, rightly, that he owed you for saving him from Bella the giant snake.’
That felt like a lifetime ago. Hell, itwasa lifetime ago. ‘So many people came and helped.’ I shook my head, scarcely believing how many were there. They had all put their lives on the line.
‘One good turn deserves another,’ a familiar voice said and I turned to Sir Nigel. Somehow he was still immaculately dressedin a pristine white shirt and a perfectly knotted bow tie; not a single hair of his waxed moustache was out of place. ‘And you, Lady Daisy, have completed a lot of good turns. You’re a very special person.’
Heat rose in my cheeks; I wasn’t convinced I deserved all this praise. ‘I’m just a junkie,’ I mumbled. Strangely, it had felt easier when everyone disliked me.
Hugo stiffened. ‘No, you’re not. You’re not an addict any more and, even when you were taking spider’s silk you were never just a junkie, Daisy.’ His voice grew quieter. ‘Nobody is.’
‘Indeed,’ Sir Nigel said in an avuncular fashion. ‘Indeed.’ He smiled proudly at me. ‘Now, Eleanor is inside making tea. She and I were not equipped to join the battle, but there’s a lot to be said for those of us who stay behind the scenes making the brew. She has asked if you’d like to come inside and partake of some refreshments.’
‘Is there cake?’ I asked.
‘Of course,’ he answered.
‘That explains where Hester and Otis are,’ I said ruefully. I reached for Gladys. ‘We’ll get you properly cleaned up,’ I told her. Then I lowered my voice. ‘The Fachan would have been so proud of you.’
Her hilt trembled in my hand. I patted her and we all ambled towards the open door of the Royal Elvish Institute. Lewis and James, the two doormen, were already back in their usual spots and a part of me hoped they would refuse me entry but they were falling into line with everyone else. They stepped back and even bowed as I passed by.
‘I don’t like this,’ I muttered to Hugo. ‘I prefer it when everyone glares at me.’
‘Get used to it,’ he said. ‘Your days of being glared at are over. It’s pure adoration from here on in.’
There was a loud snort from behind me. ‘Don’t be too sure about that, girlie,’ Duchess said. ‘I’ll glare at you as often as you like.’
Hugo sighed. ‘There are exceptions to every rule.’
Thank goodness.
I walked across the threshold into the Institute. The place was a mess, although that was hardly surprising given all that had happened not just today but a few weeks earlier too. I felt a nervous twitch. Even if Edinburgh Council didn’t bill me, there was a chance that the Royal Elvish Institute might. Then again, I could always give them Culcreuch Castle as compensation. After all, I was Athair’s sole heir and there were only so many castles and grand buildings a girl could own before she started to look greedy.
I turned left, preparing to turn into the drawing room. Eleanor, however, quickly ducked her head out of the main dining room. ‘In here,’ she said. ‘It’s best if you don’t go in the drawing room right now.’
I frowned. ‘Why not?’
She pulled a face. Curiosity got the better of me and I glanced into the room. Oh.OH.
Hester was at one side of the room. Otis was at the other side. They weren’t alone. Horace was passionately kissing Hester while Otis was gazing adoringly at Eloise.
‘You’re amazing,’ I heard Horace say.
‘Say that to me again with your clothes off,’ Hester told him.
I nodded quickly. ‘You’re right, Eleanor. The dining room is better.’ I changed direction.
The Primes, who had gathered inside, were already cheering.
Chapter
Twenty-Eight
