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“At the clearing,” I say. “You’ll have a guide through the changed approach.”
“Will that continue?”
“Until we have a way to give drivers the new route before they set out. Reivaka is working on it.”
The factor nods. Across the table, two grove representatives exchange a look, and one asks about the toll hearing.
I answer him. Vai eats while the rest of us discuss what the petition could mean for the winter stores.
When the talk slows, the younger factor looks at her.
“Will you be here for the hearing, my lady?”
For the first time all evening, she has no answer ready.
Her napkin stops moving. I wait for her to say she doesn’t know, but she smiles at the factor.
“If the cook keeps feeding me like this, you’ll have trouble getting rid of me.”
The factor laughs. The cook looks pleased. Vai takes a drink and starts rubbing the mark on her sleeve again.
The factor looks satisfied. He has heard more of a promise than she gave him. Across the table, the hazel lord is already leaning closer; if I correct the answer, every person here will hear that she may leave.
I ask the hazel lord about his winter stores instead.
Reivaka offers the two factors rooms overlooking the east garden, and they accept rather than return to their wagons in the dark. After the visitors have gone upstairs, Vai stays at the table, working water into the dried sauce with the corner of her napkin.
Neimura gathers the road reports.
“The evening went well.”
“Then you can thank her,” I say.
He looks at Vai. “Thank you.”
She lifts her head. “You’re welcome.”
Reivaka takes the remaining dishes to the kitchen. Neimura follows her out of the hall with the papers, leaving Vai and me at the long table.
“You don’t have to stay for the hearing,” I say.
“I know.”
“The factor may not.”
She sets down the wet napkin.
“I didn’t want to tell him I might be gone by then.”
“Did you enjoy the dinner?” I ask.
“Most of it.”
“So did I.”
She turns toward me. The pins have loosened in her hair, and a curl rests against her neck.
A pin has almost worked loose above her ear. I have no reason to take it out, although I can see exactly how the hair would fall if I did.
