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“Ah. Not a surprise since the new Lady Theryn arrived.”

Cyrus narrowed his eyes in thought for a moment or two. “Hmm, yes. Now I recall. Phineas, I think. Lord Phineas Theryn. Inherited the title on the death of his older brother many years ago now. Also got guardianship of the daughter as part of the package. Can’t recall her name offhand. But I think she was on the Tidehold Conservatory list, if memory serves me.”

“You are, of course, correct, my Lord. Once again, your memory for detail is unimpeachable.”

“Stop sucking up to me, Gerald. I’ve already told you you may have an extra Saturday off whenever you need it.” He grinned at his tickerkin. “Or whenever Miss Fiddleton decides to take a stroll in the park with her SweetiePie.”

Gerald raised his beak. “Such matters should be beneath your concern, my Lord. But I am, of course, overwhelmed with gratitude at your generosity.”

Cyrus laughed at the obviously insincere comment. “Don’t say I never do anything for you.”

“Well, if I may return the compliment, I’d advise against the Theryn affair.”

“Really? Why would that be?”

“The new Lady Theryn.”

“The girl? What was her name...”

“No, my Lord. Not young Lady Maelin of Theryn. Since she is newly returned from Tidehold, I doubt she’s had time to acquire a reputation similar to the resident Lady Theryn. I am speaking of his Lordship’s new bride.”

“Ah yes,” nodded Cyrus. “Of course. There was a marriage there, and not long ago, wasn’t it?”

“Quite recent, sir. But apparently long enough ago for her to assume command of the household and arrange this ball. Which, I think, may well have been instigated at the news of the return of Lady Maelin from Tidehold.”

“Tidehold didn’t ‘take’ one assumes?”

Gerald shot his master a stern look. “I have no idea, my Lord. Gossips might have something to say about it but far be it from me to lend an ear to their disrespectful chatter.”

Cyrus turned the matter over in his mind for a moment or two, idly tapping the invitation card on the arm of his chair.

The Theryn name had crossed his path now and again; their business dealings were intriguing to say the least, and occasionally well-concealed funds from the Theryns had turned up in odd and unexpected places. Nobody’s funds were well-enough concealed from the scrutiny of Lord Cyrus Drake, but now and again the Theryns had come close.

Close enough that he decided to take a more active interest in this family, since the opportunity had presented itself.

“Well, Gerald, when all’s said and done, I should at least get a decent meal out of it. And if I’m lucky, perhaps a little more information about the Theryn family.” He gazed at the invitation card once more. “And that would be quite useful...”

“Very well, my Lord. I shall see that the appropriate response is returned to Theryn House.”

“Excellent.” Cyrus rose from his chair. “So what do you think this whole create-whatever thing is?”

“I shall endeavour to find out, my Lord.”

Cyrus grinned. “Good lad.”

Chapter Two

Breathing a sigh of relief as she walked through the doorway, Maelin stopped for a moment, relishing the feel of the air around her and the oh-so-familiar scents of her room.

It had been close on two years since her departure for the Tidehold Conservatory, but even so she’d not forgotten something that had been such an important part of her life. Her time here, school years, friends, adventures, laughter, tears, and then the realisation that she was becoming an adult faster than she’d expected, all lay within this room in one form or another.

A click, a rumble, and before she knew it something scuttled across the floor and hugged her. Thoroughly

“Inkytink,” she laughed, “you’re still here...”

“And where else would I be? About time you came home, Miss Mae. Me ’n Darady here have been quite lonely without you around to cause trouble, make work for us, and generally be a nuisance.”

Maelin stroked a couple of tentacles with gentle hands. “Still soft as ever, I see. Did the other tickerkins ever really stop envying you?”