Goldentracks

Chapter Twenty-Four

In her simple blue-and-white wool dress and unadorned white cap over a plain bun, Sabrina would never break anyone's heart, but she was at least suitably dressed to eat an informal supper at a lord's table.

As she followed the maid who had helped her to get ready, she worked on calming her nerves by remembering everything she could about her tutors' behaviour toward herself and her family. She also brought to the surface her memories of her mother. She had always been a gracious hostess and a graceful person in general. In this way, Sabrina armed herself as best she could to face this important moment.

She felt some strength coming to her, even as her surroundings became more ornate and opulent. Everywhere she looked, the walls and floors were covered with carpentered dark wood. The ceilings were also decorated with this same dark wood patterned into geometric florals over a plaster white background. One window out of three featured a colourful coats of arms set in the top third of it. There were chairs, chests, and other hall furniture also made of various dark woods. She had crossed over into the world of the wealthy.

As they arrived at the door that led to the greeting room, her nervousness flared up again. The maid gave Sabrina a short curtsy then scurried away. Taking a deep breath, she opened the heavy wooden door. It made little noise. A windowed alcove faced the door she'd just entered, and for a moment, she wished she could hide in it until the day was done. Instead, she walked a couple of steps into the room and stopped. Her entrance, quiet as it was, drew everyone's attention. Three faces were turned to her. A gentleman and a lady were standing near the hearth, which was in the same wall as the alcove but on the other side of the room. Tapestries depicting pastoral scenes covering most of the walls. Between herself and her hosts stood some dark wood chairs and a small round table. Flynn was sitting on a chair some distance from the gentleman and the lady. He seemed to recognize her only after a long, awkward pause. Getting up, he crossed the room to greet her. He had discarded the guards' uniform for more appropriate attire for the evening. His emerald-green silk doublet had a pleasing pattern of slashes on the arms and chest to reveal the white lining underneath. He had paired it with light tan breeches and even paler stockings. He had a slightly roguish look she thought suited him well. As he crossed the carpeted dark wood floors, Sabrina noticed the woman step closer to the other gentleman, whom she now recognized as Seamus. She got the impression the woman was gossipping about her. Ignoring the thought, she focused on Flynn.

Hoping her approval of his looks didn't show on her face, Sabrina curtsied politely when Flynn was almost before her.

"Good evening, and welcome to our small party," he said with a smile and a tilt of the head.

Sabrina felt herself flush as she replied, "Thank you for the invitation."

Turning his back to the inner wall, he opened his arms and said, "Shall I introduce you to the rest of the party?"

After a quick glance at the two on the other side of the room, Sabrina nodded her assent. She kept her head up and her walk steady as she followed Flynn.

"Seamus, Sofia, this is Sabrina Melchiore." Grateful for the short introduction, Sabrina curtsied low.

As she began to rise up out of the curtsy, Seamus said, "Welcome to our home."

"Thank you."

"I am Sofia Eleonora Visconti," said the young woman with a Tahlian accent less pronounced than her own. "I have heard some interesting things about you. I hope to have the pleasure of learning more over the course of the evening," she said with a smile.

Taken aback by the name, Sabrina hesitated. Before her was a handsome lady who looked very fine in her blood-red silk gown and the starch white chemise showing at the neck and wrists. She wore a short pearl necklace with a large black stone pendant. Also accenting her gown were a myriad of black stones and pearls set in gold at her waist and on her hands. Two thick dark brown braids formed a large bun, which was held in place with a golden hairnet. Sofia's lovely brown eyes looked at her wryly. It was clear to Sabrina she was not to be trusted. Yet, though she looked formidable, she could still see at a glance the difference in power and intelligence between Sofia and Pier Francesco. Sabrina smiled as she said, "The pleasure will be all mine," and inclined her head.