Reflection of Fire

Part II Chapter 1

The orderly routine of Rey's new life remained unchanged for several months. She learned little more about her employers but found that it didn't matter. They were kind to her and gave her no reason to complain. The food provided to her was the best she'd ever had and her free time was hers to do with as she wished. She became an accomplished rider and would often spend her evenings roaming their estate on the gelding they allowed her to borrow. There were enough books in the library to entertain her for a lifetime and she was content.

One morning, she awoke to find the household unusually busy. Servants were bustling about, speaking hastily to each other, and she was surprised to find the breakfast room empty. It was clear that the others had already broken their fast. Hesitantly, Rey prepared her own plate and sat down at her usual place, wondering where Master Dameron had gone at such an early hour. Uncertain what else to do, Rey headed down to the stables after she had eaten.

Here it was busier still than in the house. Horses were being cleaned and tacked and even her gelding was made ready. "What's going on?" she asked Rose, when she found her in the crowd.

"Master Dameron didn't tell you? That man," the ostler answered, shaking her head with some impatience. "Masters Dameron and Finn have been summoned by Her Ladyship."

Rey must have looked confused because Rose sighed and stopped working with the bridle she had been mending.

"The princess. The woman who owns this house and puts food on your table. Leia," she added in a whisper, as though afraid to say it out loud.

Rey blinked. "But I thought –"

"Of course he didn't tell you that, either. Master Dameron and his secrets... Well, go find him. I'm sure he'll remember to tell you eventually. While you're at it, find B.B. and keep her out of the way of the servants."

Rose didn't wait for Rey to answer before turning to shout orders at one of the boys. It was a relief to get back outside into the sun, and Rey headed quickly for the house. Her pupil proved easy enough to track down, as she was standing by the front doors, watching servants pack the carriage.

"There you are," Rey said with a smile.

"Isn't it exciting? Papa and Mr. Finn are going to town to see Grandmama."

Too bad she hadn't found B.B. earlier, then, since she knew what was happening. "Are they? Why don't we move out of the way a bit?" she suggested as two men carried out a particularly large trunk and she was forced to pull B.B. from their path.

The girl sighed. "I don't like this."

"I'm sure your papa will want to come home soon."

BB gave her a sidelong glance. "You think so? At least I'll have you with me," she added, smiling and taking Rey's hand.

"Yes, of course you will." They watched the hubbub in silence for several moments. It wasn't something Rey had seen before – it looked like the whole house was being emptied out. "Will they pack the furniture, too?" she asked, teasing.

That brought a smile to B.B.'s serious face. "No, they will cover it with sheets, of course."

Rey frowned. "Why?"

"To keep the dust from damaging it."

She turned from the spectacle to look B.B. in the eye. "And why is it going to get so dusty?"

"Because no one will be here to clean it. What's wrong, Miss Rey?"

It took an effort not to let her alarm show on her face. Were they going, too? If so, had she just imagined B.B.'s distress at her father leaving? "Let's find your papa."

"He's in the study, with Mr. Finn."

"Come along," Rey ordered, taking her hand again and leading her into the house. It was a relief to see that the girl was correct about Master Dameron and his friend, who were, indeed, in the study. They seemed to be having a heated conversation about something but stopped when they noticed the two of them.

"Good morning, Rey," Finn said, forcing a smile.

Master Dameron muttered a greeting, though was far crankier about it.

"What is going on?" Rey asked as patiently as she could.

"Her Ladyship has called for our assistance in the House of Lords. It's urgent and will take some time to settle. We are leaving this afternoon. I hope," Master Dameron added darkly, gaze still fixed on the papers before him.

Rey's patience was wearing thin. Who was the 'we' in that sentence? "For how long?"

"A month, at least, I'm afraid. We will send for you as soon as the matter is resolved," Finn answered, looking sympathetic while his words froze Rey's blood. Where would she be?

"Send for me?" she managed to say.

"Minimal staff will remain with the house, as it has been let for the time being. You didn't tell her, B.B.?" Finn asked.

B.B. shook her head solemnly.

"When we go to town, B.B. goes to Luke Skywalker's estate. He is her Ladyship's brother and lives in the country. It is a much safer place for a child than our house in town. You will accompany her, of course."

Rey stared at him, then looked at Master Dameron for confirmation. "Why was I not informed?" she asked slowly.

The two of them exchanged a guilty glance. "I'm sorry, Mistress Rey. The summons came quite late last night and... there was much to arrange," Master Dameron told her graciously.

She bit back a sigh. "Are B.B.'s school things being packed?"

"Yes, though you need not maintain the same schedule with her. It is a vacation, isn't it, my dear?" he continued, pulling his daughter toward him. "You'll behave, won't you? Mind Mistress Rey and Uncle Luke."

"Yes, Papa. I'll write to you every day!" she declared.

He grinned. "I will look for your letters daily, then." He embraced her, then stood and shook Rey's hand. "Safe travels. Take care of my daughter for me, please."

"Of course," she said, dumbfounded. He gave her a smile and headed out of the room, B.B. hot on his heels. Rey glanced uncertainly at Finn.

"Be careful out there. The roads should be safe enough during the day, and you should get to the inn before dusk." He paused, glancing around. "Be careful when you're there, too. The estate is large enough to get lost on and I'd hate for you to run into any... unsavory neighbors."

His expression was so intent that she took a step back. "What do you mean?"

He sighed. "Forget I said anything. I'm sure everything will be alright," he said with forced cheerfulness and clapped her on the shoulder. "See you soon, Rey."

Beforeshe had time to nod, he was heading out the door. Perplexed and with a sinking feeling in herstomach, she followed him. Soon, shefound herself and B.B. loaded into a carriage, waving their goodbyes as theyleft the house, wondering when they'd see it again.