Nadia struggled back to her feet. The children were up as well, apologetic. They had pressed too far, had been too bold. They had interrupted the countess’s questions, even worse. Viola coldly looked at them in turn. “I expect answers for questions I ask,” she said icily. “Ivan, you should know this, even with the unexpected arrival of your mother.” “Yes, countess,” Ivan said. “Now, how are your studies?” “I’m reading go…well,” he said. “And

“Lady Sienna and her…wards, have arrived, countess.” Viola gasped, and squealed. Sienna! Sienna was here! “She is?!? All right, let’s put together a little feast. And then we need toys, and get Nadia over here…” Nalus cleared his throat. Viola calmed, and looked to the butler who had spoken. “Um, right. Ahem,” She took on an air, and nodded her head to the butler. “Let lady Sienna and the Koskov children know that we shall

“This is of tantamount importance. The manse, nay, even the entire valley, may depend upon this decision.” Viola frowned, torn in indecision. “Are cream puffs in fashion now, or perhaps eclairs?” The cooks had joined her on the terrace, with an arrangement of baked goods for her to sample. The countess was trying to decide upon a theme, and it could not be overstated just how refined this choice must be. She plucked a particularly