“Not crazy, but down-right disobedient!” another voice coursed.
Haymarlen spun round and Flora also turned, coupled with Fontarius. In front of them stood another lady; dressed in dark violet with a brocade of snow silver.
“M-mistress…” Haymarlen curtsied whilst Flora let Fontarius collapse onto the ground. “We didn’t see you.”
“You’re not likely to when you’re so engrossed terrifying the locals,” the lady replied, sweeping over and kneeling in front of Fontarius. “Can you stand, Mr-?”
“Hergewick,” Fontarius managed to breathe, looking across and almost staring at the new woman with tresses as dark as Flora’s were fair. “I haven’t come across a plane before…”
“Platanus…” Flora began.
“Drop it…” the purple-gowned lady concluded, helping Fontarius to get to his feet. “Please accept this as an apology, Mr Hergewick,” she added, putting a small, clinking bag into the fellow’s hand. “And two verbal forms from Misses Evarné and Eucranté over there.”
“But I tried to dissuade her Miss Eulimene,” Haymarlen begun. “Two.”
“I’m… sorry for not trying harder to stop my friend, Mr Hergewick,” Haymarlen said, stepping forward, then noting how Fontarius kept looking up at Mistress Eulimene.
“You tried,” Fontarius said at last, nodding at Haymarlen, then glancing at the pouch. “That’s more than anyone can ask.”
“And what does Miss Evarné have to say for herself?” Mistress Eulimene coursed.
Flora’s hands momentarily curled into fists, then hands once more as she dropped into a curtsey. “Sorry for letting my emotions take control…” she added. “And for disturbing your refreshments.”
Miss Eulimene continued to look at Flora whilst Fontarius rubbed the back