#brightwindsbarony

Hope says "you have a dog?"

Sparrow beams and nods.

Earl's phone buzzes.

"Oh we must get her " Hope says "Why didn't you say so, Baroness. Oh you've missed her I'm sure" firm look. Oh dear. Boggan mode

Earl says "Well, we'l.. pardon.." he looks "Oops we forgot to call in"

He says"Should I Put this on speaker, Sparrow? It's August"

"Yes.. I have a few things at home I need to get in..."

"Tell him hello!"

"Hello?"

"Hey August. Speaker phone on"

"All is well? No injuries?"

"No injuries! Lots of work. Balor are poor managers."

"I would imagine it's hard to organize with their.... challenges. Sir Earl, Sir Bachdion... you are well?"

"We're fine you worry wart" Bachdion says

"I'm glad to hear it."

"You're kind. They're fascists, and also insane. Bad combination."

"Agreed. We're proud of you, Derynwydd. Earl, may I speak with you?"

"I'm right here? Or ..did you mean on private?" he asks

"Privately please. Sir Bachdion, Derynwydd.... I look forward to seeing you soon."

"Well. I feel a bit huffy now" Bacdion jokes

Sparrow tilts her head.

"I'm sure it's about something involving my family or freinds" Earl assures her and then switches tp rivate "Everything okay? Trouble at the farm?"

"No. Ah. Is it possible Zara is not aware of your.... excursion?"

"Ah.. very possible. It's how I got bribed" he admits sheepishly "Some books are part of the deal and I want to surprise her"

August exhales. "I... understand. Perhaps I will stay clear of the library today, then. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"If she asks, just tell her I'm out with Sir Bachdion, it's the truth after all. But otherwise no. Sparrow's done great here. It's got a fantastic view"

Earl can easily imagine August's expression at being asked to shade the truth but the Sidhe only says "I'm sure she has. Thank you, I'll let you get back to things. Please tell Deryn I'm looking forward to seeing her again. And Ladybird misses her."

"She knows... but I'll tell her" earl says

Earl looks over at Sparrow "It was about my lady so somewhat private. Your dad says he loves you and he can't wait to see you again. And Ladybird misses you"

"Of course she does. Oh dear - does the wi-iiiIiiiiLibrarian know you are here?"

"Probably not" he says "I hope not. I have a surprise for her .."

"he was bribed with gifts for her for this" Bachdion translates

"Ah, love." A nod.

Earl blushes

"Now, about that tour?" Bachdion offers his arm to Sparrow

"Ah, yes! Come - it is changing every day. The boggans have been hard at work..."

And they get a wonderful tour, Sparrow is proud, rightly so

(End scene)