Chapter 6 #2
Bingleton’s voice dropped in volume as he offered an aside. ‘To be honest, we haven’t begun that stage yet. Accommodation is in the tavern, for now, but it’s jolly nice.’
‘The hot springs sound lovely, too,’ Isobelle said brightly, thinking extremely affectionate thoughts about the prospect of a long soak. ‘And tell me, my lord, are there any local dishes inspired by the sorceress?’
‘Gosh, what a splendid idea,’ Bingleton said, searching the crowd.
‘Holton, take that down, would you?’ Then he seemed to remember himself, and assumed his stance once more, for what Isobelle hoped was the conclusion to his speechifying.
‘Visit local landmarks and have your own eerie encounters! Immerse yourself in the myths and stories of Galanty-Uponne-the-Sea, and have … a legendary stay.’
He concluded with a flourish, and Jane and Hilde jumped to their feet to applaud.
Sylvie clapped a touch slower, though Isobelle was comfortably certain that Lord Bingleton would not detect any sarcasm that might be present. Isobelle herself clapped politely, as did Gwen.
‘Not a word about this supposed monster of theirs,’ Gwen pointed out, her voice so dry it could’ve withered an entire oak tree. ‘Ten pennies it’s no more real than the Galanty “experience” in general.’
No one took the bet.
Tabitha leaned in to speak softly. ‘I’m … not sure how they feel about witches here, given everything is about their “evil sorceress” …’
‘I get you,’ Isobelle agreed. ‘They’ve let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch. We certainly won’t be mentioning we know any, ah, apples. Leave it to me, Tabitha.’
When Tabitha shifted her weight anxiously, looking unconvinced, Gwen reached out and gave her arm a comforting squeeze. ‘You can trust Isobelle to handle it,’ she said with a grin. ‘She could convince a fish that water is totally last season.’
Lord Bingleton jumped down from the dais, dusting off his hands.
‘Well,’ he said cheerfully. ‘What do you think? Eventually, we’re hoping to install tracks, and wheel you past some of the attractions in a mining cart, perhaps with a musical accompaniment.
In the meantime, I’m awfully pleased to meet you all.
’ His attention was mostly fixed on Gwen. ‘You must be our Lady Dragonslayer.’
‘Yes,’ Gwen agreed, if only because she couldn’t very well deny it. ‘This is Lady Isobelle of Avington, along with Lady Sylvie, Lady Hilde and Lady Jane.’
‘My, but we are spoiled,’ Lord Bingleton replied, clearly delighted, and turned a politely enquiring gaze on Tabitha.
‘And this is my lady’s maid,’ Isobelle said swiftly. His attention flicked away immediately, as she had known it would. Tabitha’s stiff posture relaxed and she cast a quick, relieved glance at Isobelle.
Lord Bingleton clapped his hands together. ‘Ladies, we want to hear all your thoughts about your stay here, and we hope you will tell everyone that Galanty-Uponne-the-
Sea is the coast’s premier destination for those in search of relaxation and excitement.’
‘It’s a delightful spot for a holiday,’ Isobelle said diplomatically. ‘My father used to summer here before I was born, I believe.’
‘A great many people did,’ Lord Bingleton agreed. ‘But at some point they stopped coming, and I must admit, I’m not sure why.’
‘Too many stories about the evil sorceress, perhaps?’ Gwen suggested blandly.
Bingleton laughed and slapped his knee. ‘Indeed, very amusing, Sir Gwen! But really, no idea at all. Modernisation is the answer, I think. I inherited my title from my great-uncle about six months ago, and let me tell you, it has been a job and a half to sort this place out. Still, that’s what I do.
I have ideas and I develop them. I’m going to develop new attractions here.
I’m a developer.’ He seemed to quite like the word.
‘This place just needs new blood,’ he concluded, sounding only the tiniest bit like he was trying to convince himself.
Isobelle, glancing around at the almost too neatly kept houses, couldn’t help wondering if what she was looking at was enthusiasm on the part of the townsfolk, or compliance.
‘And what do your people think?’ she asked in her most interested tone.
Lord Bingleton raised his hands, as if to indicate his helplessness. ‘I admit I’ve encountered some old superstitions,’ he allowed.
‘And monsters, apparently,’ prompted Gwen, raising her eyebrow. ‘I noticed there has been no mention of the reason I’m here.’
Isobelle had to admire Gwen for maintaining at least the pretence that the Lady Dragonslayer had been summoned for her skills, and not her notoriety.
Lord Bingleton’s gaze jerked away from Gwen’s as suddenly as if those lovely green optics had become live coals. ‘Um,’ he said, clasping his hands and glancing towards the harbour. ‘All that can wait, surely.’
Gwen glanced at Isobelle. See? her eyes said. The sea monster isn’t even real.
Before either of them could ask for more clarification, Bingleton clapped those hands and said briskly, ‘For now, let us spoil you ladies a bit. Go and get settled at the inn, and we can discuss your itinerary after that.’
‘It would be lovely to freshen up,’ Isobelle agreed. They could always pin him down about his deception later – Isobelle’s stomach was rumbling. ‘And then perhaps a bite to eat. There’s so much to see, we must make sure we’re not lacking for energy.’
Lord Bingleton’s gaze drifted out to sea. ‘Yes,’ he agreed, distracted. ‘A great deal to see.’ And then he shook himself, smiling once more as he continued, ‘It will all be wonderful.’
Gwen’s reply was deadpan. ‘I’m sure it will be legendary, my lord.’