A further rummaging through the kitchens unearthed a tin of gingerbread and a box of candied apricots. So much for the latest alterations to her wedding gown. Carrying her plate into the front salon, where a fire burned high and bright, she sought respite from her whirlwind thoughts in a comforta...
A set of worn marble steps rose from the pavement to nowhere. The pale slash of searchlights bounced off the underside of a barrage balloon tied six or seven streets over; a new addition to the neighborhood. But low clouds and a misting drizzle kept German bombers grounded, and no growl of airpla...
Desk. Case clock. A pairing of old cane-backed chairs. A long, low table upon which stood decanters, a scattering of various stones, shards of quartz, a bowl of dried petals. Thick Turkey carpets covered the flagged floor. Wall tapestries moved in the incessant breeze through poorly chinked morta...