“Lord willing,” Richmond replied. Anna had already given Clare the impression that she didn’t care for the woman and this was further proof. As much as Clare wanted to know the extent of their relationship with Sylvie, she didn’t ask. Being a servant herself, she knew gossip was frowned upon, and she didn’t wish to put Anna in an awkward position. “Miss Clare, I’ll be leaving you now, but I shall see you this evening,” Richmond said, favoring her with a bow very much reminiscent of his captain. “Thank you, Richmond. You’ve been very kind.” After placing a kiss on his grandmother’s cheek and receiving a strong hug in response, he left them to seek what Clare supposed were his own quarters. “He’s a fine young man, Anna.” “I’ve done my best to honor my daughter, his mother, with his raising.” She didn’t say more, so any questions Clare might have had about the powder monkey’s personal life went unspoken. A few short steps later, Anna pulled open a large iron grille that led them into a quiet courtyard awash with tropical blooms that scented the air.
