With dark blue eyes, Laurie watched Pio disappear into the Green Dragon. Nell nudged her sharply and Laurie braced herself as Nell rubbed her head against the young lady’s back. Through her heavy thoughts, Laurie could not help but laugh. With a last fond scratch on Nell’s white star, Laurie traced Pio’s steps and entered the bustling inn.
Noise of the visitors inside broke upon her like a wave upon a rock. The inn was
crowded, but that was no change. Laurie was able to make her way to a table without being noticed. She sat, playing with the sleeves of her white dress, and thought of the visit to Amaranthas’ house. The clasp was still in her pocket, and with one small white hand, she grasped it, feeling once more the smooth coolness of the shell. Questions ran through her mind, so many that she felt like a whirwind of confusion had descended into her thoughts. Pio’s invitation stood out foremost, however, and Laurie was torn. For as long as she had wanted to know the truth about her mother, she now realized she was afraid of what Pio might be able to reveal. Laurie’s golden head sank into her hands and she closed her eyes and ears to the world around her.
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