[Tevildo]

Lilly's face had gone beet red when she heard that Bella mistakenly believed that she and Master Falco were all part of one family. She was relieved that Falco had slipped away from the table in order to go make some music with the others and hadn't heard everything that was being said. Still she had best clear up the confusion and explain.

"I am pleased to meet you, Miz Bella. My name is Lily, and I am the mother of Rory and Camille, just a poor widow who lives down by The Water. Master Headstrong is a friend of our family, a newly acquired friend to be sure but still a dear friend and benefactor. If you wish to inquire about the young lass Marigold going to your school, you had best ask him."

"As to my own children attending your school, I would dearly love that, but I am afraid we have few extras for such an indulgence. My daughter secured a position at the Inn only today, and I have arranged to do Master Falco's laundry. We'll be needing every penny from those two jobs for food and blankets and other necessities."

Camille looked quite happy, even relieved, upon hearing her mother's response but when Lilly looked over at her son, she saw a look of sheer disappointment registered on his face. Lilly wished she could reply differently to Miz Bella, but food had to come first. It would be foolish to think otherwise. At that moment, before Bella could even respond, two young hobbits scampered over to the table and blurted out another question about wanting to come and attend the school.