[Lilly]

Lilly’s head bobbed up, despite the cautionary expression she read on Rose’s face. And there he was. She looked the fellow over carefully, noting he was neatly dressed and that about him seemed to hover a definite air of self-assuredness.

‘Can’t place him. That is, as far as name or where he’s from. But he does look like the fellow who was in the front yard a while ago. With barrels of ale, I think. And a very low table as I recall.’

She decided to one up the brewer. Looking directly at him, her blue eyes glinting with mischief, she gave him a quick smile. ‘Go on,’ she said, nudging Rose on the arm. ‘Call his bluff. Give him a look over.’