No, she realised a moment later, for surely that was the lively little person of Jisp darting along the skirting-board. Or perhaps it was Teyo. The lizard, whichever it was, scrambled up the wall and disappeared over the top of the nearest cabinet. Serena, heart thumping a little at this audaciousness, hoped fervently that the Baron had not noticed.
He was too busy pouring tea. Serena was appalled to observe that even the steaming beverage which splashed fragrantly into the dainty cups was gold. He was definitely getting worse. She would have to throw that golden silk ball gown away, she thought regretfully; it was something of a favourite, but after today she would never be able to look a golden object in the face again.
She was further alarmed to note that the Baron’s attention had tur
