Derritharn was still asleep, and Bess left her to slumber. She was touched anew to note that Derri had also been provided for in the night. A tiny wash basin and jug were laid out for her, too, together with a clean (albeit still ragged) dress, and a hearty-looking breakfast. This would be the work of Somerdale’s household brownies. Bess was heartened to see that they were as ready to welcome Derri as the Aylfendeanes were to welcome Bess herself. Having completed her ablutions, brought some semblance of order to her tangled black hair and changed her dress, Bess was able to go down to breakfast, comfortable in the knowledge that her friend was well taken care of.
Still, it went sorely against the grain with Bess to leave such a fine guest room and descend the main staircase to an even gr
