“Oh, no you don’t, my lad!” the Marquise said regally. Her arms came around Audrey in a hug, holding her close. “Behave, and listen to the teachers. I hear Tristan will be teaching in a month or so, and the Rosenhall’s have one of their brood in the second year. If anything happens, be sure to talk with the doctor. He will do what he can.”<br/><br/>She hugged her granddaughter for a few moments more, them let the girl go, her age-speckled hands straightening her boy’s clothes and trying to flatten her short hair. “Now, hurry along. You won’t get there until after nightfall. Make sure the fresh horses you are given are to the same standard as these. And do try not to get your nose broken like your father.” She kissed her forehead and stepped back, pride glinting in her eyes.<br/>