Midsummer Moon by Laura Kinsale

Author:Laura Kinsale [Kinsale, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, azw3
Published: 2011-03-21T00:15:36.687000+00:00

Shelby looked toward her. She bit down on her lip, quickening her pace. The path left the open meadow, entering a tangle of woods.

"Merlin."

"Never mind!” The path took a sudden turn, passing between two ancient yews, and broke out into a slash of sunlight. The footway wound down a long, unnaturally straight avenue flanked by overgrown shrubberies and choked with weeds and wildflowers.

Shelby caught her arm. “Merlin,” he repeated.

She shook free. “What do I need with a new wardrobe? I hate new clothes. They itch!"

Shelby smiled.

She glared at him. “Yes. Laugh at me. Everyone laughs at me. They think I don't notice. Well, I notice. I just don't have time to ... to..."

"Murder them?"

She swung her arm. “What's wrong with my dress? What's wrong with my hair? What's wrong with my conversation? I don't want to learn how to go on in the world."

The abandoned avenue ended at a crumbling edifice, a little round temple half-eaten by vines. Shelby put an arm around her shoulders and drew her close to his side. “Don't cry."

"I'm not crying!"

He touched her cheek, tracing a damp path downward.

"Oh,” she said.

He pressed her down onto one of the stone slabs that flanked the temple's steps and knelt in front of her, offering a handkerchief. Merlin blew her nose.

Shelby cocked his head, watching her.

"I want him to like me,” she said.

"I know."

She touched her lower lip with her forefinger. “It's useless, isn't it? He never will."

The corners of his mouth turned up just a little. “Oh ... I don't know about that."

"Mr. Collett and I are almost finished with the speaking box. I just have one more test to make. Maybe I can go home soon."

Shelby looked up at her. “Won't you be lonely at home?"

Merlin's throat closed on a sudden rush of fresh tears. She nodded, burying her nose in the handkerchief's crisp folds

"Don't go, then,” he said softly. “We'd miss you here. All of us.” He paused, and then added with a little grimace, “My brother included. My stupid clunch of a brother most of all, I think."

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