Now they were in the royal wing where no one but Stern and Hemstead entered, except the weekday maids.
“Where’s Stern?” Daffy kept her voice low.
“Gone to see his sister in The Haskells.”
“And Hemstead?”
“Breakfast. Oh, he gave me a ticking off this morning for sneaking away last night, but I told him I was working on a surprise for John, and he settled down.”
“Yes, but did he believe you?”
“He growled, so I think so.” He pulled on the book spine and the bookshelf door opened. They eased themselves down the narrow back stairwell, mindful of their priceless burden, but they went right toward the garage instead of left toward the door to the grounds.
Gus punched in another security code. Daffy stepped inside and stopped short, nearly causing Gus to lose his hold on the blanket.
“Oh my word.” There were no less than one, two, three, four…twelve motors. “Who needs twelve cars?”
“People who like motors. Like Dad.” Gus motioned to an old car just inside the doorway. “They’re in order of year. That’s the Starfire #89, built in ’04. That’s 1904. The manufacturer only made seven, so it’s one of the rarest cars in the world. The very first one made is in the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg. Princess Regina found it in Meadowbluff’s mews. Four are in museums. Two by private collectors. Dad bought this one from a billionaire getting divorced. He didn’t want the true value to be known, so he sold it for one percent of its worth. And no, you can’t have it for the Royal Trust.”
“We will have it one day, you’ll see. And don’t forget thePrincess Louisawedding gown. It’s a rare, priceless gem too. Because of the gown’s designer and enduring style. The fashion world is still talking about it a hundred twenty years later.”
“In centuries to come, some lass will be flying around Hadsby in a garden cart trying to find a skilled seamstress to repair her carelessness with theLouisa.” Gus nodded back toward the cars, raising his eyebrow.
Daffy laughed. “Probably. In moments like these, I realize how much of history we don’t see. Our sojourn through this life is so short. We only see a small slice of humanity.”
“Let’s pray we survive our slice.” He stopped by a shiny, blue cart fitted with tracks instead of wheels and a bed in the back for hauling. They gentled the chair into the back then Gus trotted off for the keys.
“Here we go.”
Into the dawning day, the cart rattled over the fresh snow, crashing down into hidden winter divots.
Daffy held on as he steered toward the mews, giving him a sideways glance, all too aware of how much she loved being on an adventure with him. Even if it involved a precious artifact.
Up and over a small hill, the row of white sheds in need of a spring sprucing appeared. The doors were closed except for the very last one from which emerged a tall, regal Emmanuel.
Daffy stiffened and gripped the satchel. Gus slowed the cart. The man had been nothing but kind when they met at theBelly of the Beast, but here in this moment, he seemed as majestic as the surrounding mountains.
“Emmanuel.” Gus stopped the cart. “Thank you for coming. Truly.”
“My pleasure. I’ll help you carry the chair inside.” As he passed by Daffy, he touched her shoulder, a rush of goodwill warming her. “Good to see you.”
“We’re so grateful.”
The carpenter had exchanged his wool anorak for a wide work apron. He was leaner than she imagined, and muscled. A streak of morning light kissed his milk-white hair. And he was fragrant with a rich perfumed oil, like a powdery spice.
“On the workbench.” Emmanuel motioned to the wide, clean table.
When they’d settled the chair, Daffy surveyed the shop, which was clean and airy, made of plaster walls and a wide board floor, furnished with two workbenches, a large tool cabinet, a sink, and coffee maker, and in the corner, a shiny, black potbelly stove.
“Can I ask how you got on the grounds? In this shop?” Gus said.
“I was granted permission a long time ago by the Family. Grab an apron, son.” Emmanuel peeled back the blanket to inspect the damage. “Your King Titus I was quite a skilled furniture maker. I see a bit of him in you, Gus. Only he didn’t let a broken heart derail him. He got back in the fight.”
“I take it you are a student of history, Emmanuel. As well as a reader of modern newspapers.”
“That, and then some. Now to the task at hand.”
“I brought the specifications.” Daffy lifted the satchel over her head and set it on the second workbench. “There are photos, details, materials, as well as an inventory of repairs.”
