“I didn’t know what else to call it!”
“Sex?”
“They’re children,” whispered Mayor Grimjoy in a too-loud voice.
“If they’re in there, I’m sure that won’t be a shock to them—” said Mr. Brightside.
This couldnotbe happening,thought Onny.
Byron elbowed her. She turned around to see him pointing out the back entrance of the folly. Onny shook her head. If they went that way, they’d get cornered on the other side. Byron held a finger to his mouth, then raised his palm, which held a handful of small rocks that must have gotten trapped on the folly floor.
On the count of three,he mouthed.One… two…
Onny gathered the rustling silk of her gown, slowly moving back.
“We canhearyou in there,” said Mr. Brightside darkly.
“They’re probably trying to make themselves decent!” hissed Mayor Grimjoy.
Byron lifted the edge of the curtain, flinging out the rocks. They thudded noisily beside the streambed.
“They’re trying to escape!” shouted Mayor Grimjoy.
“Oh, just let them—” started Mr. Brightside.
Through the screen Onny saw Mayor Grimjoy tear off in the direction of the rocks. Byron tugged on her arm, and they crept out through the back before sprinting up the path toward the trees. Laughter bubbled up in her throat, and they were halfway up the path when Byron touched her arm.
“Wait,” said Byron, his voice low in her ear.
Swiftly, he drew her back against his chest, turning them both so that they were barely concealed behind the thick trunk of an oak tree. Some fifty feet away, Mayor Grimjoy looked distraught, and Mr. Brightside laughed and hugged his husband tightly.
“Can we go back now?” asked Mr. Brightside. “I hate to admit it, but I much preferred haunting the punch bowl to make sure no one spiked it.”
“Oh no,” groaned Mayor Grimjoy. “We left Wicked Wynona unattended! What if someone steals her?”
“There, there,” said Mr. Brightside, patting his back. “We can’t be everywhere at once. And I’m sure that, er, frightening doll will be okay.…”
Mayor Grimjoy sniffed loudly. “I just want the children to make good choices. And they’re not. And I wanted you to have a wonderful time. And you’re not.”
“Oh, stop that,” said Mr. Brightside. “I’m with you, aren’t I?”
“And?”
“I’m not saying it.”
“Please?”
“No.”
Silence. Mr. Brightside sighed loudly.
“And therefore… every time is wonderful.”
Onny was only somewhat aware of the conversation happening in front of her. The other part was focused on the warm solidness of Byron’s chest, the smell of late October curling around them, his voice in her ear, and the way she’d felt it like a finger trailed down her spine.
“Do I have to do everything, Diamante?” asked Byron, leaning forward and curving around her.
His hand reached for her wrist, and he raised it. Belatedly, Onny saw theMatthiola incanasprig in her fist. And then, beyond the flower bloom, the silhouette of two figures meeting in the moonlight as Mayor Grimjoy and Mr. Brightside kissed.
