"Nonsense. I'm exactly as I seem, an old Heart lady." She chuckles. "Nothing to see here. Move along." She watches Zoe and Victor dancing a moment. "Keep an eye on her, please. I doubt he'd allow anything to happen to her, but still." Zoe is not a child and definitely fair game.

She gives herself a shake. "What is it about this place that makes me morose? I blame the gargoyles. I'm sure no one would say a word if we escaped--I mean, if you chose to show me this garden you've been working on."