Edith nodded but didn't answer him. She looked at the tea set placed in the distance and asked, "Does Mr. Sterling still make tea?"

Silas followed her gaze and glanced, saying, "Occasionally."

Edith nodded again and fell silent.

This puzzled Silas, who occasionally glanced at Taya, who was eating dessert with her head down.

After she had visited yesterday, Silas had slept an extra hour and had a happy dream. In that dream, he and Taya fulfilled their pup period promise, got mated, had pups, and ...