Vicky is summoned after lunch...

Lunch was a fairly standard affair, including a sizeable platter of the fruit so recently harvested. Garnet had been persuaded to attend, though she adamantly refused to stop sulking.

Just as she finished her plate, Helena dropped by Vicky's table and put a hand on her arm.

"Leon said he would like to see you after lunch, if that's alright."

Vicky blinked. "Oh? I didn't think that... Sure, of course. Is something wrong?"

"No," Helena said with a gentle smile. "He'd just like to see you. He'll see everyone, eventually."

"Oh, okay. Is it just me, or should I bring Liz and Brandon?"

"Just you. Brandon isn't family, so it wouldn't be proper, and I don't believe Liz is especially interested."

"You've got that right," Vicky said to herself as she left for the courtyard.

Leon was sitting in his wheelchair and gestured to the empty seat opposite the table beside him.

"Vicky," he rasped. "Mon chérie, I’m sorry it has taken me so long to speak to you properly.”

“I actually wasn’t expecting this,” Vicky said as she sat down. “It feels so formal.”

“Please, don’t feel that way,” Leon said, waving a hand. “I just wanted a chance to talk in private: It’s been so long, it’s like I hardly even recognise you. Please, tell me what has become of my little angel?