Keeper of Enchanted Rooms

Merritt visits Hulda, who is recovering in her room. Hulda reveals that Silas abducted her and was trying to steal her magic. She is tired and sore, and Merritt reads to her.

A week later, Hulda dresses and prepares to go about her day. She watches Merritt outside, chopping wood, and realizes that she has fallen in love with him. Owein uses the portrait in the reception hall to greet Hulda as she steps outside. She asks Merritt how he knew where she was taken, and he says that Owein guided him, but Hulda doesn’t think that would be possible. Merritt suggests that he finds Hulda beautiful, and she is filled with hope. Merritt takes her on the boat to the mainland, watching for danger. He asks to meet with her after their errands to talk. He plans to ask if he can court her.

At BIKER, Myra tries to convince Hulda to leave Whimbrel House. The secretary, Miss Steverus, announces that Maurice Watson wants an appointment.

Merritt has a good meeting with his editor and meets Hulda at the Quincy Marker, where he sees a poster announcing a concert with Ebba C. Mullan playing the flute. At the sight of her name, Merritt flashes back to being 18 and disowned, realizing that Ebba had disappeared and abandoned him and his offer of marriage.