“I’d be glad to see her, Anthony.” Inara smiled at the man on the Cortex. “Will you be accompanying her?”

“I thought I might … if it’s not too much trouble.” He was handsome, dark hair swept back from a high forehead.

“There’s plenty of room, and it would be nice to talk to an old friend.”

“As long as you’re sure.” Anthony shrugged. “I don’t know what’s got into her. First refusing to go ahead with the marriage, now insisting on … well, I really think someone needs to take her in hand.”

“Anthony, if Rosette doesn’t want to get married, that is her choice.”

“I know, Inara, but … he’s a good man.”

“Was he your selection?”

“I … might have suggested … look, she did say she loved him.”

“Then I think that gives us a starting point.” Inara smiled. “When will you arrive?”

“Three days. I have to do a little business first, if that’s okay.”

“Three days is perfect. It gives me a chance to get everything ready.”

Anthony had already visibly relaxed. “Thanks, Inara.”

“I look forward to seeing you soon.”

He smiled and the connection broke.

Covering the screen over with the red silk throw, Inara turned around. “What …” she began, startled.

“Auntie ‘Nara?” Bethany stood in the doorway, her toy dog tucked in the sling.

“What is it, sweetie?” Inara took a calming breath and sat down. “Did you come all this way on your own?”

Bethany nodded. “Wanted to talk.”

Inara smiled. “There seems to be a lot of that around.” She patted the sofa next to her. “What do you want to talk about?”

“Daddy says we’re going soon.” Bethany scrambled up, her cast making it awkward.

“So I understand.”

“I don’t want you to be lonely.”

“Oh, honey, why should I be lonely?”

“’Cause you ain’t got a puppy.”

“Haven’t got,” Inara corrected automatically. “Well, no, that’s true.”

Bethany looked down at her shoes. “Uncle Mal doesn’t want two puppies.”

“I’m sure he didn’t -”

“I heard him telling Uncle Hank.”

“Were you peeking?”

Bethany shook her head. “Peeking