Mary laughed. The djinn's apprentice was an unexpected obstacle, but he wasn't quite as dangerous as his master... She resisted the urge to ask whether the spirits were those of captured princes. Nell didn't seem like the type to join in with games. "Spirits? Oh yes, I remember. Let's save that part for last, though. I want to hear about this place," she gestured to the room around them. "Tell me the story of it. And don't leave out how exactly Harry came to have it, because he hasn't told me yet. ...."
She paused and took Nell's arm, though he hadn't offered it. "Maybe as we go I can explain a bit about why Harry never told you about me? Did he tell you about Ann?"