To Sabrina’s mind, Caitlin’s position — and her condition — couldn’t possibly be worse. She’d felt a sense of disconnection after she’d left Hogwarts. There she had had structure, routine, and in the end, as Head Girl, some status. As a freshly graduated witch she was… well, basically, nothing. And even though she had been thinking about going to college to learn fashion design, it had come as an enormous relief to get her letter of acceptance. It meant she basically could put off having to be something. And after the summer in Milan, she was confident she could succeed.

But Caitlin? One day, Head Girl, and a few weeks later, knocked right through the hoop without a voice. She had to feel lost. Whatever plans she had would have to be on hold, until she sorted out something to enable her to communicate again. And although Sabrina could understand her depression, her apparent reluctance to work at a solution was baffling.

Still they were having fun, and as far as Sabrina could tell, Caitlin was perking up a bit. Maybe, with a bit more encouragement, she could be persuaded to learn sign language. Sabrina was just about to suggest coming back to take Caitlin out to the nearest market town, or even up to London, to get her out and doing when Caitlin’s brother appeared.

"Didn't know you had company,"

“Old school chum, would you believe?” Sabrina said brightly.

"You're not letting the chatterbox hog the conversation, I hope," he teased.

“I think I’m keeping my end up,” Said Sabrina, smiling back. He was a good looking fellow. You could certainly see the family resemblance, and there was a relaxed, confident air about him. Nice. “We were about to compare notes on the joys of being Head Girl,” She added, half truthfully, because she had been about to raise the subject, and it did make a link between Caitlin and her.

"Name's Gavin; I don't believe we've met."

“Sabrina Sorelli. And no, this is my first time at the family estate. A mutual friend… Sioni ap Emerys told me how to winkle out this little recluse. I suppose you’ve met Sioni?” Not that it was important. Just trying to establish a link.

“Anyway, why don’t you join us? Tea has been provided, and you can help me convince Caitlin that she should come shopping with me next week. It will be good for her to get out, I’m sure, and we can practice hand signals.” She glanced over at Caitlin in the hope of a positive response. “I’m sure I’ll know beforehand what you want to say, and I can just say it for you, if you feel shy. After all, shopping is just… shopping.”

And she was pretty certain that Caitlin could do with a dose of retail therapy.

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