The claim register had room for one name.
Lyra noticed that before she noticed the woman waiting beside it.
Celia Ashford wore a dark red coat without a household badge. Her hair was pinned in a practical knot, and she held a document case with both hands. An older woman sat behind her, rubbing rain from the handle of a traveling bag.
The clerk rose when Lyra entered.
“Lady Lyra. Your cousin has submitted an additional claim.”
“I can explain it,” Celia said.
There was one chair at the claimant’s side of the table.
Lyra stopped beside it.
