Porter was a bit concerned that they would have to find a room at the tavern, which he considered far too open and insecure. He had forgotten Gilly’... chipper announcement earlier that they were in Blue Hand friendly territory. An empty torch was standing forlorn in one corner of the town square. Gilly dismounted and tossed a Blue flame onto the top of the torch and let it burn.Porter was not sure whether it was the Blue flickering lamp or the panting wastecat relaxing in the shade of the porch,. “Phones and electricity are still out, I’m afraid. We keep a few cellulars around for emergencies, though. The towers have backup power supplies. Here, use this one,” he said reaching out and picking a small flip phone off the counter.From memory, John dialed his agent, needing two tries when he forgot the area code. Finally, he got through to the secretary who said the man was out but gave him the proper procedure to follow. Malcolm reminded him to get the fax number and slid a kitchen note. "Mack opened the door and stuck her head inside so she didn't have toyell. "Just because he's not answering your calls doesn't mean you get tostay home and mope."Zoey rolled over, trying to block out her sister's voice."That's it. I'm going back to the kitchen and spitting in your orangejuice." Fine," Zoey conceded, sitting up. "You wouldn't really spit in my glass,would you?"Mack got an evil grin. "Just get up on time and you won't have to worryabout that." Nerd." Zoey sent a stuffed animal. “Let us join my mother downstairs. The guests should arrive any minute.”The three women descended the stairs to the entry hall. Lord and Lady Lambert were already greeting the first guests, and Harriet, with Eleanor and Ellen joined them. Ellen held back since she was not yet part of the hosting family, but over the next hour she saw many acquaintances arrive and exchanged pleasantries with them. Sir Anthony had joined the reception party as well, and it was he who recognised the next.