[ Yes, good. That's exactly where she'd been going, and she's glad that the other Stranger was able to convey it so well. Maybe this would actually work?

Except -- darn it --

'I'm not going to share with her,' said Lord Harle.

And Piper can see how Laney immediately bristles. ]

Then you'll go without milk, [ said quickly, sharply, a marked contrast from her convincing tone of before. ] And we will help Laney Cook get her sugar another way. And have lunch at her restaurant and tell everyone exactly how good it is. Or you can agree to share, and we'll walk away, and we won't need to say another word.

[ A quirk of her lips. ] But you can compete honestly and let the one who really is the best cook win. You'd like that, wouldn't you, Lord Harle?