“And that is acceptable?”
“I can’t say I have much liking for Lady Southwick’s way of thinking. But I don’t believe Emmeline was a willing party to that goal. She was being forced into the whole Mistletoe thing. Told me that as soon as we started our private conversation last night.”
“That’s a huge relief. I would have hated to break her heart when I announce my engagement to Pru.”
“You won’t.” Brent smiled. “I need to talk to her and then I plan on heading over and speaking with Lord Southwick this afternoon. It would be lovely if we could make the formal announcement at the Mistletoe Ball, don’t you think?”
“That’s next week. Do you really think you can keep Lady Southwick quiet that long?”
“Hmm. Perhaps. Or maybe not. I don’t know.”
Reid stood, pushing his tankard aside. “I have to find Prudence, Brent. I’m going upstairs to knock on her door again. Perhaps she was delayed or something. Then I’m going back to see if anyone saw her this morning. My instincts are telling me she must be all right, but I’ll be happier when I find her.”
Brent rose as well. “I’m for Southwick. She was supposed to meet me this morning early—she assured me she could get away, but since she’s not here, I will have to go and find her. I’ll talk to her father while I’m there. I might look around the village in case she was delayed somewhere as well.”
They walked away from the fireplace and notice a group of men around one table. Curious, they both turned their steps that way to learn what was afoot.
“There they was, swear it on me ol’ mum’s grave, I do.”
“Now Jacob, you’ve been at the ale agin, ain’t yer?”
An elderly man shook his head vehemently. “Ain’t touched a drop this mornin’, lads. I knows what I saw. And I saw ‘em. Fairies they was. I’m sure of it. Nekkid as the day they was born, running ‘round in the snow. Now I asks yer. Who else but magic people could do that, then?”
“Did yer see them wings, Jacob, or was yer too busy lookin’ at t’ other bits?” A rumble of laughter greeted this question.
Jacob lifted his chin. “I saw ‘em. If yer don’t wants to believe, that’s yer right. I bin blessed by ‘em. Didn’t show ‘emselves to yer did they now, yer sorry lot. Right over in t’ big meadow they was. Lit clear as day by that there moon a’fore the snow come in. Couldn’t mistake that, I tell yer. Would ha’ missed it if’n old Clancy hadn’t had to take a piss so damn late…”
“Good dog, that Clancy.”
“Aye. But nekkid fairies?”
The conversation ranged on for a few moments, and Reid turned to see a quizzical eyebrow raised in his direction and a rather knowing look on his friend’s face.
Various comments drifted through his mind, but then he decided discretion was the better part of commonsense in this instance. “Just shut up.”
Brent stifled a snort and followed Reid away from the crowd.
“Should we worry about them?” Reid asked his friend the question as they walked to their cloaks and the door. “The snow and all that?”
“I’m trying not to. They’re both used to this kind of weather, and Emmeline knows the area like the back of her hand. Pru isn’t as familiar with it, but she’s no fool, Reid. She wouldn’t take chances.”
“Odd that they’re both absent at the same time though, isn’t it?” Reid paused at the door and looked up at the sky. “At least we’ll see a little sun today. Still cold though.”
“Good luck. We’ll meet later, I’m sure. Do let me know if you see anynekkidfairies.” Brent clapped him on the shoulder with a laugh, and departed, heading down the main street toward the village center.
Naked fairies, indeed. Reid grinned and turned the other way to find his horse. He was trying not to worry too much, but every now and again a chill of apprehension touched his spine.
Where thehellwas Prudence?
*~~*~~*
“This is most strange.”
Emmeline addressed her teacup as she sat across the table from Prudence and the two women watched more plates appear along with a teapot.
“What is?” Their hostess asked the question casually as she offered scones.
Pru chuckled. “I know what Emmeline means. The fact that the two of us are here, sharing tea with a lady we don’t know, after both going the wrong way because we were thinking of other things. Talk about coincidences.”
