“Thank you for rescuing me,” she said. “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
“You would have made your way back to the manor,” Dietrich said, “I have no doubts—you are one of the strongest women I know.”
“Aside from your mother,” Beatrice said with a smile. “And I owe it all to her.”
Dietrich shrugged. “She would suggest otherwise.”
“Wherever it came from,” Alexander said, “I am thankful, but I’m afraid we must discuss a more serious matter.”
Beatrice raised her eyebrows and waited for him to continue.
“We must discuss what is happening,” Alexander said. “Dietrich has expressed interest in joining our efforts.”
Beatrice glanced at Guinevere, who was frowning. “Can you tell him?” she asked, looking back at Alexander.
“No,” Alexander said.
“I see,” Beatrice said, glancing between Dietrich and Alexander. “And you want me to tell him everything?”
“That was my intention,” Alexander said. “I think having someone else on our team will be helpful.”
“Does Jenkins know?” Beatrice asked. “I might suggest getting his take on the issue as well.”
Alexander shook his head. “I haven’t been able to tell him, but he and Mrs. Jenkins should be on their way.”
“So we’ll wait for him,” Beatrice said as Rose jumped onto her lap. She began to pet the kitten, who curled up in her lap and began to purr.
Dietrich would either think they were all playing a prank on him, or he might have some insight. You never could tell with Dietrich.
“Is anyone going to actually tell me what’s going on?” Dietrich asked.
“Be patient,” Beatrice scolded. “You’re worse than a child. Wait for Jenkins to get here.”
Dietrich huffed and leaned against the wall. “You’re mean,” he said.
“You are incorrigible,” Beatrice responded with a grin.
“Are you always like this?” Alexander asked, looking between the two of them.
“Well, he is my brother,” Beatrice teased. “Of course.”
The door to the study opened, and Jenkins arrived with Mrs. Jenkins in tow. “How can we help, my lord?” Jenkins asked.
“Come and sit,” Alexander said, gesturing toward the sofa. “We need to talk.”
Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins looked at each other. “I think this conversation needs tea,” Mrs. Jenkins said, ringing the bell by the door and instructing the maid who came running immediately to bring refreshments before sitting on the sofa next to Guinevere.
“Beatrice will explain,” Alexander began, looking at Beatrice and nodding slightly, so Beatrice took a deep breath and turned to Dietrich.
“Alexander is under a silencing curse,” Beatrice said with a grimace. “I don’t know much more than that yet. Oh, and we only have until his birthday to figure out how to break it before something is going to happen, but I don’t know what it is.”
Dietrich stood frozen, staring at Beatrice. “You’re joking, right?”
“Unfortunately not,” Alexander said, his voice deep and strong, despite the topic. “I—”
He stopped and frowned.
The kitten on her lap let out a chirp and Beatrice turned her attention to Rose. “You have something to say?” she asked. What if the dragon knew more about the curse than any of them?
