“I have explored all the avenues I can think of, but I have found none that are easily defended both physically and magically. We need to move him away from Founder’s Hall as quickly as possible, but first, we need to find somewhere where we can gather as many of us as we can. It is essential for us to resume regular training.”
Darcy now knew what his uncle wanted from him.
He gave an audible sigh. “I gather you wish me to find a place. Do you want me to search for an appropriate Academy?”
It would be an unpleasant task. It would involve sending the younger mages home to free up space, and the Tutors would not take well to being overrun by the Royal Mages.
“We cannot risk moving anywhere that the French may be aware of. We must assume that they have the locations of all the Academies mapped out. No. We need to retreat to an unknown location, preferably some distance away from London.”
Darcy frowned. “But our presence is required in London to protect the seat of government and the Prince Regent.”
“The situation being what it is, we unfortunately have no other option but to split up. Some of the mages will stay on here, while most of us go elsewhere. Believe me, I am not suggesting this lightly. I have not slept at all these past nights.”
Darcy doubted sleep was anyone’s priority these days.
“What about the Council?”
“It will have to be split up as well.”
Darcy was shocked. The Council had not been split up since Cromwell’s days.
A long silence settled over the room. From outside, the clip clop of horses’ hooves and the cry of the nightwatchman reached Darcy. It was midnight and he was tired, and he did not want to think about moving.
“Do you suppose we can leave Town with de Riquer in tow, without being followed?”
“Obviously, we cannot move him just yet. But the rest of us can do it, if we act swiftly. Within the next two days, preferably. We will need to use some magic, which is always a risk, of course, but with meticulous planning, we can manage it.”
Matlock cast a glance in Elizabeth’s direction. Darcy expected him to ask her to leave, or to at least to set up a Muffling spell so she could not overhear them, but he made no attempt to exclude her from the conversation. Given all the gossip that was circulating, Darcy was pleased to discover that his uncle still trusted her.
“I am relying on you to maintain the utmost secrecy, of course. No one must know the location of the new Hall apart from the three of us. We will leave at night and take a circuitous route to reach it. If necessary, we will require everyone to be blindfolded.”
“Very well.”
Now all Darcy had to do was somehow, by tomorrow, find the ideal location. How on earth was he supposed to do that? It would need a miracle.
“I hope you do not think it presumptuous of me, Lord Matlock.” Elizabeth’s voice was a perfect antidote to his unhappy reflections. “But I may know of just the place. There is a large manor about three miles from our house in Meryton that has stood empty these past two years. It is called Netherfield Park. Its owner, Mr. Prescott, suffers from a protracted illness and he retired to Bath to take the waters. He is elderly and frail, and I do not believe he intends to return. The house is large enough for forty people, as well as household staff. It is situated around four miles away from the village, so you need not fear prying eyes, and it is surrounded by fields so it would be easy to Ward. It might be just what you are looking for.”
Matlock’s expression lightened.
“It might well be. The sleepy village of Meryton is well located for our purposes. It is close enough to London that it is only a few hours on horseback – useful to send express messages, and for mages to return to London if necessary. If we conceal our French captive there, it would be difficult for Napoleon’s Mages to find him.”
Drumming his fingers on the desk, Matlock mulled over her suggestion.
“If you do decide to pursue it,” said Elizabeth, “my father knows how to reach Mr. Prescott. Naturally, you may count on Papa to be discreet.”
“I do not doubt Mr. Bennet’s discretion, even if he has had some— disagreements—with us. Thank you for the suggestion.”
“I am more than happy to help.”
Looking satisfied with herself, she took up her book again. Darcy marveled that, once again, she had come up with a solution. He was sorely tempted to go and sit next to her, but thought better of it. He desperately needed sleep and being with her meant he was unlikely to have any.
“Did you wish to discuss anything else, uncle?
“Nothing at the moment.”
“Then I will take my leave.”
Darcy turned to Elizabeth. He did not want to walk away and leave her. He felt he ought to at least go and kiss her, but Royal Mages did not display their affection in public.
