Her words became slurred and inarticulate. Matlock had cast a spell on her.
“Will you leave willingly, or will I have to immobilize you as well and have you carried outside?”
His eyes were cold and carried a clear warning.
It would be easier to explain out of earshot, if she could break free of Matlock’s spell. She nodded and accompanied him. If she could get him to hear her, he would see that she was right. They were assuming she was an irrational female who could not control her emotions.
At least she had bought Darcy time to rebuild his defenses. Or find a way to neutralize the Elemental bolt. Though he was probably toohonorableto take advantage of the pause in the attack.
Matlock led her through the gate and pushed it shut. The hinges protested with a high-pitched squeal that expressed exactly how she felt. He marched her firmly away from the walled garden towards the house.
“Inside, please.”
He was wasting precious time, but she hoped he would release his spell once they entered the house.
He gestured to the footman inside. “Do not let Mrs. Darcy leave the house under any circumstances, do you hear?”
The footman nodded. “Yes, my lord.”
Matlock turned to leave. “Do not interfere, Elizabeth, even if the outcome is not what you would wish. Will you behave yourself if I release the spell?”
As if she was an errant child who was not doing what she was told. She did not feel honor bound to tell the truth, not when honor was being trampled into the grass outside. She nodded.
As soon as she regained her ability to speak, the words rushed out. “You do not understand. If you would onlylistenfor a moment. The French mage is controlling Devereux from the cellar.”
“I am willing to indulge a great number of your fancies, Elizabeth, but I hope you will not repeat such a ridiculous accusation. The French mage is heavily Warded. He cannot use his magic, even if he can use his mirror.”
She was acutely aware that in the walled garden, the duel would have resumed by now. “I cannot allow the duel to continue. Darcy is under attack.”
“Elizabeth, stay out of it.” His voice carried the full force of his authority. “This is a direct order.”
Elizabeth did not care about any threats he might make. Even from inside the house, she could sense the danger Darcy was in. The build-up of power that was being poured into Devereux was unmistakable. If Darcy was struck this time, he would be killed.
She would not allow it to happen.
If the enemy was prepared to form a connection of some sort to kill Darcy,shewas prepared to form a Bond to protect him. This was more than a simple duel.
This was murder.
