Mary nodded earnestly. “Of course.”
“There are rumors some of Napoleon’s mages are planning a landing. It is up to us to make sure that does not happen. It is vital that we depart in absolute secrecy to prevent anyone from following us, which is why we're taking the fewest possible mages in the fewest possible carriages. I have no idea what isawaiting us on the coast, but if Napoleon attacks, we are just a handful of mages trying to hold his mages off. We have been chosen because we have very specific roles to play."
"But no one can do what I do."
"True," Elizabeth sighed. “but the fact remains that you can't defend yourself if you are attacked."
"So you think I would be a liability. Jane is going, and she cannot fight."
"Jane is a Healer. We will need Healers to be on hand during an attack."
"She is still a liability."
“Jane has clear instructions to stay out of the way unless she's needed. Hopefully she will not, but we know exactly how she would be useful. We cannot know that in your case. I'm really sorry, Mary. It was not my choice to leave you behind. I was not involved in any of the decisions. I am simply following orders."
To Elizabeth’s astonishment, instead of arguing more, Mary leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "Stay safe, then, Lizzy."
Elizabeth threw her arms around her sister. "I'm planning to do my best. I shall miss you, Mary. Keep up your research. You might find something useful."
Watching Mary walk away, Elizabeth felt uneasy for the first time. Until now, she had not believed they could be facing danger, but saying goodbye to Mary had struck an ominous note.
Chapter 12
Emily shook Elizabeth awake. It was the day of their departure. The room was pitch dark, Emily's sconce breaking through the darkness. Elizabeth often rose early to practice with Darcy and Redmond, but this was earlier than usual. She dressed as quickly as possible, forcing herself to be still as Emily insisted on forming braids that coiled around her head. She did not need an elaborate hairstyle, but she had to play along to keep up the pretense.
"I want you to look pretty when you see everyone again. How exciting, to be going back to visit your family," chatted Emily, cheerfully. "Are you looking forward to it?"
"I am too sleepy to think about it," said Elizabeth evasively.
She was sorry for the deception. She wished she could have taken Emily into her confidence, but their destination was a secret. The official story was that, since Napoleon was occupied elsewhere in Europe, some of the most senior mages had been allowed to visit their families.
By the time Jane knocked at the door, she was ready to leave. They had agreed to walk together to the cloisters, where the traveling mages had agreed to assemble, away from prying eyes.
As soon as they entered the open space, Mr. Bingley came forward eagerly to greet them.
He bowed to them both, but his gaze was fixed on Jane. Unfortunately, since Jane was looking down at her boots, she did not see the way his eyes feasted on her features.
“How are you this morning? Ready to set out on a journey?”
His hearty tone seemed to suggest this was something akin to a picnic. Elizabeth smiled to herself and moved away, hoping Jane would respond more openly without her sister’s presence.
Mr. Bingley’s good cheer was in marked contrast to everyone else. Miss Bingley was leaning against a wall, yawning and looking ill-tempered. Miss King was drumming her fingers against her side, impatient to leave.There were several Council members huddled in a corner, talking to Matlock, apparently disagreeing about some detail or the other.
As they stood desolately in the dawn half-light, Elizabeth reflected what a pathetic group they made. How were a dozen mages supposed to stand against Napoleon?
She dismissed her gloomy thoughts and looked for Darcy. It was not like him to be late. Then she spotted him, and as always, her pulse gave a little leap. Darcy was sitting on a ledge, watching Matlock and the Council members with a bored expression. She had not seen him when she first came in. He was hidden by a column.
As if sensing her gaze, he turned and gave Elizabeth a faint smile. She returned it with what she hoped was a reassuring one, then decided to take a page from Mr. Bingley’s book. She went to him and gave him a cheerful kiss on the cheek.
His eyes filled with warmth. “Good morning. You are looking almost happy today.”
“I will be happy to set out,” she said. “I would rather be on the way than listen to one more person raising an objection to our travel arrangements. There have been so many changes. If there is one more, I think I will scream.”
To her delight, Darcy chuckled. “I am very much in agreement with you.Youhave not even been attending Council meetings. You cannot imagine whatIhave had to endure. So, yes, setting out will certainly be a relief. I just wish they would hurry and let us leave.”
Just then, Matlock separated himself from the Council members and came towards them, accompanied by Lord Grayson and Lord Harcourt.
“Is everyone ready to leave?” he said.
