Elizabeth blushed. If only it were that simple! “Very kind of you, Mrs. Dixon.”
“It is an honor. It is not often that we are visited by a Janus Mage. Let me know if you need anything at all. I suppose you would like hot water. I will send it up at once.”
Elizabeth was grateful for the warm welcome, especially after her difficulties at Rosings. The first thing she did was go to the window to see if it faced the sea, but there was nothing to see.
The conversation over dinner revolved around preparations in case of an attack. Captain Laker had been there when Napoleon had plotted to cross the Channel, and they were all eager to hear his perspective and gather as much information as they could.
“Napoleon’s success has come from doing the unexpected. It is true that his last attempt was a miserable failure, but you must not forget, he did not carry out an invasion. He was defeated by the Royal Navy. But he has continued to express his determination to ‘jump the ditch’ as he calls it. He has been collecting all kinds of mages over the years, and we cannot discount anything at this point.”
“Fortunately, it is universally known that mages cannot perform magic over large bodies of water,” said Mr. Bennet, “so he will still have to rely on conventional methods of attack to bring the mages over.”
“True. We have the elements on our side. It would be foolish to attempt it. The winds are not favorable, the currents are unpredictable. Add to that, the treacherous waters around Goodwin Sands,” said the captain. “Part of the role of the garrison here is to deal with salvage operations, and we are constantly being called out. Ships are constantly flailing.” Heleaned back and sighed. “Still, Napoleon has had years to plan this, and he will have learned from his mistakes.”
An uneasy silence fell on the group as they contemplated the officer’s statement.
“Does anyone have an estimate of how many mages Napoleon would be sending over if he invades?” Lady Alice asked.
“We have no idea.” Lord Matlock drummed his fingers against the table. “Riquer has told us previously there are around two thousand Imperial Mages scattered around the Continent.” He turned to Elizabeth. “Perhaps you could ask Riquer to give you an estimate next time you talk?”
Elizabeth nodded. “It is not always possible to ask questions, and the mirror connection is weak, but I will do my best.”
“If Napoleon sends half that number,” said Lord Harcourt, “we will struggle to stop them. Look at the damage a handful of Imperial Mages caused when they attacked the Guild Hall and Founder’s Hall. Imagine what it will be like with even fifty well-organized mages with a plan.”
“He will not risk too many mages on the Channel.” Captain Laker’s confidence was convincing. “They are defenseless on the water. When he ordered a practice crossing before, he lost scores of soldiers to the waves, as well as boats.”
“And with our Wards pushing the mages back,” said Darcy, “they will not be able to land. We have two sets of Janus mages on our side. Our Wards are strong, so is our Elemental magic.”
Captain Laker agreed. “Exactly.”
“In any case,” said Matlock. “If Riquer confirms to Mrs. Darcy that the French are about to attack, we will request reinforcements from the Rochester Academy. I have already dispatched a letter to prepare them, as well as to Rosings to ask some of the Healers to join us here.”
Elizabeth hoped they would not abandon Jane. She would just have to trust Anne to ensure that her sister was taken care of.
“It would be good to have more numbers,” said Darcy. “And I am looking forward to meeting some of the mages from Rochester.” He turned to Captain Laker. “However, I would like to hear your thoughts on how we should set up our preparations.”
At that point, Elizabeth stood up. “I will leave you to your discussion. I need to be outside, in case Riquer tries to contact me.”
Darcy rose. “I will walk you to the door.”
“I am still not convinced that Napoleon will attack,” he said. “From everything Captain Laker said, it is impossible. The Channel defends itself against intruders without our help.” He leaned over for a quick kiss. She was happy to oblige.
“We may find ourselves going to Pemberley after all.” He murmured.
Elizabeth laughed. “I do not quite share your optimism. I suspect it is the excellent brandy that is talking. However, I certainly hope you’re right.”
“I am usually right,” he said.
She rolled her eyes and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“Go and enjoy your brandy, husband. The boatmen outside went to a great deal of trouble to smuggle it for you.”
She did not have the luxury of staying inside. She had to brave the storm to wait for Riquer.
As two of the soldiers opened the latticed portcullis for her, the stinging rain brought with it a salty tang. She could not venture outside to the drawbridge. The wind would have knocked her down. She settled for standing just inside with the door open, though she fretted that if he reached out to her, she would not hear him.
Fortunately, he did not.
At breakfast the next morning, an express letter arrived. The soldier approached Elizabeth and handed it to her on a silver salver. Taken aback, she took it and turned it over, examining the unfamiliar seal, and overcome by a sense of dread. She could only imagine one person writing to her.
