“Of course, Papa.”
As her father left her side, Darcy came up to Elizabeth with a smile. “What were you talking about so earnestly with your father?”
She answered honestly, but without giving anything away. “We were talking about Lady Alice.”
A shadow passed over his face. “I wish I had been able to save her. For Redmond’s sake at least. Since they found the body—it has been difficult for him. I believe he is mourning her.”
Elizabeth thought of her father. Lady Alice could have been her mother. It was impossible to imagine the idea. She snuggled closer to Darcy. “At least it saves her the humiliation of a public scandal and trial.”
“I suppose so.” They walked silently for a few minutes. “Do you think it strange that I am sorry for Lady Alice’s death?”
“No. She helped us defeat the Imperial Mages at Hythe. She organized us when Lord Matlock had all but given up. Then she sacrificed herself to hold back the water. She more than redeemed herself. No one could call her a traitor now. In fact, I think she should be honored. I might speak to the Prince Regent about it.” She paused. “And I owe her a huge debt. She undoubtedly saved my life.”
Lady Alice had never married and had children of her own. In the end, despite her emphasis on Bloodlines, she had not left a legacy behind her. Elizabeth wondered now if Lady Alice had been attached to her father.
It irked her that she would never know.
It was odd, but now that she had heard her father’s story, she felt more of a kinship with Redmond. He was Lady Alice’s nephew, and like Darcy, Redmond had been partly raised by her after his parents died.
“I would like to talk to Redmond,” she said to Darcy. “Now that you told me about Lady Alice, I feel I have been remiss in my duty by not speaking to him about it.” She paused and corrected herself. “No, what am I saying? It has nothing to do with duty. I have just been so caught up in these wedding plans, I am afraid I have neglected him. I feel we all overlook him, somehow. He deserves better.”
“It has not been so bad. He has received a lot of attention from the young ladies,” said Darcy, “especially since the Prince Regent singled him out the other day for his exemplary service to the crown, along with your sister Mary.”
“Lady Mary Bennet,” corrected Elizabeth. “Baroness of Nugent.”
“Very well, Lady Elizabeth,” said Darcy, with an elaborate bow.
“Not yet, Sir Fitzwilliam. We must wait for you to be knighted. It will be strange to hear everyone call you by your first name.”
“Not strange at all,” said Darcy. “It is a very solid name with a long history behind it.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Why do you use any excuse to mention your elevated Bloodlines?”
“Because it is necessary to remind you of your good fortune in marrying a gentleman of such elevated birth.”
She snorted. “I have been reminded by your aunt many times already.” Her gaze landed on Redmond. “Ah, there is Redmond.I must say, he does not look quite as tragic as you have painted him.”
Redmond and her sister Lydia were sitting in a corner of the large room, heads bent together, laughing over something. Cooking up mischief, no doubt. It was a strange and unexpected friendship.
Then Redmond’s hand came up. He tucked a stray curl that had fallen from her ribbon in its place. Lydia carried on whatever she was doing, but Redmond's gesture gave Elizabeth pause. Was he in love with Lydia? How could it be?
"Tell me I am imagining things. My sister and your Twin?" Elizabeth gestured to where the two were sitting.
Darcy watched the two for a moment. "Is that an actual question? I can point out how many things are wrong with it. One, Redmond isourTwin, not just mine. Two, why on earth are you surprised? Three, it is astonishing that I would notice such a thing long before you do. For someone who claims to be observant…"
"Enough!" she said, laughing and feeling foolish. "I just never thought Redmond would consider Lydia seriously. She is only the daughter of a country squire."
"Lydia has proved her Talent. And your father is no ordinary country squire. He has friends in high places. But most importantly, Lydia's sister Elizabeth is not only his Twin, but also one of the most powerful mages in the Kingdom, and Mage Advisor to the Prince Regent. It is one of the highest positions anyone can aspire to."
Elizabeth blinked. When had she become such a prominent person? When she had first arrived at Founders' Hall, she had been a nobody.
"Besides," said Darcy with a smirk. "You are married to me. Which is more than enough to bestow status upon your sister."
He laughed at the expression of outrage on her face.
"Darcy," she started.
He leaned forward and gave her a light kiss on the lips. "Come now! Do not fly into a high dudgeon. I was only joking."
