My heart raced. Clara Ashcombe was a woman on the council and one of my mother’s friends. As a young teen, I’d often spent time at her home in upstate Maine and rode horses with Georgiana while my mother visited with her. I recalled the woman’s soft smile and cheery attitude.
Energy buzzed through me. I had no idea what she wanted to share, but somehow I knew she had the missing piece I’d been waiting for. At last, I’d find out how my parents died.
I shot off a response.
Yes. I appreciate you reaching out. I will be there.
My reply sounded much too mild for the anticipation that quickened my breath.
My mind raced with everything I wanted to ask her, but before I could do anything else, my phone again vibrated. I glanced down and, to my surprise, saw Lizzy was calling.
Rosalie spun toward me, her face lighting up. “I know what we could do—”
“Forgive me, I need to take this.” I rose from my seat and stepped from the study as I answered the call and put the phone to my ear. “Hello?”
“Darcy? Hex, thank goodness,” Lizzy’s voice had that tone to it when she was extremely worried. I hadn’t heard it since she thought she might lose her job after Lydia had run off with Wickham when they were suspected of murder.
I went on high alert. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. I… I’m aware this is odd—me calling out of the blue—I just couldn’t think of anyone else to turn to—”
“What do you need?” I hated hearing her voice so stressed.
“It’s my father. The Moonrot has gotten worse. I don’t think he has a lot of time left, and I—I know you’ve been researching Moonrot, and I was wondering if you’d share what you found with me. If we can work on it together? I—we have to find a cure soon—”
“I’m on my way.” I hurried over to the closet and grabbed my coat. Reaching up, I grasped the keys for my uncle’s Jeep on the hook by the door. He was leaving shortly, but he could call Georgiana and have her bring the car around for him.
There was a moment of silence. Then, “Jane said that you’re on a ski trip in Wyoming, and I don’t want to disturb you but—”
“I’m headed to the airport right now.” I pushed open the study door and grabbed my computer bag, shoving the papers and my laptop into it.
Rosalie cleared her throat, and I froze, remembering her. I spun around and mouthed, “I have to run.” Then, ignoringher indignant expression, took the computer bag with me and hurried out the front door.
“I’m sorry, it’s just this is really important,” Lizzy said again, though there was clear relief in her voice.
“Don’t worry about it. I have some good news that hopefully will help us. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” Tossing the laptop into the passenger seat, I started the Jeep. “And trust me, Lizzy, we’re going to figure this out.”
Chapter 2
Charleswaitedformeat the airport. As soon as I stepped off the plane, I slipped my glamour into place. It wasn’t to make me look different, but to make people not recognize me as the prince. Charles and a few others, including Lizzy, knew who I was despite the glamour. It was mainly for those who had a penchant for gossip, which in Austen Heights seemed to be the majority of the population.
Charles greeted me with a bright smile. “Hey Darcy. Tired of your trip so soon?”
I got into his car and shut the door, settling into the passenger seat. “Lizzy called me.”
Charles sobered. “She told you about her father?”
I nodded. “How is Jane doing?”
He let out a long breath as he pulled out onto the road. “Concerned. You’re aware of how she and Lizzy act to hold everyone together.”
The Bennets were a surprisingly tight-knit group considering all their distinct personalities. Lizzy and Jane tended to serve as a stabilizing force for the others.
“Are you here to figure out the Moonrot?” Charles asked.
“I hope so.”
“Me too. If there is a time to figure it out, it’s now.”
