The muted chink of pots ceased as McClellan went very still.
A mutinous flicker lit in Raven’s eyes. “You’ve never sought to clip our wings before.”
That wasn’t entirely true. But Charlotte understood the elemental challenge he was making and prayed that she could handle it without breaking the bonds of trust that tied their little family together.
“You’ve become older and more involved in adult affairs,” she began carefully. “Which are more complicated and fraught with consequences, both for you and for your friends.”
Hawk shot an uncertain look at his brother.
“Decisions must be weighed with great care, and the scales are often very hard to balance. Sometimes you must tip them against your inclinations because it’s the right thing to do.”
Charlotte paused, watching Raven closely.
The war of emotions was writ plainly on his face. He was on the cusp of adolescence—not quite a child, but not yet an adult. Rebellion was natural, as she knew all too well. His eyes narrowed....
And then a tiny twitch curled the corners of his mouth upward. “So you’re saying that Lord Wrexford is right, and that there are times you have to look at a problem with logic and act on reason, not emotion?”
“Yes, that’s precisely what I’m saying.”
The smile became more pronounced. “You don’t always listen to His Lordship’s requests.”
“On the contrary. I always listen very carefully and give his words great weight,” responded Charlotte. That didn’t mean she always did exactly as he wished. But she left that thought unsaid.
Raven appeared to be mulling over her reply.
“In past investigations, we were up against a small group of individuals. This time, we’re facing a powerful institution with ties to the highest circles of government. The dangers are great. In fact, they’re terrifying.” She drew in a measured breath. “Or should be.”
“How can we help?” asked Hawk in a small voice.
“By accepting that there will be times, like tonight, when I will need to ask you to do as I say, even though you might not like it,” said Charlotte. She thought for a moment and allowed a small smile. “You saw Professor’s Sudler’s amazing Computing Engine before we left Wrexford’s estate. Well, with the number of our friends involved in this investigation, we are like the Engine, in that we have complicated parts which must all work together. If one piece comes unhinged, it can wreck all the others.”
Raven nodded solemnly. “Oiy, I see what you’re saying.”
She released an inward sigh of relief.
“But if you must go out alone,” he added, “you need to tell us where you’re going. In case . . .”
In case I don’t return.
“Fair enough,” said Charlotte.
“In fact,” piped up McClellan as she tapped a cooking spoon against her palm, “I suggest that for the time being, the house rule is none of us go out without the others knowing where we’re headed.”
“Agreed,” answered Charlotte.
“Agreed,” echoed the boys.
“Excellent,” murmured the maid. “I shall make a batch of ginger biscuits to seal the pledge.”
Charlotte rose. “I need to go to the docklands tonight and have a word with Annie Wright. I expect to be back before dawn.”
“The porridge should be ready by the time you’ve changed your plumage to become Magpie,” said McClellan. “One should never square off against the enemy on an empty stomach.”
* * *
The Great Fog, which had gripped the city since the beginning of the year, seemed to hang heavy over the deserted warehouses, despite the fitful breeze blowing in from the river. Slowing her steps, Charlotte moved cautiously through the gloom, searching for a glimmer of light in the surrounding darkness. Perhaps it was the talk of knives and murder that had her nerves on edge. A prickling of foreboding teased at the nape of her neck, and every little skitter and rattle from alleyways set her heart to thudding against her ribs.
At last, a creeping turn brought her down to the wharves, and she spotted the glow of the Ship’s Lantern up ahead.
