“I’m not certain I agree,” he mused quietly. “She has insulted him several times.”
“Trust me, Edward deserves nothing less.”
“School is no fun.” Edward rolled his eyes. “You sound like my sister, Cordelia.”
“At least someone in your family has some intelligence,” Miss Ianthe stated, then paused, “I met a Miss Cordelia inThe Hourglass.”
Edward straightened and slowly looked around. His eyes widened when he saw her and Lord Bentford standing not far away.
“Hello, Edward.” Cordelia smiled.
“If you are afraid of your older sister, you wouldn’t last a sennight on a ship,” Miss Ianthe snickered.
“I’m not afraid of her,” Edward insisted, and Cordelia lifted an eyebrow in challenge.
“If you want an education so badly, why aren’t you with your governess right now?”
“Edward,” Cordelia warned. She and Edward were going to have a long talk when they returned to Hollybrook Park. She was embarrassed by his behavior.
“We are currently without a governess,” Miss Ianthe admitted.
“Then hire a new one,” he said as if doing so was as simple as walking to the bakery for bread.
My uncle and grandmother are very particular about who they wish to educate my sisters and me.” Ianthe sniffed as if she were above Edward.
“Why? Because you’re witches?” This was said with curiosity, not accusing, yet it should haveneverbeen asked.
Edward!” Such was never discussed openly in Bocka Morrow, especially where anyone could hear, and her brother knew better.
Chapter 5
The only reasonDamon had not chastised Ianthe for calling Edward a fool and for making stupid decisions was because he thought it best to be handled privately. But he fully intended to have that discussion with his niece because she’d been quite rude and dismissive. However, all those concerns disappeared with that one question.
Was it possible the boy knew?
“If that is the reason, then your uncle should hire Cordelia to be your governess. She already knows you are a witch, and she thinks education, reading and books are the most important thing in the world.” The lad was trying to be helpful, but Damon quickly glanced around, thankful that nobody was within earshot.
Damon glanced down to Miss Cordelia. Her lips were pursed and she sucked in air through her nose, then slowly blew it out.
“I am taking you home right now, Edward Vail. I’ve had enough of your disrespect for me and Miss Ianthe. You know better than to make such an accusation where anyone can hear.”
Did he ask if she knew that Ianthe was a witch? If they knew, how many others knew? Was his family even safe in Bocka Morrow any longer? Or maybe this was the reason his mother was so strict about nobody ever leaving Nightshade Manor.
Except, Bocka Morrow already had at least four witches who were residents that he knew of. Were they accepted so easily here?
It didn’t matter, Damon decided as he recalled the bodies of Evander and Rhea. Witches weren’t safe anywhere, especially if they were openly acknowledged.
“You don’t know what you are talking about,” Ianthe sniffed. “Do you go around accusing everyone of being a witch if they disagree with you?”
“I saw you,” he countered.
Damon stiffened again. What had Edward seen, and where? How had Ianthe revealed herself?
Bloody hell! This was the very reason his nieces were not supposed to leave the safety of Nightshade Manor.
“Saw what?” Ianthe dismissed him.
“When you arrived.”
