Bentford let out a heavy sigh of relief.
“I cannot help you child,” Madam Boswell was saying as they approached.
“We’ve not asked for anything,” Edward said. “I just brought her here.”
“You wouldn’t be here if you weren’t seeking something. What she wishes, I cannot grant.”
“Shedoesknow everything, just like you said,” Ianthe whispered, but she wasn’t so quiet that Cordelia didn’t hear her as they walked up from behind.
The old woman glanced up and nodded.
“You weren’t supposed to leave Nightshade Manor, Ianthe,” Bentford scolded.
Ianthe and Edward jumped before they turned toward them.
“She wanted help,” Edward argued.
“Perhaps the two of you should no longer associate with one another,” Bentford reprimanded. “I fear what trouble you might get into next time.”
Edward should not have left Nightshade with Ianthe without first asking permission. He got up to enough mischief on his own without encouraging Ianthe to do the same.
“Return home, Edward,” Madam Boswell ordered.
“But I…”
“You and I will speak later.”
Her brother blew out a frustrated breath.
“I’ll take him,” Cordelia offered.
“You will stay for now,” the old woman ordered, and Cordelia complied because Adam’s grandmother scared her sometimes.
Madam Boswell then rose and went to Ianthe. “Give me your hand.”
The girl’s eyes widened, and she shook her head, nearly panicked.
“You cannot harm me,” Madam Boswell insisted.
Slowly Ianthe drew a hand from her pocket and placed it into Madam Boswell’s.
“You have a special gift.”
Ianthe’s breathing grew quick and shallow as she looked to her uncle. “I said nothing about gifts,” she promised.
“Young Edward introduced you as Ianthe Norcott and you are twelve or thirteen, correct?” Madam Boswell asked calmly.
“Twelve.”
“You also just arrived at Nightshade Manor.” Madam Boswell nodded. “You have a special gift,” she said again. “Guard it well but do not fear it.”
Tears filled Ianthe’s eyes. “What does that mean?”
“Oh child, you need to find your calm.”
“Can’t you just take it away? I don’t want it.”
“No.” Madam Boswell shook her head sadly. “It is a gift, and you should look on it as such.”
