Darkwood gave a nod as they stepped apart and then together again.
“There is too, a childhood acquaintance. A Lieutenant Malum.”
Darkwood froze, missing two steps before collecting himself. “You saw us in the marketplace. Surely it was clear that he and I are not on any sort of terms. I loathe the man—heaven and earth shall fall before I try to acquire any of his temperament.”
She had gone too far, admittedly, especially for how little they were acquainted. He had taken the bait. “Do you know...that manwell?” He nearly spat it, if a high mage with perfect manners, could.
“He has befriended our family since his arrival.”
The look he sent her might have caused a dry bush to ignite, but fortunately they were inside, away from any brittle foliage.
“May I advise your family,” his tone was low and full of warning, “to stay far away from him. He has happy manners, and handsome looks...but you do not understand his true temperament.” She noticed his thumb twitching again, rubbing against his index finger. His gaze did not leave her face and she felt the cold, jagged wind swirl across her cheek, pushing against her, and then quickly it went away.
Now his temperature seemed to increase, but she would not rise.
“What firm words you speak,” she said, with a smile. She felt herself returning to her playful self, but he did not follow suit.
“Why do you challenge me so, with references you know would goad me on?” He nearly growled at her.
“I am trying to make out your character, sir, your strengths and weaknesses.” She smiled at him, lifting her brows.
“And what have you learned?”
“Very little.”
“Shall I tell you then? My greatest fault might be that my good opinion, once lost, is lost forever.” His eyes narrowed in a pensive stare.
Cassia’s gaze tightened toward him. He was studying her, fishing for something. She had never liked the sport. “I do hope then, sir, that you come to know those around you before forming an opinion.”
“That is generally my practice,” he said, “if they will allow me.” He drew a breath and followed with an audible exhale. She felt another push of cold wind, her eyes immediately drawn to his agitated hand.
“I wish you best of luck, High Mage Darkwood,” she returned. The dance was over. She curtsied slowly, still wondering at what he was about.
* * *
“Where have you been?” said Gaius to his cousin a few minutes later, his anger not yet in check. He hadn’t been able to get Miss Cassia off his mind, and he was frustrated with his own weakness. She had driven him to anger, but also intrigue. His persuasive pressure had been futile. He almost wished to dance with her again.
The Colonel surveyed him from the crown of his head to his boots. “You seem quite agitated.”
“The word does not even begin to describe—” began Gaius. “But it is best told elsewhere. Did you dance the allemande just now with anyone?”
“I had not asked a partner, and it was a rather good thing…” he smiled, his chin pointing toward the opening to the garden, where Miss Cassia and her friend stood together whispering quite intently.
Gaius observed his cousin watching the two girls.
“Caliazo.” Gaius set his jaw. “What did you do?”
A short exhale escaped Caliazo’s lips. “I promise it was for the best.”
Gaius grasped his cousin by the forearm. “You might employ some caution—”
Caliazo’s eyes came back to his cousin. “Dark, calm down,” he tutted. “After dancing with her, I learned that Miss Cassia Retton wasnevermeant to marry that dastardly Clovis, who tried for her hand. Plus, you know my ability can only help to further persuade existing interest.”
“Truly? Here?” said Gaius. He was shocked that Master Clovis would ask Cassia to marry him here, where all and sundry could see, and he was glad she wasn’t engaged, for Gaius did want to know her better and that man was utterly ridiculous. But what could Caliazo know after only one dance? Though Gaius recalled that he himself had been quite intrigued after one dance with Miss Cassia.
He clenched his jaw. “You haven’t known her long and youjustmet Master Clovis. Must you meddle so immediately in everyone’s love life directly upon your arrival?”
“Where romance is involved, I cannot help myself. “He placed both hands over his heart. “My abilities nearly take matters into their own hands.” He turned over his palms as he offered a wan smile and a shrug toward Gaius.
