“You are a liability, albeit an entertaining one,” Gaius chuckled. He watched Cassia’s beautiful eyes widen and then draw tight toward her friend. This time they seemed a hazel brown, with no gold flecks. He tilted his head toward them. “And you suggested Master Clovis direct his love toward this Miss Cidel Lywin?”
“Certainly. Her desire was there, and his love was in such a volatile state, he really searched for any female. Averyslight persuasion directed him from Miss Cassia to Miss Lywin.”
Gaius shook his head toward his cousin and mumbled. “My power may be to convince people to my way of thinking, but your romantic antics are just as effective.” If only he understood why his own magic hadn’t worked on Cassia—again.
* * *
A few dances later, Gaius left the heat of the house and ventured toward the gardens. The moonlight afforded enough visibility to discern what he thought was a familiar glimmer, but it was gone in an instant. Maybe he imagined it. He rushed to the tall topiary to investigate, but only green leaves and cool air met his face. Walking a few more paces, he came to the edge of a tall hedge. He still couldn’t see anything, but he heard the same heavy breathing he had come to recognize. There weren’t too many people around, but the house was too bright and the noise from the open door too loud. Aware his friend wouldn’t show himself with such a loud event so close, Gaius thrust his arm up to his shoulder through the hedge and waited.
Finally something pressed against his palm and Gaius closed his eyes. Impressions came to his mind, like they did every time. Not completely distinct, and never with a name or face attached.He’s buying more of something...he’s gone to Town.
A flutter of feet scurried through the woods, and nothing touched his hand any longer. Tomorrow he must travel to London.
Chapter Six
When the ball concluded,Gaius and Caliazo stood in the antechamber of Netherfield. “Let us discuss this now, while Blythesome waves good-bye to his new favorite.” Gaius stepped closer to Caliazo. “His affections for her grow stronger, but I doubt her interest. She’s barely magical but untrained, with no family relic. Also, her mother and youngest sister are quite annoying. I don’t want to see them grow even more attached.”
Caliazo looked saddened by such a report, a frown punctuating his large mouth. “Really? They seemed quite in love.”
Gaius crossed his arms. “Don’t even think about meddling with those two and their love life,” said Gaius to the Colonel. “Not this time; it’s not your place.”
Gaius observed his cousin deflate, like a pouting puppy. The Colonel rocked on his heels, as though he wished to insert himself.
“No, Caliazo. You’ve only seen them once. Their happy countenances make it seem more convincing than it truly is, believe me.”
The Colonel clenched his jaw. Gaius offered a tight smile. “I have a great need to return to London. You may come if you wish, but I will convince Blythesome it is necessary.” He ignored his cousin’s wary eyes, which bored into him and chose instead to gaze out the front door.
“You never can stay put, can you Darkwood?” said Caliazo.
Gaius offered a smile. “Not while that relic is missing. London is a must. And then you know we must go to Rosings, and afterwards, Pemberley.”
He hoped his sister was well at Pemberley. He would write to her as soon as he could. Normally he'd also worry about Ember, but their contact lately had been more and more frequent. Ember would visit Rosings if Gaius was lucky.
He had to find the relic. But suddenly Gaius knew London, Rosings, or Pemberley would all bear him far away from Miss Cassia and her captivating eyes, and he wished for one more dance with the confusing girl.
* * *
Cassia came down last the morning after the ball, looking for Gynelle so she could relate the actions of Clovis and Caliazo and all her sister had missed while dancing with Mage Blythesome. The tear-stained face and gown she met, however, caused Cassia to pause. “Are you well, dear?”
“No,” Gynelle wiped away a tear. “Blythesome has gone to London.”
“What? Why? So soon after his splendid ball?”
“Our cook just heard it confirmed by the Netherfield staff.”
Cassia’s eyes narrowed to a glint. He left without any notice? That seemed unlike him. “I’m sure that awful Darkwood convinced him to leave without at least calling here first.”
Gynelle’s optimistic temperament showed, but only a little. “Oh, that cannot be the case. I am sure they have a good reason. Perhaps they find the country lacking.”
Cassie cradled her sister’s shoulders in her arm. Gynelle was too generous, and Cassia knew at this moment it would be impossible to convince her of anyone’s potentially bad motives. Gynelle did care deeply for the man, for tears rarely showed on her sister’s face, and such a reaction revealed true attachment.
“It will be alright, Gynelle,” said Cassia softly as she held her sister’s golden head near her shoulder. “He’ll come back in time.”
After a few strained minutes Alyria burst into the room.
“I cannot believe Master Clovis proposed to Cidel Lywin!” exclaimed Alyria as she plopped down next to Cassia. “I was determined he should have me. My allemande was flawless!”
Cassia checked her exhale. Her younger sister’s indiscriminate chase of every male gave her pause, and this was no exception. Cassia tried to catch her sister’s eye and direct her toward Gynelle who still sat quietly weeping, but Alyria looked away and fidgeted in the seat until she stood and darted out of the room.
