At such an invitation, Gynelle and Mistress Clovis, as well as her husband, ran their hands over the breastplate of the armor. Gaius noticed, however, that Cassia held back.
“Do go on,” said the Magess, “Miss Cassia, do you not wish to examine such finery? There is no armor to equal it in all of England.”
“Sorry, ma’am,” said Cassia. “I fear I do not put much stake into supposedly magical metal.”
Gaius’ quirked his brow, intrigued by Cassia’s boldness. The Clovises’ cheeks blanched in unison toward their guest. Surely no one had ever stood up to the Magess in such a way. His aunt sought to impress people, and with such finery, she had always succeeded.
“My goodness,” came the Magess’ shrill voice, “You do not revere the Armor of Sir Galahad himself?” She swallowed down enough of her rising disgust to continue, “You do not respect your betters? Any young woman of good breeding would make the most of such an opportunity. Your age and station must not have granted you such wisdom. You must be very young. Are you even one and twenty?”
Only because he had studied her face far too often could Gaius note that Cassia’s cheeks flushed by a half degree. She kept admirable control of her beautiful countenance, considering his aunt’s harsh words. His aunt appeared even more unimpressed, but his own admiration grew all the more.
“Yes, I am twenty, ma’am,” said Cassia, unapologetically.
“And you think this all unimpressive?” The Magess challenged.
“No, ma’am. It is very impressive, but I fear I grew up in Hertfordshire. We have little magic there, as I am sure you know. I am not used to it, nor do I find it necessary to fawn over it.”
She seemed to like Ember though—and everything that happened in the forest. Why not this magic now?
“Well, you are a very foolish and ungrateful girl,” huffed the Magess.
For the rest of the evening his aunt shot Cassia withering glances. Most of the time she treated the young lady as though she were a bug that one pretended not to notice in order to appear composed.
Gaius found himself with the opposite problem and wondered if Cassia was aware of how many times his gaze inadvertently rested on her.
The dynamic between his aunt and Cassia more than interested him. Why had Cassia seemed so unimpressed? She didn’t wish to touch any of the magical items and almost did not even look at them. Why did his aunt insist on amazing everyone? They all seemed to gush at each piece of armor, the swords, the jeweled hilts, and fine helmet. Theywereimpressive to be sure, but their infatuation with it seemed excessive.
Though, as he had reminded Blythesome so many times, Hertfordshire had a dearth of power. These country folks had never been impressed by magic before, so such items from years of magic lore were sure to impress.
Impress everyone but Cassia, that was. He found himself faltering on his resolve to stay away from her. He wanted to spend time with her again, to have another meaningful conversation.
At the end of the evening he tried for his chance. “I’ve heard that the wood nymphs are especially devious in the forest between Rosings and the rectory. Might I escort you home?
“Oh yes, he’s right,” said the Colonel, turning serious. “I shall join you as well.”
Master Clovis might have been offended that his presence wasn’t enough for the party of ladies, but he seemed so enamored with the evening that he didn’t object. Gaius heaved a sigh. Why must Caliazo work his way into coming too?
The Clovises gave an over gracious thank you to the Magess. Gynelle echoed her many thanks and a low curtsy, and Cassia inclined her head with a slight bend of a curtsy toward the woman.
“Allow me,” pounced Caliazo as he flashed a debonair smile and extended his arm to Cassia before Gaius had even collected himself. Why some of his friends were so quick and charming irked him yet again.
Master Clovis had already charged ahead against the grass, confiding something in his wife to the effect of, “You really must tell Miss Cassia that she’s not to challenge her Ladyship,” when Gaius, with a resigned smile, turned toward Miss Retton. “Shall we be off then?”
“Yes, thank you,” replied Miss Retton. Then all of a sudden Gaius felt something like ease and comfort roll across him, as though he had just swallowed an unseen wave of refreshing water. He stopped for a moment.
“Did you…” he stammered. “Forgive me, Miss Retton, but did you just use your ability to—”
A much less restrained blush countenanced. “Oh, yes,” she said quietly. “You...know I have an ability? And you could tell?”
“Definitely,” said Gaius. “I have known since our first meeting.”
He watched her eyes widen. “Forgive me, sir. It wasn’t my place.” Her speech quickened. “You seemed a bit, well, angry or something and...before tonight I did not know that I could project my magic on to others, so I was just experimenting, but with someone of your rank and status, I didn’t realize my use would be so apparent.” She quieted.
Caliazo had just tilted his head back in a large laugh at something Cassia said. Whatever happiness Miss Rettonhadthrown his way hadn’t lasted long enough for him not to be jealous toward his cousin’s enjoyment of his walking partner.
“Oh,” Gaius said, coming back to Miss Retton, “Everyone has a right to wield their abilities as they see fit. Just know,” he smiled at her, “that those of us with great power can detect other’s power.”
Miss Retton’s eyes widened. “Always?”
