Gaius gulped. For him it had been so with every case—except her sister. He thought more and more that Cassia might have some magic beginning to manifest too. He cleared his throat. “I cannot speak for every high mage and magess, but generally yes.”
“I see,” she said softly. “I suppose I ought to use more discretion then.”
Gaius nodded. “Yes, the more you practice, the more subtly you can develop it. Your...gift,” he offered a wry smile, “isn’t quite there yet.”
She lowered her lashes. “Thank you for the advice.”
The woods seemed strangely silent. Not even the glow of fireflies or wood nymphs shone. Where Ember was, he couldn’t detect. How strange. Usually he could feel when he was close.
As they came closer to the rectory, Gaius tried to close the distance between him and Miss Cassia, but she and Caliazo reached the door before he caught up.
“Thank you,” said Cassia to the two gentlemen. “So kind of you.” Both sisters curtsied and turned inside.
He’d just have to call on her tomorrow. Even if it seemed untoward, there was so much he wished to speak of. Since Cassia met Ember in the woods, he had felt his interest toward her grow. During every hour of their evening together, his resolve to forget her steadily waned, and he found himself acquiescing to stronger feelings. Had she felt anything toward him? She still seemed a bit standoffish, but that could be overcome. He was falling for her completely, and perhaps his rank and wealth could win her over, eventually. Young ladies noticed those kinds of things. He would keep trying and pray they would somehow keep running into each other.
Hecouldalso employ his ability of persuasion in important matters, but so far his magic had failed him. He’d have to win her without it.
* * *
The next morning Gynelle and the Clovises decided to take the carriage into town. Cassia, longing for a respite from the worshipful attitude of her cousin, stayed behind. So when a firm knock echoed from the door, she sat up with a start.
As the maid opened the door, Cassia peaked down the hallway and saw Mage Colonel Caliazo smiling. He tipped his head toward her. “I was taking a walk this morning and could not help but call upon you.” He peered just into the hall. “But where are the Clovises? Or your sister?”
“Oh, yes,” said Cassia sheepishly, “they are all out...”
He glanced behind him. “Then would you do me the honor of a walk?” His hand rose toward the woods.
Cassia’s heart caught for a moment. She had liked the Colonel from the beginning, and last night had been especially lovely. Their conversation had always flowed comfortably, always less formal than some men she had interacted with. Now he asked her to walk, knowing she was alone? It seemed forward of him, but she would stay near the house, and nodded in consent. “Let me just fetch my coat.”
On the threshold, Colonel Caliazo extended his elbow. Cassia took it and began to move.
“You seem to have a path in mind?” said the amiable man.
She nodded. “I must admit I’ve found a perfect lane here. Additionally, it is close to the house.” It was a sunny day, and they were to be out in the open, plus, the Clovises and her sister would surely return shortly.
“I must admit my gratitude that you and your sister have chosen to come to Rosings. Darkwood and I could not have asked for better company. It’s so dull when only he and I make our yearly visit.”
Cassia laughed. “I have no doubt a person as pleasant as yourself enjoys our presence, but I am sure Darkwood prefers the higher company of your aunt.”
The Colonel blew out a fast breath. “Tut-tut, Miss Cassia. Not so.” He wrinkled his eyebrow such that she thought him more handsome.
“You are generous, sir, for you witnessed his haughty behavior in Hertfordshire.”
Colonel Caliazo nodded, but it had an absent quality, like he had more on his mind.
“You walked here alone this morning?” She smiled toward him, noting his dimpled smile returned.
“Yes,” he nodded, “I was quite bored, and I wasn’t about to stay indoors with the Magess alone.”
“Surely Darkwood could accompany you?”
The Colonel’s brows flashed together. “No, actually. He left for London early this morning.”
“Really?” Cassia found she couldn’t check her curiosity, though she was glad Caliazo had called and not Darkwood himself. Darkwood had intrigued her, during their time with Ember, but she still distrusted him. “Had he always planned on doing so?”
“No,” said the Colonel. He stopped abruptly.
She noticed his pause and pounced. “Is everything alright?”
