“Ugh,” sighed Alyria with absolutely no tact. “Fine. I shall appeal to Mistress Laine this instant.”
Cassia pretended to ignore her sister as she stomped across the room and placed a sheet of paper on the writing desk. Gynelle, who had been reading in the corner, stood calmly and walked to her sister. Cassia watched as Gynelle neither spoke nor touched her sister, but the side profile of Alyria almost smiled.
“I wish for some fresh air,” said Cassia, “will either of you join me?”
Gynelle nodded. Alyria, with a completely easy countenance, looked up. “Thank you, but I just wish to finish this letter to Mistress Laine.” Her tone had never been so cordial.
“Naturally,” said Cassia.
The two elder sisters walked arm in arm out the door and past the vegetable garden.
“You are getting quite good,” said Cassia.
“Do you think so?” Gynelle’s eyes widened.
“Yes! So much more discreet than at Rosings.”
“That is comforting, for I thought I had lost my touch. I tried to calm you just before Alyria and absolutely nothing happened.”
“Really?” said Cassia. Sometimes she felt a charge within her, something maybe like a power or ability, and the tiniest part of her wished she had it. She hadn’t felt anything like she had in the Rosings woods since they came home. “Maybe Alyria has power too, so you can affect her. I’m just a heb, so your ability must not work on me.”
Gynelle chewed on her lip. “I don’t think that’s the case, Cassia, for I tried it on Mother last week and it worked, and we knowshehas no magic.” She offered a wry smile. “And just now when I tried it on you, it felt like I couldn’t do it. I’ve never felt that.”
Cassia’s brow furrowed. “So maybe my very aura knows how much I distrust magic,” She employed a pitiful laugh. Except more and more she wanted to feel that surge of something she had felt at Rosings.
“Maybe,” said Gynelle, “Anyway, it was so very strange. Using my magic makes me more tired here than Rosings.”
“Perhaps it's the lack of a ley line,” stated Cassia. Gynelle stared at her. Cassia shrugged. “I don’t know much about the workings of magic, but Caliazo and Darkwood said that was important.” Technically, she had overheard them, but still. “It’s my guess Magess Degowyn made sure to plant herself on a strong one.”
Gynelle nodded with interest but then changed the subject, and Cassia found herself left to her own thoughts. Was it possible she had something within her? Of course the ley line at Rosings was strong. Ember knew it. Instantly she found her mind back with High Mage Darkwood and his dragon. Shehadfelt power there. Not just his magic or the dragon’s. Something—inside herself. Maybe when she finally left Hertfordshire, she’d feel it again.
* * *
Gaius wasn’t sure he expected a response, but none came from Miss Cassia. His conscience had at least been cleared a little, which settled him almost enough to appease him. Why had he burst out like that in the woods? Didn’t he know how to control his power? It had shown weakness, inability, and could have very well endangered Cassia. His worst fear was that she had felt adverse effects—physical or mental—from such a surge of uncareful magic.
He also had not found the relic. What damage was whoever held it creating? And since he sent Ember to Longbourn, the dragon hadn’t returned with any leads. Gaius wanted to go to Pemberley but thought his best chance at finding the pocket watch would be in London, so he remained.
Aunt Hepsabah’s kleptomania weighed on his mind, and he wanted to discuss it with Caliazo. She must be stopped. He also wanted to gauge the man’s feelings for Miss Cassia. It would not do, however, to call at Mage Colonel Brensweck’s house during his convalescence and bring up such serious subjects at a stranger’s abode.
He would just have to endure a few more restless weeks.
* * *
Cassia’s aunt, uncle, and three small sons arrived the next day and though the air was hot, Cassia went to greet the carriage with great excitement.
Gynelle ushered Mr. and Mrs. Gareth’s children inside to stay at Longbourn. The next morning, after hugging her parents, Alyria followed Cassia closely whispering in Cassia’s ear “Good-bye, and I shan’t even miss you, for Mistress Laine has said I can travel withher. She’s coming with her maid to collect me next week, and we will travel to Bath. I shall return engaged, mark my words.”
Good heavens. That young Colonel’s wife had nothing inside her bonnet beside frivolous ribbons and bows, and the two of them together in Bath would be even more fearsome. “Alyria,” Cassia whispered, “I’m so sorry you can’t come with our aunt and uncle this time. Butplease,be careful in Bath. Do not flirt with officers.”
Alyria rolled her eyes.
“And whatever you do, do not accept any husbands,” said Cassia. She tried for an easy smile, but Alyria seemed extra buoyant and let out a loud laugh and waved. Gynelle came out to say her last good-byes.
Cassia stopped and turned back to Master Retton. “Father, you can’t let Alyria go to Bath with Mistress Laine. She’s too...silly. And young. It’s dangerous.”
“Oh Cassia, it is out of my control. Your mother absolutely declared Alyria must go. I have won many arguments against the woman, but this is not to be one of them.”
Cassia cast a grave look toward her father. He gave a small shrug. “She will be fine,” he said. Cassia shook her head and took her uncle’s hand as she climbed into the carriage.
