His intense eyes studied her in that moment. His gaze dipped down and back up again, and then the most infectious smile she had ever seen appeared on his countenance, spreading across his face. Cassia’s breath caught involuntarily.
His gaze darted down the hill. “Perhaps you could introduce me to the rest of your party?”
“Oh, forgive me,” said Cassia. “Yes.” He didn’t extend his arm but took the reins of his horse. As they started walking, Cassia noticed Darkwood angle away from her and mutter, something like, “Could this be why Ember—” He must have noticed Cassia’s sudden turn of her head, but by the time Darkwood looked up, Cassia shielded her gaze too late to mask the blush she felt on her hot cheeks. Cassia returned her eyes forward and didn’t venture any conversation.
Within five minutes they drew near to her aunt and uncle. “Allow me to introduce my uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Gareth of London. This, as you may have gathered from the groundskeeper, is High Mage Darkwood, the owner of this beautiful estate and these stunning grounds.”
“A pleasure to meet you,” Darkwood said, collecting himself and bowing to her aunt and uncle. Darkwood excused the gardener, gesturing to Mr. Gareth that he’d finish the tour himself.
Cassia could not believe the easy way High Mage Darkwood employed himself. Gone were his stuffy, tight manners and disapproving gaze.
“Mr. Gareth,” said High Mage Darkwood, “you must come for lunch tomorrow, then we shall go fishing.”
Mr. Gareth tried for a calm “thank you,” as he pulled on his coat tails with utter glee.
As soon as fishing was arranged, however, Mrs. Gareth came forward and tugged at her husband’s arm. “I am feeling tired, dear,” she said.
“Shall we all turn back?” High Mage Darkwood’s eyebrows raised in concern.
“Oh, no need of that,” she said. “Mr. Gareth and I shall turn back, but you and Miss Cassia can take your time.” For the second time that afternoon, Cassia’s aunt seemed to know how much she wished to take in all of Pemberley.
Darkwood nodded. “We shall be just behind.” He patted his horse and sent it toward the house and then came toward Cassia and extended his arm. Cassia felt surprised by her excitement at the prospect and placed her arm willingly within his own.
As they began their stroll, Cassia’s mouth felt dry. How could she be here now? What would he make of her coming to Pemberley? They walked on, but Darkwood offered nothing in the torturous silence.
“You must know, I would have never, without my aunt’s urging, insisted we come…” she looked up at him. “I am sorry to have caused you trouble,” she said finally.
“Your visit here is no trouble. I am glad you humored her,” he looked at her earnestly, and then his brows seemed to cloud into a pensive stare. “Ember told me I must rush home, though did not explain further.” He looked at her intently. “Now I think it must have been to see you.”
Cassia was rendered speechless. Had he really been so bold?
They started walking again, but Darkwood still remained silent. “Your woods are truly beautiful,” Cassia breathed, hoping for further conversation.
From the corner of her eye, Cassia witnessed a small smile edge Darkwood’s mouth. “Yes, you ought to get lost rambling in them while you are here. I know you enjoy that sort of thing, and you never know what you’ll find.” The comment was so full of teasing, flirtation, and general amiability, Cassia did not know what to do with herself.
He stopped walking and looked at her. “My sister will be here for luncheon tomorrow, and it would give me pleasure to introduce you to her. Will you come?”
“Oh, yes, of course.”
Darkwood nodded and then his tone turned more serious. “You did receive my letter, I hope?”
Cassia turned her eyes downward. “Ember delivered it himself, though I wished he would have stayed longer. It was very considerate of you to write and explain yourself. I am sorry for my uninformed accusations.”
“They were nothing compared to my actions. Pray, tell me, were you harmed by my...outburst?” His eyes turned vulnerable and wide.
Cassia paused and could feel his uneasiness grow. “I have to admit I felt weak for a time, but did fully recover.” She looked away and attempted an ease she did not quite feel.
“I cannot tell you of the agony I have gone through over my actions in that forest, Miss Cassia. My...abilities don’t generally manifest in such a physical way. Please forgive me.”
“If you can forgive my bad behavior,” she said with a smile. He had seemed genuine in his letter, but his apology in person sent a thrill through her.
“I should return you to your aunt and uncle, but look forward to seeing you again, tomorrow.” They had made it up the great stone steps.
Mr. and Mrs. Gareth sat resting on a stone bench in the courtyard. Before Cassia could answer, Darkwood approached her aunt.
“It would be a great honor if you both would also join me for lunch tomorrow.”
Mrs. Gareth looked from Darkwood’s face to Cassia’s and then back. “Thank you for the invitation High Mage Darkwood.”
