Gaius’ shrewd eyes grew narrow. She curtsied, excused herself, and sailed away with her older sister across the room.
Did she really just use his words against him? He, the richest and most powerful man in the room? Didn’t she comprehend who she was dealing with? He knew how to craft his words and use his magical ability so people wished to capitulate to him. He shook his head. He wouldn’t let her affect him. He came to support Blythesome. And to find his relic. If he ever had to interact with this Miss Cassia again, he’d make sure she understood his power.
And yet there was something to those eyes.
Chapter Two
“And then,”cried Mistress Retton, “He danced asecondtime with our dear Gynelle. You missed it while you were occupied in the card room. Can you believe it, Master Retton, of all the good luck and fortune?”
“Yes, yes, dear,” he said, gesturing for Alyria to pass him the bread, “Shall I order her wedding gown today or tomorrow?"
“Ohhh!” cried Mistress Retton as her utensil pummeled the potatoes on her plate. “You shallnotbe the one to order wedding clothes! And of course not, at least not yet, Master Retton. I simply mean to say he is very close to falling inlovewith her,” she finished, thrusting a forkful in her mouth for effect.
“Itisentirely possible, mama,” said Cassia, “that someone doesnotfall in love after one dance.”
With a more subdued tone Gynelle added, “And no matter our dancing, I think it wise to not jump to any conclusions…”
At this the bell rang and the manservant brought in a letter to Alyria from the newly married Mistress Laine inviting her to tea again.
“May I go mama?” Alyria said, clutching it. The girl loved anyone who doted on her, and this Mistress Laine treated Alyria as an especial favorite.
“Of course,” said Mistress Retton. Alyria bounded out of the room to change her gown.
Cassia found herself again wanting fresh air. “I am going for a walk. Does anyone wish to join?”
Master Retton had already retreated to the study, and Cassia knew too well her mother detested such exertion. “I will come,” said Gynelle.
“Walk toward Netherfield, ladies,” their mother admonished as they donned their bonnets.
“Iactuallywish to take her suggestion,” said Gynelle, as they linked arms.
“So be it,” said Cassia and they set out toward the south hill between their two properties.
Finally alone, Gynelle spoke freely. “He really was a good dancer, Cassia. So much more refined than the usual gentlemen I dance with. Yet he complimented my skill, which I think isn’t much.”
“Gynelle, you are always underestimating yourself. I saw you, and you were radiant last night.” Cassia wished she could instill more confidence in her sister. She was so meek, unassuming, and kind, which were the best of qualities but sometimes she sold herself short. Cassia opened her mouth to say more, when she saw three men on horseback a quarter mile away.
“Do you think—” Gynelle broke off suddenly. Cassia didn’t even need to turn fully to notice her sister’s blushing cheeks.
A long gangly arm waved at them, its owner shouting, “Hello!”
Within a minute the gentlemen closed the distance.
“Good-day,” said Mage Blythesome. “What a pleasure it is to see you two out of doors.” The girls curtsied, and Cassia wondered who the third young man could be. Blythesome meddled with his hat but tried for more conversation. “Oh forgive me.” Mage Blythesome gestured toward the man to his left. “Miss Retton and Miss Cassia allow me to present to you High Mage Darkwood’s cousin. Mage Colonel Caliazo of London.”
Cassia had taken note of the additional rider’s agreeable countenance. The man possessed a tan complexion and tight curly hair and bowed his head as he touched his hat.
“I had just arrived, so they were showing me the grounds. But please, no need for the long title. Colonel will suffice,” said Colonel Caliazo. His smile was quite genuine. The man didn’t wish to draw attention to his Mage status. Cassia liked him already.
“We are terribly sorry to interrupt your ride,” said Gynelle, her shoulders lifting with her nerves.
Cassia wished to rescue the situation, but Blythesome dismounted from his horse. “Not at all! We would love to join you on your walk, if you’ll have us.”
Cassia couldn’t help but notice the way Darkwood’s mouth drew into a tight line. He had little patience for his friend’s new interest, but dismounted his horse all the same.
The party continued on, Gynelle and Blythesome chattering nervously and lagging behind as Cassia walked on more quickly with both Darkwood and Caliazo to her right.
After a long silence from the back half of the party, Colonel Caliazo spoke quietly to his cousin. “So no ley lines in Netherfield, Dark?”
