“Youhaveabsolutely no honor, that is what. I demand you follow me into this sorry excuse of a garden.” She swished her hand to the side of the house and plodded down the steps.
Before she closed the door behind herself, Cassia grasped Gynelle. “I must deal with her alone. Do not let anyone, especially Mother, interfere. It will only add to the Magess’ anger.”
Then, in a louder voice, Cassia spoke to the Magess. “I think you would be much more comfortable inside, ma’am.”
“I will not disgrace myself by entering into your residence,” spat the Magess. The woman was already heading down the steps, and Cassia followed behind, seeing no option but to follow.
They were now fairly far from the house, enclosed in the middle of the main hedge as the Magess turned to face Cassia. “I will get right to it.” She drew up her torso in such a way Cassia wondered if she would spout fire. “I have heard an alarming report, which I came to hear contradicted by my own ears. Do you intend to marry my nephew?”
Cassia grasped the small stone wall to her side, inhaling sharply. How had the Magess… and where had she heard…
Cassia swallowed.
Which nephew did she refer to? If Cassia didn’t choose her words wisely, she might reveal far more than she’d ever wish to.
“Your...nephew? What would give you such an idea?” Cassia tried for a slight smile, attempting to remain steady with every word. The woman’s dress sizzled enough to show the fury in her eyes.
“I have several sources. I saw his notice of you at Rosings, and Master Clovis seemed to think you had feelings for him, and now a recent letter from Caliazo—”
Cassia couldn’t help but blurt out. “What did the Colonel say?”
“That he would not be surprised if his cousin might offer for your hand, for surely he had feelings in such a way.”
Cassia’s heart soared. Had Caliazo caught an inkling of Darkwood’s feelings at some point?
Cassia smiled, despite the awful woman before her. The cold of the evening and the glare of this deplorable woman could not overthrow her joy. Could High Mage Darkwood really still care for her?
The Magess did not look amused. “I have heard about your sister’s despicable choices in London. Not to mention your family’s low status and complete lack of magical ability. So tell me, at once young lady, that you do not care for him.”
Cassia felt her strength rise. “I will make no such confession, your Ladyship.”
“And has he made such an offer?” The flames on her dress were now to the woman’s knees.
“If he has made such a declaration, madam, it is not for you to persuade him otherwise.”
The Magess’ enraged eyes matched her gown. “Are you engaged to him?”
Cassia’s shoulders dropped slightly. “I am not.”
“Do you promise to never enter an engagement with him?”
Cassia met the woman’s stare. “I will never promise such a thing.”
The Magess’ countenance filled with a visible rage and she lifted her long spindly fingers. Her voice rose to a screaming rage. “The shades of Pemberley shall not be thus polluted!”
Something rushed toward Cassia but she sensed the woman’s actions and flicked her hands out, deflecting the magic. The Magess’ head whipped to the side, as though she had been slapped by an invisible hand.
“How did you…” said the old woman as she regained her footing. She eyed Cassia as she slid toward her. “Did...you have the audacity to repel me? How did you—” She raised her hand again and this time Cassia felt the force tenfold. She sent it back to the woman, who dodged to the side, missing the backlash, but reeled sideways, her own reflected power ripping against her. The Magess shook her head and clucked her tongue. “So...you do actually have some magic, then? I am sure it’s underdeveloped, and perhaps I should tell you, I’ve stolen enough magic from the scum of your status, over the years, to ruin you with my vast abilities.” Then the Magess folded her arms and her chin jutted out. She strummed the large gems on her sash. “Now I understand my nephew’s sudden interest! Perhaps your power is all he sees in you...”
The flames on the Magess’ gown approached her waist and Cassia wondered whether her own dress would catch on fire if the woman came near enough.
“I usually disguise my ability to steal things in more discreet ways, but from you there is no need for decorum. I have never much liked your words and I shall use enough power to render you unable to speak.” She let out an evil cackle, “See if my nephew will have you now!” This time she raised both hands and Cassia tried to deflect it. She knew that her magical ability to mirror someone’s power had become weakened with the previous two blows and there was no ley line to draw from. Though she sent her hands out to reflect the great swath of magic, giving all she had, her efforts failed and after a few moments she felt herself tumble to the ground. A fiery dress seemed to sway before her as she crashed against a stone and a tight ringing registered somewhere in her mind. The world started to swirl, and the earth seemed to undulate. Then everything around her collapsed into an all-encompassing blackness.
Chapter Fifteen
In a groggy state,Gaius glanced toward his balcony at Netherfield. It was something he had always been grateful for, that Blythesome gave him the rooms with a ledge in both London and in Netherfield. How he was back at this country house was perhaps even more incredible.
Three nights earlier Blythesome had entered Gaius’ London room with the golden rose in his hand. “I must travel to Netherfield. Do you wish to accompany me?”
