“What is this supposed blessing?” the earl wanted to know, apparently intrigued in spite of himself.
“Lyra wanted to share the wonder of the love that she had found here with Alwin, milord. If one of their descendants found love also, and returned to this village, they could awaken the blessing that she had placed upon the water, so that anyone who drank of it and desired true love would find it here in Fenwick.”
The earl sat back roughly. “Oh really, Mr. Ash! What stuff and nonsense!”
“I agree it sounds fantastical,” replied Barnaby. “But I can prove it to you. Will you accompany me to the place indicated in this drawing? We shall see, with our own eyes, the legend come alive.”
“And how do you propose to make that happen, Mr. Ash?”
“Because, your lordship,” said Barnaby, beaming from ear to ear, “I have found my true love.
Chapter Nine
Moira sat in rigid silence next to the footman. She had been brought—nay dragged—along at Barnaby’s request, and Lord Brathwaite, sufficiently intrigued by the possibility of the legend’s authenticity, had called for the carriage to transport them all.
The horses slowed outside the Tullys, Barnaby hopping out so quickly the footman did not even have time to lower the steps for him. He all but skipped up to the front door, knocked smartly, and removed his hat in readiness for the greeting.
Joy opened for him, wiping wet hands on her apron as she had done at their first meeting. The twinkle in her eyes appeared at once.
“Well, this is a surprise! Do you have the day off?” She peered past Barnaby at the carriage in the lane. “Oh, is his lordship visiting our village? It’s about time he met his neighbors.”
“I found the pages!” Barnaby blurted out. “You’ll never believe what they say!”
“Won’t I?”
“It’s incredible! And you can help me awaken my ancestors’ blessing upon the whole village!”
Joy cocked her head at him. “Did you say ancestors?”
“Remember I told you about the wings? Look, I’ll explain everything, but first I have to ask you something very important.”
Joy folded her arms across her chest. “Go on, then. Let’s have it.”
Two weeks ago… Nay, even a week ago, Barnaby would have pulled up short in this moment. The thought of declaring himself to a woman would have stopped him cold. But new confidence coursed through his veins, a wonderful rush of emotion. A desire to marry his life to another’s. Aye, to marry.
“Miss Joy Tully,” he said, “I love you with all my heart. And, apparently…” He paused to consider the vibration at his back. “With my wings too, such as they are.”
Joy’s arms relaxed at her side. Her eyes softened, the playful twinkle now a warm glow.
“And I was wondering,” he continued, spinning the rim of his hat from hand to hand, “whether it could be said you love me too. A true sort of love. The kind that makes a wondrous fae leave her world and join with a mere mortal.”
“I think…” Joy began. “I think you are the most interesting man I have ever met, and my life has been rather dull thus far. I could use a bit more adventure.”
“Oh.” Barnaby’s enthusiasm plummeted. “Is that all?”
“I haven’t finished,” scolded Joy. “I am merely saying that you have more to offer than you think.”
“Oh, good,” said Barnaby, slightly mollified. “I am grateful to hear it.”
“Moreover,” continued Joy, her voice uncharacteristically serious, “I am not the magical creature you make me out to be. I would like you to love me as I am: down-to-earth, a little rascally at times, and unashamedly outspoken.”
“I know you to be all these things,” Barnaby agreed, “but you are also magical to me. The effect you have had on me is nothing short of miraculous. You have opened me up to life like a bud that had never before beheld the sun. I think you underestimate your powers and what they have meant to me.”
“Why, Barnaby!” Joy’s mouth slanted and she dipped her head at him. “You are full of compliments today.”
“Could you get used to them?” Barnaby considered his hat, as if the answers lay in its felt form. Then he spoke the words he feared to say, but must. “Or would you rather they were uttered by another, less awkward sort of fellow?”
He looked up from under his brows, afraid of her answer, yet craving it all the same.
