Conrad shrugged as he relaxed against the pillow.“Well, I’m content to let you handle most of that.I’m impartial to the dates.Although Wyndham suggested I keep in mind what colors will be in fashion for the season.So I think autumn or winter might be best as you seem to favor those richer shades and?—”
He broke off as Sage kissed him.“You really have thought of everything, haven’t you?”
Conrad grinned at him.“I do my best.I still have a number of details to work out.As you can imagine, I’ve been quite busy becoming a gentleman of London.”
“Did you get lost yet?”
“Multiple times.”
“It’s a rite of passage.Have you gone riding in the Park?”
“Not yet.I was waiting for you.But I did go shopping for some basic spell ingredients, and I bought a few books, and Iris kindly gave me a tour of the Council chambers.”He reached for the nightstand.“I also subscribed to the best gossip column in town.I’ve been told it’s a necessity for city life.”
Sage grunted.“Ah, yes.TheTribune.Anyone who’s anyone reads it.”
Conrad caught the wary tone in Sage’s voice.He said gently, “I think you’ll enjoy this edition.Shall I read it to you?”
“If you like.”
Conrad held it up and cleared his throat:
“Greetings returning readers,
Life has been exceedingly dull here in London with thetonspread out across the country for the summer.But we anticipate an exciting Season ahead.
First, the Council for Fae & Human Magical Relations has finally filled the remaining gap in their numbers with a third human member.Little is known about this person.All we know is that he is acquainted with a number of notable members of society, including several of the other councilmembers.We are sure the gentleman will be met with eager curiosity and, hopefully, congeniality upon his entry into society.
The Wyndham Wrenwhistles hosted their first house party over the summer.To all accounts, it was an enormous success.Many anticipate this couple to be leading figures in fashionable society.The event ended with a celebration of Mr.Wyndham Wrenwhistle’s birthday.Family and friends were invited.According to sources, noteworthy guests include Mr.Sage Ravenwing, who sported a gorgeous plum waistcoat, Mr.Cyril Thompson, who looked very fine in a subdued green suit, and Mrs.Aveline Buckthorn, who was lovely in peach.
As people trickle back to our fair city, we are already hearing whispers of potential matches.Will this be the year that Mx.Hillcrest, Mr.Thompson, and Miss Thackeray finally head to the altar?Will Miss Gloucester-Stone stun society with her ready smile and quick wit?Will the mysterious new councilmember catch anyone’s eye?
One member of society who seems to be spoken for at last is Mr.Sage Ravenwing.We are sure this news will be met with dismay as the gentleman has brightened many a salon in recent Seasons.According to sources, Mr.Ravenwing found love over the summer.Was it during the Wrenwhistles’ house party?Or perhaps a friend near the Ravenwing estate?Mr.Ravenwing has graced the pages of this column ever since his debut.We are delighted that he should find someone worthy of him at last.
If there’s anything this humble writer believes in, it is that everyone is deserving of love, friendship, and happiness.We hope you all find it, gentle readers, whether it be in this Season or the next.Whatever shape that love may arrive in, we hope that it fills your heart with joy and your magic with sparkle.
In the meantime, we look forward to a most eventful Season,
Your winsome writer,
Sal Bailey”
Sage was unmoving beside him as he laid the column aside.Conrad ran fingers through his hair.“I wonder how they shall describe us when we first appear in public together?The illustrious Mr.Ravenwing and the mysterious Mr.Moore?”
“Tell me the truth,” Sage said, looking up at him.“Were you their source?”
“I was not.”
“Truly?”
“Upon my honor.”
Sage frowned.“That’s the nicest theTribunehas ever been about me.I felt sure it was you.”
“Then it must have been one of your other friends.Someone who wanted to make sure the rest of London recognized how wonderful you are.”
The corner of Sage’s mouth ticked up.“Someone wrote about you too, from the sounds of it.”
“Hm.Everyone will be very disappointed when they discover how much I lack mystery and intrigue.”
