Page 100 of Triumph at Pemberley

“As you say, yer ladyship.” The mulish look on his face, though, suggested he had no intention of abandoning her, even if it meant throwing himself into Faerie.

Stubborn man! Apparently saving a soldier’s life was a trickier business than she had expected.

She gestured to Bethan to follow him, but the girl shook her head fiercely. If only Frederica had enough Welsh to explain it to her! But she would have to make do.

There was no point in dawdling. Frederica took a few steps forward before clasping her hands and calling out softly. “Whoever has been speaking to me in my dreams, pray accept this small gift.”

Waiting was always a struggle for her. Her mother would be proud of how still she stood now, when every muscle of her body ached to be in motion. How long would it take for a response, if one even came? Was this worth the incredible risk she was taking, or had she somehow been tricked by the voice into this foolhardy venture? She had not dared to tell Quickthorn where she was going.

She tried to quiet the nagging in her head by watching the dancing light reflect on the cascading water and the mist rising above it.

Mist? There had been no mist there before. She caught her breath as it gradually thickened.

A figure stepped out of it, slender and impossibly beautiful, with waves of hair like liquid silver. She was unmistakably High Fae, like those who had tried to invade Pemberley and nearly killed Jasper. Sudden fear stabbed through Frederica.

The fae stepped lightly towards her, as if gravity barely held her to the ground. Perhaps it did not. Powerful magic radiated off her.

Frederica wanted to flee, but her feet would not move. Oh, this had been her worst idea ever, in a lifetime of impulsive decisions! Would she see Roderick again, or anyone she loved?

“’Twas I who called to you.” The fae’s musical voice carried a slight accent on her silver tones. “I am glad you have come.”

Somehow Frederica managed to find her voice. “I have brought these gifts for you.” She gestured down to the cakes.

The fae’s eyes barely flickered in that direction. “Your manners are excellent, Frederica Fitzwilliam, but it is I who seek a service from you.”

Oh, dear. Better not to play word games with a fae, though. Especially one who knew her name. “What is it you wish?”

“Clever of you, to promise nothing until you know more. I have an Artifact for you to deliver to the Gate-Opener, she who calls herself Elizabeth Darcy.”

Careful. She must be careful. But this could be it. “I do not expect to see her for many months.”

“Then I must ask you to change your plans. This is of great import and cannot wait.”

“Why do you not give it to her yourself, then?”

“Do you think I have not tried, Frederica Fitzwilliam? Her home is too well protected. I cannot cross the wards there. I am told you would be admitted to Pemberley even if you carried an Artifact.”

“Still, you could find someone much closer to her.”

“My lord, whose name I dare not mention, is watching every faerie ring within many miles of Pemberley. This is the first opportunity I have had to reach an intimate of the Gate-Opener, and I have been trying since I discovered her existence.”

The Gate-Opener. How did she know about Elizabeth’s Forbidden Talent? Frederica swallowed, though her mouth was dry. “I will do nothing to harm Elizabeth. This Artifact – what will it do to her?”

“Nothing at all. It will have no effect on her, nor on you if you carry it.”

That seemed highly unlikely. “Then why do you want her to have it?”

“Because it will allow her to open Gates, and that would disrupt my lord’s plan.” It sounded too direct for a fae.

“You speak very plainly for an inhabitant of Faerie,” Frederica said slowly.

The fae’s face contorted in what seemed to be an expression of distaste. “Painfully so, but my time is limited, if I do not wish to be discovered. I am willing to offer you a boon in return for your efforts.”

That was easy. “I do not bargain with fae. Either you convince me to do it on its own merits, or I will not do it. How do you know of my connection to Elizabeth?” That was suspicious in itself.

“One of the lesser fae from Pemberley told me.” She shook her head. “I wish he had not ventured to return.”

“The lesser fae have been spying on us?”