“I certainly have no objection to that,” said Mr. FitzClarence.
Elizabeth asked, “Lord Eversleigh, how did you know what to tell us to do in the binding ceremony? I cannot imagine you were aware of what happened at the last Great Spell.”
“Hardly,” said Eversleigh. “Fay ceremonies tend to follow a pattern, so I could guess what was coming once Titania began it. It was similar to what is done when one of the Sidhe is accidentally killed.”
“Your years in Faerie have proved quite useful.”
“It seems so,” said Eversleigh. “And now, FitzClarence, let us goto Titania together. You can lean on me if you need the support.”
FitzClarence nodded, clearly too exhausted to argue as he struggled to his feet.
“And then,shurinn, you will oblige me by sitting down next to Frederica or Aelfric and quieting that nervous mind of yours,” said Elizabeth tartly. “You have been even more affected by the last two days than I have been, and you need to rest. It will do none of us any good if you collapse from weariness.”
Eversleigh’s mouth twisted. “Did Frederica ask you to say that?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I fear it is simply obvious that you will not stop of your own free will, even when you should.”
“Very well,shurinn. I will do so, since you insist.”
After Eversleigh left, Darcy asked, “Does he have to obey you when you call himshurinn?”
Elizabeth considered. “No, but it is a reminder of the obligations we owe each other. If he had a compelling reason to disobey, he could do so. But if he simply does not wish to do what I ask, yes, he would be expected to listen to me.”
“I used to wonder why you did whatever he asked. I thought it might bespeak an understanding between you, and I did not like it one bit.”
“Oh, no. Simplyshurinn.” With an arch look, she added, “The same rules apply foreliarinn, but employ that power at your own risk.”
Darcy whispered in her ear, “I would far rather have you willing than compelled.”
Heat suffused Elizabeth’s body. Tomorrow they would become one flesh, yet it seemed wrong to have such feelings when the bodies of Oberon and Lord Matlock lay yet unburied under the mist. Suddenly she stiffened.
“What is wrong, Elizabeth?” Darcy asked.
“Nothing.” She did not want to be the one to point out theobvious.
“It is not nothing. I can feel it.”
Of course he could. It would take time to get used to this bond. “Nothing of import. I realized we cannot be married tomorrow after all, since you are in mourning for your uncle.”
Darcy frowned. “There must be a way. My aunt insisted it must be done as soon as possible, and I am in complete agreement with her.”
“It can still be soon,” she said slowly, trying to bury her own disappointment. “But it cannot be the day after your uncle’s death.”
Darcy’s nostrils flared. “I will speak to my aunt tomorrow.” His tone indicated he did not intend to tolerate much delay.
A SUBDUED GROUP GATHEREDfor breakfast the next morning. No one appeared well rested. Although there had been no time to obtain mourning clothes, everyone had chosen to wear dull colors, greys and browns. Even the food seemed to be in mourning. Instead of the usual platters heaped with pastries, fruit, and meat, a paltry plate of toast and rolls sat on the sideboard.
Anne said, “I hope you will understand if service is somewhat lacking today. The staff are struggling to keep food out for the fay, and a few servants have fled out of fear of them. My housekeeper has recruited replacements in the village, but their inexperience shows.”
That explained the limited array of breakfast foods. “Perhaps the servants will return after everything goes back to normal.” Elizabeth helped herself to toast and jam.
“If they are frightened by Sidhe, it is better they leave,” said Anne coolly. “Aelfric should not have to disguise himself when he is here.”
It was definitely too early in the morning to discuss Anne’s relationship with Aelfric, so Elizabeth said, “Did you see the tree thismorning? The mist is gone, and the tree looks at least double the height it was last night.” She did not mention that Lord Matlock’s and Oberon’s bodies had apparently disappeared along with the mist. She would rather have the Fitzwilliam family discover that on their own.
Anne buttered a slice of toast. “It will be a pleasant change. I never liked that view, anyway.”
Lady Matlock swept into the room. “Good morning. I hope all of you slept well.” She wore a dress of green striped muslin with gold trim and looked like a tropical bird alighting among a flock of sparrows.
