“They have chosen to make themselves visible because of recent events. It is a long story, and a rather difficult one to credit. Perhaps you might wish to sit down while I explain.” Darcy owed him the full storyafter his help with the servants when they discovered Lady Catherine’s sorcery.
A quarter hour later, Mr. Cox’s brow was furrowed. “Sorcery is the devil’s work, and I rejoice that it will no longer taint our world. But I am shocked that Lord Matlock should be a suicide in contravention of God’s law!”
“He did not commit suicide.” Lady Matlock’s cool but determined voice came from the door. “No more than a soldier who marches into a hopeless battle for the sake of his country, or, for that matter, Our Lord who permitted himself to be killed to redeem our sins. Lord Matlock did not wish to end his life, but he did so to save England from untold misery. That is not suicide.”
Darcy jumped to his feet. “Lady Matlock, may I present Mr. Cox, the curate of Chiddingstone? He is the one I mentioned who offered support to the staff here around the question of Lady Catherine’s sorcery.”
Mr. Cox bowed deeply. “My apologies, Lady Matlock. I had not thought the matter through yet, but you are correct.”
Lady Matlock acknowledged his words with a regal nod. “If we continue to have more contact with the fay, the church may face some challenges in determining how their magic can be accounted for within our Christian beliefs.”
“Understanding more of God’s creation can only enrich us all,” said Mr. Cox.
“Perhaps we can speak of this more later. Eventually I would like to hold some form of service at the site of the spell. The wedding can take place there as well.”
Darcy shook his head. “There are still many fay keeping vigil there. I would not wish to cause any offense to them.”
“I agree with Lady Matlock.” Mr. Cox’s eyes had new fire in them. “The fay are heathen. It is to their benefit to observe a Christianservice, even if it offends them.”
“Exactly so,” said Lady Matlock.
It was not worth arguing over. “Very well.”
DARCY FOUND ELIZABETHby the Great Spell with Frederica, Eversleigh, Richard and Aelfric. “Are you ready, my love? The curate has arrived, and my aunt insists we must have the ceremony here by the tree.”
Elizabeth looked up at him through her lashes. “I hope she does not think the tree will be able to see us.”
Darcy’s lips twitched. “I would prefer not to argue the point with her.” He held out his hand to her, his heart filled with love for her.
Eversleigh said, “Can you wait a few minutes before starting?”
Darcy turned to Elizabeth. “I suppose there is no reason we cannot.”
“Good!” Eversleigh hurried off towards the group of Sidhe keeping vigil.
“We may regret this,” said Elizabeth with good humor. “I hope there will be no fay pranks.”
“Ah, here is Mr. Cox,” said Darcy. “Miss Bennet, may I present Mr. Cox, the curate at Chiddingstone? Mr. Cox, Miss Bennet is today’s bride.”
“It is a pleasure,” said Elizabeth. “Thank you for coming today.”
Mr. Cox bowed. “I am happy to be of service.”
“Oh, dear,” Frederica murmured.
“What now?” asked Richard darkly.
She gestured across the lawn. “Look at Eversleigh.”
Eversleigh was speaking to Cathael, moving his hands to demonstrate a squared-off shape. Cathael replied, and several benches suddenly appeared facing the spell. Eversleigh shook his head and saidsomething. Now it was two rows of benches with an aisle down the middle.
Mr. Cox’s eyes were bulging.
“Is he trying to make it look like a church?” Elizabeth asked. “Who does he think will fill all those benches?”
“I have no idea,” said Darcy. But the answer became readily apparent as Sidhe and lesser fay began moving towards the benches.
“This was not quite what I had in mind,” said Mr. Cox quietly. “I suppose it will serve, though.”
