Elizabeth said, “Thousands of people across England leave bread and milk out for the fay every day, and each one tells stories of gardens and crops that would not grow when someone failed to do so. It might be superstition, or we might be risking crop failures across England if the groves are destroyed.”
Darcy said slowly, “The last two harvests have not been good. The fay attacks also started two years ago.”
Frederica rubbed her fingers together thoughtfully. “I wonder if harvests are worse where groves have been destroyed.”
“Was anything decided?” Elizabeth asked.
“Nothing will be done at least until we know more,” said Darcy. “They suggested I should explain to the Sidhe that this is their own fault, and their war risks destroying all the groves. I told them I would rather walk into King George’s presence and speak treason than threaten the Sidhe lord.”
“I agree,” said Elizabeth. “If we have nothing positive to offer, I think we are better off trying to learn more about the situation.”
“I also spoke to Lord Matlock about the spell on Cousin Anne,” said Darcy. “He will not remove it. He also said there would be no point in trying to get someone else to do so, since he had designed it so no one else could break it.”
“That was when I became explosive,” said Frederica.
“She truly did.” Darcy was glad of the opportunity to change the subject. “Richard, I had not realized your sister is also a Fighting Fitzwilliam, although she uses words instead of fists or swords. I would not want to cross her!”
“Fighting Fitzwilliams?” asked Elizabeth.
Richard grinned. “Thetonnickname for the three Fitzwilliam brothers. We are known for, ah, having a bit of a temper when it comes to questions of our honor.”
“A bit of a temper!” Frederica mocked. “The three of you have fought more duels than the rest of thetonput together.”
Richard wagged his finger at her. “You should not complain, Freddie. That is why you never have to fight off impudent young men. They know better than to try anything with our sister.”
Frederica put her hands on her hips. “I do not have to fight them off because I stop them myself,” she said in a dulcet voice. “There is a reason why I spent months perfecting a spell to make someone fall asleep immediately.”
Her brother’s eyes narrowed. “Names, Freddie. I want names,” he said fiercely.
Frederica turned to Elizabeth. “You see?”
“I do. I saw a little of it yesterday as well.” Elizabeth’s eyes were dancing. “I cannot say I objected at the time.”
“Names, Freddie. Now.” Richard’s hands were clenched into fists.
“So you can challenge them to a duel and make sure everyone in London knows they tried to kiss me? How, precisely, will that be helpful in protecting my reputation?”
“Names,” Richard rumbled. “This is your last chance.”
“Names?” said Freddie airily. “Let me see. Humpty Dumpty, Peter Piper, Jack the Giant Killer –”
Darcy spoke over her. “Miss Elizabeth, would you care to join me in the dining room until these two manage to settle their differences?”
Richard glared daggers at him, grabbed Frederica’s elbow and pulled her out of the drawing room and slammed the doors shut behind them.
“Oh, my,” said Elizabeth faintly. “I had no idea the good colonel could be so....”
“Belligerent?” Darcy offered. “As you can see, it runs in the family.”
“I think I like Lady Frederica, especially if she fought with Lord Matlock.”
“She did. She called him a hypocrite, liar, and a great many names I had no idea any lady knew, and when he told her to behave herself, she threw a glass of wine in his face and told him he was a sorcerer’s spawn and she hoped someone would put him under a binding spell someday. That was when Lady Matlock announced Frederica would be coming here with me today.”
Elizabeth pressed her hand to her chest. “Good heavens! What did he do to her?”
“He roared and grumbled for a time and threatened to cut off his sons’ allowances for teaching her inappropriate words. His bark is worsethan his bite.”
“I remain unconvinced of that, but you should be proud of me for overcoming my prejudices. Who was the first person I asked for help when Mr. Collins named me a witch? A mage,” she teased.
