Darcy could not help smiling back. “I believe you found some of our quarrels enjoyable. I know you sometimes take great pleasure in expressing positions that are not your own.”
Eversleigh clapped Prince Aelfric on the shoulder. “No need to scowl. Quarreling is what brothers and sisters do.”
The lines in Prince Aelfric’s face smoothed out. “Is it? I have never had dealings with a sister before.”
“Most assuredly,” said Eversleigh. “I am an expert on the subject, having three mortal sisters. I never have a moment’s peace from quarreling.”
“So it is a form of affection?”
“Often it is,” said Eversleigh. “Before I forget, Diarcey, your cousin, Marigold Meadowsweet, has expressed a preference to remain here for several days. Libbet has agreed to stay with her.”
Darcy glanced at Elizabeth, whose expression suggested she just swallowed a pincushion full of needles. Was it in response to the prospect of remaining in Faerie or that quarreling with Prince Aelfric might mean affection? “If that is what you wish, I see no difficulty with it.” No difficulty except that he wanted Elizabeth to be with him every moment, not off in Faerie with Frederica.
The cat at Elizabeth’s feet meowed. She bent and picked him up. “It appears Augustus wants an introduction. I brought him here from Longbourn today. I plan to take him to Rosings.”
“He is yours as well? Is he a phouka, or does he have other powers?”
Elizabeth’s expression lightened with amusement. “Gus’s special powers include catching mice and the occasional barn sparrow. Apart from being Pepper’s particular friend, he is but an ordinary cat.” A sad look filled her eyes. “I had best return to the queen,” she said stiffly, in a voice quite unlike her own.
Darcy frowned. Something was wrong. “Might I speak to you privately for a moment first?”
Elizabeth hesitated and shrugged. “If you wish.” She put the cat down and walked a few feet away.
He followed her. In a low voice, he said, “Is something the matter?”
Elizabeth looked down. “I spoke to my father this morning,” she said in a low voice. “It is all true.”
“I am sorry.” The words seemed such a weak way of saying it when he longed to take her into his arms and comfort her. “He did not deny it?”
She shook her head.
“I wish it could have been otherwise.” What else could he say to comfort her? Telling her he loved her would only distress her more. “Is it your preference to remain here, or would you rather leave?”
“Here or at Rosings, it makes little difference.”
“Is there somewhere else you wish to go, or something you would like to do?”
She met his gaze then, her eyes shiny. “I would like to turn the clock back a week, before I knew my father put a binding spell on my mother, that I have fay blood, and that my memories had been tampered with. I most especially do not wish to have a brother,” she said fiercely. “Particularly not that brother. And I do not wish to have a father who abandoned my brother.” She stopped and took a gasping breath.
He had never felt so wretchedly helpless. “He truly is your brother? I am sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?”
She closed her eyes and shook her head. “No, but I thank – I mean, it is kind of you to ask.” Before he could reply, she hurried away and disappeared down the path.
Elizabeth was in pain, and he could do nothing for her. Even worse, he had been lusting after her when she was suffering. Quelling a totally improper urge to run after her, he returned to Eversleigh and Elizabeth’s new brother. How could she have a Sidhe brother? It made no sense. He would have to ask Eversleigh later.
Eversleigh gave him a probing look, so Darcy changed the subject. “I am relieved you found her. How do I return to the mortal world?”
“There is no rush, is there?” asked Eversleigh. “Aelfric wants me to look at his colts, and your opinion could be useful. I imagine you know the northern breeds better than I do.” A careful truth on his part;Eversleigh probably knew nothing of the northern breeds, so Darcy would perforce know more. But he clearly felt it was important for Darcy to come with them, even though the idea did not seem to please Prince Aelfric.
“I would be happy to be of assistance,” said Darcy.
“Excellent.” Eversleigh took Darcy’s arm, stepped forward, and the ground disappeared from under them.
“I SEE WHAT YOU MEAN.” Eversleigh ran his hand down the colt’s foreleg. “He has the length of a Sidhe horse without the strength. Are they all like this?”
“All three that have been born so far.” Prince Aelfric leaned over his brother’s shoulder.
“Perhaps thoroughbreds were not the best choice. I wonder what would happen if you bred one of these colts to a Sidhe horse.”
