‘He will not.’
Cynthia swallowed, her throat tight. ‘I know it’s wrong. I should be glad that Hubert can’t hurt anyone any more. And I am. But it doesn’t seem like enough. He hurt so many women, and he’ll never suffer for the crimes he committed.’
‘There is much we do not understand, but I know that once a seed is sown, it must be reaped. Whether in this plane or another. No one escapes the consequences of their choices.’ Aunt Rowan sipped her tea, then tapped the cup three times. ‘Lachlan won’t be happy that Sinclair is not to blame for the marquess’s murder. He doesn’t like being denied that which he desires.’
Helena’s grip tightened around Cynthia’s fingers as her voice hardened. ‘Well, Sinclair’s certainly guilty of attempted murder. He shot Cynthia and kidnapped me. That should be enough for the House of Commons to keep him locked in Newgate for the rest of his days. If Ellie is right?—’
‘I’m right.’
Helena smiled at her cousin. ‘Of course. Which means we needn’t worry about those photographs. Sinclair has been captured. Cyn is alive and safe.’
‘And so are you, Hel.’
‘That is what matters. My coven, together and complete.’ Aunt Rowan smiled at them as an orchid bloomed next to her.
‘Aunt Rowan, how can I ever thank you? Without your help, and Clio’s and Ellie’s, I’m not sure what might have happened to us.’ Glancing at Helena, Cynthia’s heart beat hard in her chest. She could feel the pounding in her pulse points.
Us.
One word that melded two independent women into one powerful unit.
Helena’s eyes flicked to Cynthia’s mouth and everyone in the room disappeared.
Cynthia leaned closer, needing to feel Helena’s heat. Press her warm body close. Know that her love was alive and safe and well.
Clio cleared her throat, loud enough to break the spell holding Cynthia and Helena in thrall to each other. ‘Howdidyou get back from Bath so quickly, Aunt Rowan? I thought you and Uncle Lachlan were meant to remain there for at least another week.’
Aunt Rowan’s nonchalant shrug fooled no one. ‘Ellie isn’t the only one prone to visions. I might not have her future sight, but when one of my girls is in danger, I will always know. That goes for you too, Cynthia. You are part of our coven now. Part of our kin.’
Cynthia’s chest expanded, and she wondered if so much joy could be contained in one person.
As Ellie claimed the last clementine cake, Helena yawned loudly.
‘I think you two should go upstairs and get some rest.’ Clio eyed them both with a spark of mischief in her eyes. ‘You’ll need it if you still plan on attending Duchess Devon’s ball this evening.’
Cynthia slumped back on the couch. ‘That’s right. Today is now tomorrow.’
Helena laughed. ‘I hardly think Cyn is ready for a ball after everything that she’s endured.’ She gently nudged Cynthia’s shoulder with her own.
‘Actually, I feel incredibly well. I don’t know what kind of magic you Blair women performed, but I’ve never felt better.’
‘I put an elixir in your drinks. You should both be feeling rather chipper for the next few days.’
‘Clio! What did you give us?’ Hel spat her tea back into the cup.
‘Nothing bad. Just a little Ashwagandha, some Holy Basil, a little sprinkle of something… extra.’
Ellie exchanged a glance with Clio. ‘Cupid’s cordial?’
It was Clio’s turn to shrug innocently.
Cynthia looked at the woman surrounding her, a new family of powerful friends who embraced the real Cyn. A magic she could never have conjured. Her heart stretched with love.
Helena stood. ‘I’m not subjecting Cynthia to any more of this witchcraft. If we are going to this silly ball, I think a few hours’ rest is required, no matter what you put in our drinks.’ She reached out for Cynthia’s hand. ‘Will you come up with me?’
She returned her gaze to Helena. ‘Always.’
27
