“He wasn’t completely cruel,” Mrs. Clifford said. “Not always, and he allowed witches and wizards to help the people. Knight doesn’t want mages here. He doesn’t trust them.”
Darius scoffed before gulping down a chocolate biscuit.
“Were there many mages and witches in Whitechapel?” Irene folded and unfolded a linen cloth.
We’d asked the same question to every patient, but no one had talked.
“Not many.” Mrs. Clifford took charge of the folding.
I moved when one of the children rushed close to me. “Have you ever heard of Mr. Sean Lewis or Johnny Riley? A sorcerer who can turn people into animals?”
Mrs. Clifford stopped tidying the room. “I have heard about him when the late Moon Duke was ruling. I mean, I’ve heard about a sorcerer who turns people into animals, but I don’t remember any Mr. Lewis or Riley.”
“Tell us what you know.” Darius put one of the bottles of his potions on the nightstand.
She paled. “I never understood if he truly was a wizard or not. Sometimes he seemed just a trickster. He enjoyed people’s fear and pain. Not the type of person you would like to spend time with.”
I exchanged a glance with Irene. “What was his name?”
She spoke in a whisper. “You won’t tell anyone, will you?”
Darius put a hand on his chest. “Not a soul.”
“Someone called him Lord Rothbart.”
Darius’s expression changed from pleased to puzzled. “Thank you, madam. I’ll be back to see how your sons are faring, but they’re going to recover fully in a day or two.”
After Mrs. Clifford thanked us again and I insisted I didn’t want any money, we didn’t speak on the way to the carriage.
Irene was climbing into it when Knight seemingly came out of nowhere. I hadn’t heard him approaching.
“Ravenhill.”
Irene screamed so loudly I winced.
Darius flinched. “Goodness, Irene. You destroyed my eardrums.”
She exhaled, a hand on her chest.
I faced the Moon Duke. “Knight. Is something the matter?”
“No, quite the opposite.” Even when he delivered good news, he remained on high alert. “Thank you and your wizard?—”
“Mage,” Darius muttered.
“For your help.” Knight shot him a glance. “I won’t sign Esmeralda’s bill on magic restriction, and whatever the consequences, I will be on your side.” He stretched out an arm.
Dammit. I gnashed my teeth and shook his hand briefly. The leather glove reduced the pain, and I focused on not shivering, thinking about Irene and her soft skin.
“Thank you.” My voice sounded strangled.
Knight gave me a curt nod before walking away.
“I’m impressed,” Darius said.
“So am I.” Irene beamed at me. “You shook his hand.”
“Briefly. And it’s thanks to you.”
