Page 5 of Bloodlines and Birthright

“I don’t think she needs reminding,” Matt said with a laugh. “Willie is very good at seizing every moment of every day.”

“Hmmm. Chronos understands about limited time. Doesn’t he, India?”

India’s gaze softened. “He does understand.”

No one corrected Miss Glass and told her that India’s eccentric grandfather had died a few months earlier after a long illness. In many ways, Chronos reminded me of Oscar. A great traveler in his youth, he’d been an advocate for magicians, an adventure-seeker and risk-taker.

Matt rested a hand on his wife’s shoulder before sitting beside her. “Ready for your departure tomorrow, gentlemen?”

“As much as we can be,” Oscar said.

They all turned to me, waiting for my response. “Matt, what do you know about the anarchists in Italy? Is there unrest in the north or is it just the south?”

Oscar frowned. “I told you. It’s mostly in Sicily with some turmoil in Tuscany. You don’t believe me, Gavin?”

“I’m wondering why we delayed our departure this long. We could have left in spring. It would have been cooler. Was there unrest in the Lombardy region until recently?” I addressed the question to Matt again.

Oscar’s jaw firmed but he didn’t respond.

Matt glanced between us before answering. “There are probably cells of anarchists all over the country, but according to the newspapers, Oscar’s right. The worst of it is in Sicily. Are you anxious about going, Professor? Perhaps you should put it off, or go somewhere else.”

“No, no. I was just…” I shrugged, feeling silly now for thinking Oscar had lied about the level of unrest. Of course he wouldn’t send us into the fray if it was dangerous. “I was just wondering why our departure had been delayed for so long, and then when Willie offered me her gun⁠—”

“She did what?” Matt barked.

India chuckled. “Did you take it?”

“No!” I pushed my glasses up my nose. “It would be akin to cutting off her limb, which was why I was surprised she offered at all.”

“Perhaps she’s getting softer as she matures.”

That made all of us chuckle.

“Where is she?” Matt asked. “Did she decide not to return with you?”

“We caught an omnibus. She wanted to walk.”

“Willie, walk?” He scoffed.

India frowned. “Where did the three of you go?”

“We had some last-minute errands to run,” Oscar said before I could decide whether to lie or not to keep Willie’s tattoo a secret as she requested.

After we finished the tea and cake, the housekeeper returned little Gabriel to his mother and great aunt while Matt, Oscar and I retreated to Matt’s study to finalize funds and travel documents. Not that I had much input. Oscar was better at the arrangements than me, so I mostly listened while he and Matt discussed the details.

It wasn’t until we were about to leave that Matt spoke directly to me. “Are you sure about this trip, Professor? If you’re worried, you don’t have to go.”

“If I only did things that didn’t worry me, I’d never do anything. Oscar says the unrest has eased, and I trust his judgement.”

“According to the newspapers, the situation has calmed somewhat since the assassination attempt on the prime minister and the passing of anti-anarchist laws a few weeks ago. Most of the unrest was in Rome and the south, although the northern cities were affected with strikes and demonstrations but nothing too dangerous. If that changes, and at any point you feel unsafe, take the first passage home.”

“We will,” I assured him.

When Oscar didn’t immediately respond, Matt prompted him. “I know you want that book with the tattoo flying spell, but it’s not worth risking your lives.”

“I wouldn’t endanger my friend,” Oscar growled.

“Or yourself,” I added, watching him closely.