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Clearing my throat, I begin, “In less than a fortnight, Viscount Morgan will hold the annual ball celebrating the spring equinox. As always, he will send out invitations to every noble family as well as any influential families in Sangate. We should receive our invitations within the next three days. All we need to do is respond that we will attend, and prepare as if it were any other occasion.”
“Perfect.” Benjamin smiles warmly at me before his irritated expression returns. He spins me around and pushes me out of the clearing. “Now, go home and forget all of this. I won’t allow you to?—”
I bring my elbow back in a sharp jab directly to his solar plexus. Instantly, I’m free of his hold.
“Fuck, Zadie, that hurt,” he bites out as he folds forward, gasping for breath.
“You won’t allow me?” I seethe. “Benjamin Browning, you might be my best friend, but you do not decide what I am or am not allowed to do.”
Still bent forward, he rests his hands on his knees and looks up at me. “You know what I meant—I don’t want you near that monster. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you.”
Of course, I do understand where he’s coming from.
“Do you think I’m not worried too? And not just you three, but the whole town. I’m capable of defending myself, and every bit as skilled at fencing as you three.” I pause to take two calming breaths. “Think about it. Without me, it will take too long to wait for the right opportunities to search his manor. I’ll be able to do what’s needed right under his nose.”
“She has a point,” Oscar murmurs.
“And our Zadie could out scheme a demon. At the least, we should hear what she has to say,” Wallace adds.
Benjamin straightens and takes me in from head to toe with Oscar and Wallace at my back before throwing his hands up with an exasperated huff. “Fine, Zadie, you can help, but it better not involve you taking any unnecessary risks.”
I motion for them to huddle close and explain my idea, down to the last detail. And when Benjamin suggests a change that involves me staying far away from the viscount, Wallace is quick to point out why it’s more dangerous or a greater chance of putting everyone in danger.
By the time I’ve finished, we have a foolproof plan of action, and even Benjamin is forced to admit it’s a good one.
No one else needs to die, and I can do my part in helping to keep Sangate safe.
* * *
Finished with daily lessons, I stretch in my chair and contemplate what to do with the rest of my day. Before I have time to run through my options, the clop of hooves draws my attention to the window.
The courier rides up the drive and dismounts. My pause thrums, riding me from the laziness caused by tedious lessons. I leap out of my chair, knocking my papers to the floor.
“What has gotten into you today, Zadie?” Sabrina snaps as she presses a hand over her heart. “You startled me!”
“Sorry, ‘Brina.” I crouch and gather up my assignments, placing them haphazardly on the desk, then run from the room with Sabrina’s groan of annoyance following on my heels.
The house steward, Mr. Albanport, holds a wide, tan envelope with a blood-red wax seal. I’ve almost reached him by the time he closes the door.
He arches a graying brow. It’s all the communication we need. I offer him a pretty smile that has no effect as I move out of the way, allowing him to pass. Trailing a step behind, I walk on my toes to catch glimpses of the front. He ignores me every step of the way.
I can never tell if he is annoyed by my presence or simply doesn’t care. Mr. Albanport delivers good and bad news with the same flat tone and expressionless mask. I’m not sure he’s ever smiled a day in his life.
“Come in,” Father calls from inside his office. He looks up from his ledger and frowns as we enter. “What has my youngest daughter done this time?”
I tsk and stand beside the desk.
“The morning post has arrived, my lord.” The steward presents the envelope to my father with both hands, setting it on the desk. He takes one step back and stands, waiting to be dismissed. If he didn’t blink, someone might think he was a statue.
Finally, I can see the writing on the front. The handwriting is neat with sure strokes, and it is simply addressed to the entire family.
“That will be all.” Father waves a dismissive hand and turns all his attention on me. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected visit?”
I drop down into the chair across from him, shrugging with one shoulder. “Can’t a daughter stop by to see her father for no reason?”
“You should be in the study?—”
“I’ve already finished.”
