Dark Mirror 2 - Dark Passage (6 page)

Molly’s face lit up. “You really think so, miss?” When Tory nodded, Molly continued, “You’ve learned about magic even though Lackland exists to cure it?”

Tory didn’t blame the other girl for being skeptical. Since she couldn’t discuss the Irregulars, she said only, “Learning to control magic so it can be eliminated means teaching us a great deal about magic. I’ve done reading on the subject as well.”

“Can you help me understand what power I might have?” Molly’s hands twisted nervously together.

“Of course. We have a long ride ahead of us, and that’s perfect for studying.” Tory settled in her seat, amused that she would be able to act as a teacher on their journey. “Tell me about those dreams you have.”

*   *   *

After two and a half days of swift, smooth travel, they were almost at Layton Place. Tory had abandoned her tutoring to stare out the window and watch for landmarks to appear. Soon, soon … “There!” she said excitedly. “See the ruined castle on top of that hill? We’ll turn into the drive of Layton Place in just a few minutes.”

“Have you been here often, miss?” Molly was bright-eyed with interest. She maintained the politeness required of her position, but with the intensive teaching and practice they’d done during the trip, the relationship had changed. They were no longer mistress and maid, but mageling and eager student.

“Only once, after Jamie was born. My parents were very excited and wanted to see the next generation of the Earls of Fairmount.” Tory swallowed against the tightness in her throat. She’d been fourteen then and never dreamed how her family would be shattered. “It’s a new house, only about forty years old. Very comfortable.”

“Will there be many guests?”

“I’m not sure. Probably just the families, and perhaps a few very close friends.” Tory knew her father wouldn’t come, but she couldn’t imagine that her mother would miss Sarah’s wedding.

“This will give me a chance to practice reading other people’s possessions,” Molly said, eyes gleaming.

“Just remember what I said about respecting people’s privacy, and not gossiping about what you learn, or think you’ve learned,” Tory cautioned.

“Yes, my lady.” Molly’s words were proper, but she was still fizzing with anticipation. “I’ve learned as a maid to be discreet. But this is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me!”

“And you get to enjoy discovering your power without being sent into exile,” Tory said wryly.

Molly’s expression sobered. “It was cruel how you were sent away for doing what was right. But you’re better and stronger for it.”

Her comment wasn’t a guess. During their hours in the coach, Tory had determined that Molly’s ability was not foretelling, but a talent for reading personalities and events from objects that a person had handled extensively. The night before Tory had been sent to Lackland, Molly had helped her pack. While handling Tory’s clothing and other possessions, she’d made the prediction that Tory would do well, despite the shock and pain of being exiled from everyone and everything she knew. She’d been right, too.

Tory smiled. “Why is it that the events that improve our characters are so often unpleasant?”

“Because if we’re happy, there’s no reason to grow and change.”

Tory blinked, startled by the clarity and truth of Molly’s comment. “Have you thought about becoming a village counselor?”

Molly’s eyes rounded. “Do you think I could? That is the most wonderful thing I can imagine for myself!”

Counselors offered guidance and comfort, particularly in matters of the heart. Young lovers would bring in something handled by their objects of affection. A good counselor could determine if the potential mate was healthy, honest, loyal—or not.

Counselors were also good listeners who helped people sort out their problems. Even small villages usually had at least a part-time counselor, though sometimes they might be paid in chickens or other forms of barter. Most counselors were women, and it was an occupation that could be practiced even after marriage and children.

Some counselors were particularly gifted in matters of commerce. Merchants, bankers, and others in trade would use them to determine if a potential buyer, seller, or borrower was honest and reliable.

“I think you’d make an excellent counselor,” Tory said. “You have the ability to read objects, you’re kind, and you have common sense.”

“I’d need to serve an apprenticeship,” Molly said uncertainly. “I’m not sure I could afford the fee.”

“I could help you with that. You helped me a great deal when I was in need of kindness and understanding,” Tory said quietly.

“You’d do that, my lady? That would be wonderful! I always felt I wouldn’t spend my life in service, but I had no idea what I could do instead.”

“Life can send us on new paths at any time.” Certainly Tory’s path was unexpected.

Molly said earnestly, “You may command my services as a counselor forever, my lady. As soon as I return home, I’ll find a counselor who needs an apprentice.”

Tory smiled, pleased with Molly’s decision. She might make a good counselor herself.

CHAPTER 6

Tory couldn’t control her impatience when the carriage halted under Layton Place’s porte cochere. Molly said, “You go along inside, my lady. I’ll arrange for your trunks to be brought in and I’ll press your gowns. I brought your nicest outfits.”

“Thank you. I look forward to wearing something that isn’t practical!” The footman who had watched over them through the journey opened the door and let down the steps. Moving so quickly that her feet barely touched the stone drive underfoot, Tory skipped into the house.

She was greeted by her brother’s butler, who bowed deeply. “Welcome, Lady Victoria. Your sister requested that she be notified as soon as you arrived.” He glanced at a footman, who immediately set off. “If I may take your cloak and bonnet, my lady?”

Tory could hear the chatter of strange voices in nearby rooms. By the time she’d removed her outer garments, Sarah appeared, her face alight. Tall and blond and very lovely, she looked a bit like Cynthia, but with a better disposition. “Tory!”

They hugged each other hard. Tory was on the verge of tears. She’d missed her family
so much
. Ending the hug, she said, “I used to dream that someday I’d be as tall as you. It hasn’t happened.”

Sarah grinned. “Resign yourself to shortness. I think it’s too late for you to catch up with me.”

Tory had inherited her petite frame and dark hair from her mother’s Russian grandmother, Viktoria Ivanova. She’d also received her name and probably her magic from the woman. “Someone has to be the runt of the litter,” she joked.

“You’re do appear a bit too thin,” Sarah said critically. “But otherwise you’re in good looks. Do they feed you well enough at Lackland?”

“The food isn’t bad, but it’s not like home.”

“You must be hungry after that long journey. Dinner won’t be until rather late, so come up to my room and we’ll have tea and cakes.” Sarah glanced at the butler. “Would you take care of that, Simpson? And ask Lord Roger up also.”

The butler bowed acknowledgment and Sarah swept Tory away. “This will give us some time to catch up before Roger arrives.”

As the sisters climbed the stairs, Tory asked, “Is Mama here yet?”

Sarah’s levity vanished. “She wanted to come, but Father forbade it.”

Tory bit her lip, painfully disappointed. Sarah had to be equally disappointed. “I’m sorry. It’s costing you a lot to have me at your wedding.”

“It’s worth it.” Sarah darted a worried glance. “But—there’s a cost to you also. Remember we’d always assumed we’d stand up for each other at our weddings?”

Tory braced herself. “You’re saying I can’t be your maid of honor.”

“I’m afraid not.” Sarah sighed as she opened the door to her room. “Roger’s family isn’t thrilled that he’s marrying a … a Mansfield.”

“Because the Mansfields are tainted by evil mage blood,” Tory said helpfully as she stepped into the comfortable bedchamber and moved to the small sitting area.

Sarah winced. “The Hawthornes are more tolerant than Father, but they aren’t exactly approving. Do you mind terribly?”

“Do I mind that I’m here on the condition that I stay mum and don’t draw attention?” Tory’s smile was crooked as she recognized how much her life had changed. “The situation doesn’t please me, but I’m very aware that it would have been much easier for you to ignore my existence and have a grander, less complicated wedding at Fairmount. I’ll behave, and I appreciate what you’ve sacrificed to have me here.”

Sarah’s face stilled. “You’ve grown a lot these last few months, Tory.”

Had Sarah expected Tory to make a scene about not being in the wedding? Apparently. Tory shrugged. “I didn’t have much choice.”

Sarah sank onto the small sofa and gestured for Tory to sit. “Is Lackland dreadful?”

Tory took a chair opposite, considering her reply as she smoothed her skirts. “It’s rather like a female version of Eton, only without the beatings that Geoffrey had to endure. Most of the girls are nice and I’ve made good friends. I enjoy most of my classes and teachers.” Except Miss Macklin. “The hardest part was being wrenched away from Fairmount and feeling as if I was a worthless criminal being sent to Newgate Prison.”

Her sister relaxed a little. “I’m glad it’s not worse. If only you hadn’t had to reveal your magic in front of everyone important in the county!”

“You know I didn’t have any choice.” Tory decided to ask something she’d been curious about. “When you visited me the night before I was sent to Lackland, I got the impression that you also have some magical ability.”

Sarah looked away. “A little, perhaps. Hardly any at all.”

“You have enough that it worries you,” Tory pointed out. “Have you ever experimented to see what you can do?”

“Well,” Sarah said reluctantly. “I’ve found that if I concentrate on someone making a journey, they usually have a safe, fast trip with no bad weather.”

Tory’s brows arched. “Did you do that for me?”

Sarah nodded. “I wanted you to arrive as soon as possible, not get bogged down somewhere like Worcestershire.”

“It worked,” Tory said, impressed. “So you’re a weather mage, like Mama.”

“Our mother is a weather mage?” her sister gasped, eyes rounding.

“She won’t admit it, but haven’t you ever thought it odd that the weather for her outdoor fetes and entertainments is always good?”

“I … I never realized. So I came by my ability from her.” Sarah shook her head. “It isn’t fair that she and I were able to escape unscathed while your life was ruined.”

Tory gave a bittersweet smile. “Though my life has been drastically changed, it wasn’t ruined.” She thought of Allarde. Should she tell Sarah about him? No, it would require too many explanations. “There are some splendid compensations.”

“You aren’t just saying that to make me feel better?” Sarah asked, wanting to believe but not yet convinced.

Tory laughed. “I’m your little sister. Have I ever tried to make your life easier?”

That made Sarah laugh, too. “I wonder if Geoffrey has any magical talent?” Tory said thoughtfully. “Since you and I do, there’s a good chance he does also. Though he might not realize it.”

Her sister looked startled. “I never considered that.”

“Magic is the great forbidden subject for the wellborn,” Tory said dryly. “Since I’m already an outcast, I can think and talk about it. But I won’t while I’m here at Layton Place. Mustn’t make the other guests feel uncomfortable. So fortunate that I’m so small and harmless looking.”

Sarah grinned. “No one who knows you would think you harmless, but you should be able to fool the Hawthornes while you’re here.”

A footman entered with a large tea tray. As he was setting up the teapot, tiny sandwiches, and cakes, Lord Roger arrived. “Tory, I’m so glad you’re here.”

He seemed to mean it, too. Lord Roger Hawthorne was the youngest son of a marquess, a Member of Parliament, and as intelligent as he was amiable. Though not as strikingly handsome as Allarde, he was attractive and good-natured.

Sarah had had several seasons in London without finding a man she wanted to marry, though she hadn’t lacked for offers. Then she met Lord Roger. The two of them started talking and hadn’t stopped since. Sarah would make a wonderful political hostess. Tory was sure that Roger would end up in the cabinet, maybe even be Prime Minister someday.

But now he was about to become her brother-in-law, and his smile was wide and welcoming. Tory rose and clasped his hand. “Thank you for letting me come, Lord Roger. It would have been safer for your career if you hadn’t.”

As he kissed Sarah’s cheek and accepted a steaming cup of tea from her, he said, “Sarah wanted you at the wedding, and what Sarah wants, Sarah gets.”

They exchanged besotted smiles before sitting and giving the cakes and small sandwiches the attention they deserved. Tory was ravenous and tackled the food with gusto. Her appetite had been robust since leaving Lackland.

As she ate a third miniature sandwich, she realized her hunger was because she was using her power more now that she was away from the school. Magic was a constant extra sense observing the world, like hearing and smelling. As she polished off the last of the triangular sandwiches, she said rather guiltily, “I’ve eaten more than my share.”

“We haven’t been traveling and aren’t as hungry,” Lord Roger said. He’d eaten lightly, but was on his third cup of tea. “Tory, I don’t want you to think that your presence will damage my career. Rather the contrary, I suspect. Remember that the vast majority of Britons approve of magic. The men of the district I represent will think better of me for accepting my mage-born sister-in-law.”

“Most people think aristocrats are mad for condemning magic,” Sarah added. “I’ve thought about this a great deal since your abilities were revealed, and I agree. Magic is so useful. People like us are fools for not embracing it.”

“I think Parliament could use an advocate for magic who comes from the nobility,” Roger said seriously. “Thanks to my great uncle, I’m financially independent, so I can buck the disapproval of other aristocrats if I choose.” He took a ginger cake from its plate. “There is a great deal of hypocrisy about magic among our kind. The Mansfields can’t be the only family concealing magic.”