I sat in shock at my sisters’ outbursts. Something was clearly going on with Prue and with Auggie. I hadn’t known she felt that way, that she thought everyone believed her to be nothing but a pretty face. I’d get myself bathed, dressed, and then I’d find my sisters and try to fix whatever was going on with them.
“Come here, you blasted thing!” I heard my mother’s voice from downstairs.
Oh, what now? Probably the cottage misbehaving yet again. I padded out of the room and down the stairs to see Mama chasing a winged parchment that fluttered around the room.
“Not this again. Where are Prue and Auggie?”
Mama waved her hand. “They both left on errands.”
I groaned. So much for talking to them.
“Are you going to help me or not?” Mama asked.
I grabbed a broom that was leaning against the wall and ran after the parchment, swatting it down.
It landed on the floor, and I picked it up. “Who’s sending us a letter now?”
“It’s the same crest as the invitation,” Mama said, pointing to the wax seal with the phoenix on it.
My throat grew thick. I wasn’t sure why we’d be getting another parchment from Draven.
“Well, open it.” Mama gestured. “Maybe it’s another ball.”
I doubted it, but then again, I had no idea what else it could be. I unraveled the parchment and let out a cry.
“Adelaide’s fallen ill,” I said, reading as fast as I could. “She’s got a fever and runny nose. And a cough. They’re taking good care of her, but she won’t be home today. She’s too sick to travel.”
Mama’s hand floated to her mouth. “Oh, your poor sister.” She clutched my hands. “You must go to her.”
“What?” I asked. “But Elm’s with her.”
“Yes, and I’m sure she wants her family. And you can observe her and Elm, see how things are faring between them.” Mama gave me a meaningful look.
“You want me to spy on them?”
“Oh, Elspeth, stop being so dramatic. I didn’t say that. But this is important. This is the closest any of you have been to a suitor in ages. This could be significant for Adelaide, but you know how shy and awkward your sister can be.”
I thought of how she spent the night with Elm. “She seems to be doing just fine on her own, Mama.”
Mama raised her nose in the air, snatching the parchment from me. “I suppose I have no choice but to go myself.”
I chewed my bottom lip, thinking through my options. Mama could go, but Mama didn’t always have a lot of... tact. I imagined her at the manor, oohing and ahhing over every detail, Draven glowering after her. His words about my intentions echoed in my mind, how I was only being nice to him because of his money. My family wasn’t like that. Mama wasn’t like that, but she might give that impression if she went.
“Fine.” I snatched the parchment. “I’ll go. Just let me bathe and change first.”
Twenty-Six
ELSPETH
Imade the long walk through Thistlegrove Forest to the manor, this time wearing proper clothes suitable for the chilly weather. Overall, it was a pleasant walk. It gave me time to process everything that had happened last night.
I’d kissed Draven Darkstone—and liked it. I groaned, scrubbing my hands over my face. But I hated him. Maybe it was because I hadn’t kissed anyone in so long. Not since Johanes. My lips were confused. They thought any kiss was good after so long without. But I’d right that wrong soon. I’d kiss the next man I could if only to get the taste of Draven off me. My fingers brushed over my lips absently, then I scolded myself.
I needed to stop doing that. Especially since I’d be arriving at the manor shortly, and I couldn’t have Draven noticing me touching my mouth. He’d make the connection. He was arrogant enough that he’d absolutely think it was about him.
I arrived at the tall iron gates surrounding the manor. Clouds covered the sun today, and a breeze gusted past me as I pulled my shawl tighter around my shoulders. Maybe Draven wouldn’t even be here. Why would he need to be?
Elm was surely by Adelaide’s side, but Draven had a tavern to run. The thought gave me the confidence to edge open the gate and walk onto the huge circle drive. In the daylight, I could see more details of the manor: The faded and dusty red bricks. The moss that clung to the roof, much like it did at our own cottage. The vines that hung down the front, giving pops of color.
