《When We Get To It》Ch. 8 - Meeting the Marquess

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They were admitted to the Marquess’ estate, but only to speak with his steward. The steward turned him down flat when Rick asked to see Marquess Julian, but relented when Rick produced Henry’s signet ring.

Finally, Rick and Elsie were admitted to Marquess Julian’s private study. Julian was an old man with pure white hair and a frown that seemed permanently carved into his stern, drooping face.

He clasped Rick’s arm in greeting, then did the same with Elsie when she held out her hand. The crinkles at the corners of his eyes deepened in what Rick thought must pass for a smile.

Turning back to Rick, he said, “I am told you carry the sigil of the Earl of Windermere. May I see it?” He held out his hand for the ring, and Rick dropped it into his palm.

Julian peered at the ring, turning it this way and that. “Lord Henry is said to be missing. I hear his home was ransacked some days ago. A terrible shame.” He passed the ring back to Rick. “I am pleased to see his brother here before me.”

Rick let out a breath, suddenly very aware of the blood pounding in his ears. “My brother had business with you, my lord, and it now falls to me.”

“What is this business?” He seemed intrigued, yet his tone made Rick suspect Julian was only humoring him.

“I wondered if you could tell me. You heard right; I looked for Henry at home, but he was gone. He wrote to you before he left, but the letter was unfinished.”

Julian nodded pensively as Rick spoke. “Unfortunately, your brother was unable to contact me. I know nothing of his whereabouts or plans.”

Rick expected as much, but he wasn’t done with him yet. Traveling with Elsie, he had seen how strong and volatile her powers could be. She needed to learn to control them, but from what teacher? Rick had only known mages to come from one place, and Julian guarded the entrance.

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Julian held out an arm and took a step forward, as if to shepherd Rick to the door. “If that is all?”“I am sorry to send you away with nothing. I’m sure it was a long journey here, especially with your… daughter?” he gestured to Elsie, “traveling with you.”

Rick shook his head. “Not mine. Henry’s.” Julian’s head whipped toward Elsie. “If I may ask a favor, there is—“ The Marquess cut him off.

“Henry’s daughter? She is not in Dunhall?”

Rick eyed him warily. “You knew she was in Dunhall?” Julian claimed to be ignorant of anything to do with Henry. Did it not occur to him that Henry might take issue with Count Seymour’s treatment of his family?

“I did, in fact,” Julian said shortly.

“If you knew she was in Dunhall, I assume you know why. That’s the other reason we came here—she needs help, and she won’t find it among humans.”

Julian’s eyes narrowed. “Are you suggesting that a non-human teacher would be suitable?” he asked in a tone that sounded like a reprimand for suggesting something so foolish.

“Mateus is helping me.”

The Marquess sucked in a breath. “What did you say?”

“It’ll be all right. Mateus knows lots about magic, and he’s been teaching me.”

Julian clenched his hands into fists by his sides. “Where did you hear that, girl? There was a mage by that name long ago. You’re right, he was a very skilled magic user.”

Elsie was eager to explain. “Count Seymour helped me listen to him. I can even talk to him now.”

Julian shook his head. He walked to his desk and sat, his mouth pressed to his clasped hands. After a long moment, he asked, “You want permission to cross the border?”

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“If we may, my lord.”

“Absolutely not. We have had no trouble from them for three hundred years, and now you would provoke any who might remain?” He shook his head in disgust. “And endangering a child, as well. You two will go no further.”

Rick didn’t want to let it go. By all accounts, the elves’ attacks had stopped immediately after the loss of Mateus. Without him, maybe they could be reasoned with. He just had to make sure that Elsie wouldn’t go blabbing about Mateus to them too.

He began to object, but the Marquess held up a hand to stop him. “You have come a long way, and you are welcome to stay here as my guests. You may wait for news of Henry, if you wish. You will not cross the border.”

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