Michael Manning - Mageborn - The Blacksmith’s Son

“Don’t tell him I said this, but he’s really quite brilliant, always was. If anyone can figure out how to use that gift of his without a proper teacher he can. Especially with someone like you looking after him,” he smiled.

“He does take a lot of managing,” she laughed, wishing she could make it sound like the delicate laugh Rose used. Then she thought of her reason for coming and her face darkened.

“Are you alright?” Marc could be quite perceptive in his own way.

“Just a dark thought, has Lord Devon arrived yet?” she hadn’t seen him yet.

“No, he hasn’t shown his face yet. Relax Penny, I won’t let him bother you.” But Penny wasn’t worried about being bothered, she was more worried that the young lord might not show up at all. After their dance she went back to stand with Rose, who was chatting amiably with Ariadne. Marc found Elizabeth Balistair and took her out for a whirl on the floor, he would surely dance with every lady before the evening was over, it was a duty after all.

She wasn’t there long before Stephen Airedale asked her for a dance, she might be a commoner but apparently beauty trumps class, at least at dances. While they were on the floor Penny heard the announcement, Lord Devon had arrived. She moved closer to her partner and began scanning the room over his shoulders, looking for her nemesis. She failed to spot him, but she did see Dorian standing off to one side, talking to Gregory Pern. He’s too shy to dance so he talks history with the Admiral’s son, typical, she thought.

After her partner returned her to Rose and Ariadne she looked for an excuse to escape from them for a moment. “I’m going to get something to drink, I’ll be right back,” she said, and without waiting for a reply she headed for the table where they were serving refreshments. Rose watched her go, narrowing her eyes for a moment.

Penny was happy when she saw that the wine server was one of her fellow maids, Laura was her name. She knew her well and felt she could trust her for one final favor. She asked for red wine, but caught Laura’s hand as she handed the glass to her. “I need a favor Laura, will you deliver a message for me?” Penny tried to look casual.

Laura was a bit startled, “Sure Penny, but it will have to wait till after the ball or I’ll get in trouble.” That was perfect so Penny nodded and handed the other girl her letter. The outside was addressed simply ‘Mordecai’.

“Just take this to Mordecai after you are done here, he’ll want to see it.” She thanked Laura and headed back to where the other ladies were waiting, unaware of the blue eyes that followed her every move.

Standing with Ariadne and Rose she began to feel a nervous flutter in her stomach. Her resolve had kept her calm thus far, but handing over the letter made her anxious. She kept her eyes on the crowd, looking for Devon. “Penny,” Rose interrupted her thoughts, “Have you seen Dorian? I intend to get a dance out of that man if I have to drag him onto the floor.”

Penny had just spotted Devon, so the opportunity to get rid of Rose’s watchful gaze was perfect. “He’s standing over there, talking to Gregory Pern,” she pointed. “I’m sure poor Gregory could use a rescue, you know how Dorian gets once he’s talking about history and long done wars.”

“I don’t know him that well yet,” Rose answered, “but I hope to one day.” She winked and walked away. She moved gracefully in the direction that Penny had indicated. She drew near to where Dorian was standing but did not approach him, she kept moving slowly. His eyes left Gregory and she could feel him staring at her. Rose glided past him, turning her head to stare him full in the face, a twinkling gleam in her eye and a smile on her face. She kept walking, heading for the refreshments, but her eyes never left his face.

Even Dorian Thornbear could not miss that clue, dense as he so often was around women. He excused himself from Gregory Pern and followed her to the table. When he got there he found her in deep conversation with the girl serving wine.

“I need you to give me whatever Miss Cooper handed you my dear,” Rose was holding two silver bits in her hand even though they weren’t supposed to pay the servers.

“I’m sorry milady I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Laura was a good friend, but holding off the formidable Rose Hightower was making her nervous.

Rose leaned in close to her ear, “We can do this one of two ways, one way ends with you being embarrassed and possibly whipped, the other you get two silver bits and do your friend an unexpected favor.” She leaned back and smiled at the girl. Dorian couldn’t hear all of the exchange, but the look on the girl’s face made him feel badly for her. A moment later Rose had him escort her over to a small table where she could examine the letter.

It was sealed with a blob of red wax, and the outside had the word ‘Mordecai’ written on it. Rose considered opening it, but she wouldn’t do that to Penny. Her mind worked quickly and the clues of the past few days began to come together, Penny’s sudden interest in the dance, her odd questions and her occasional dark moods. She still wasn’t sure what Penny might be planning, but she knew it must be serious, and it would be here, at the ball. The letter would likely complete the puzzle.

“Dorian,” she said giving him her full attention, “I need you to do something a bit strange for me.”

“Certainly Lady Rose,” his warm eyes held hers.

“Call me Rose from now on. It’s silly how you keep addressing me like that. We’ve been through enough now to call each other familiar.” She reached over and put her small hand over his own. Dorian’s eyes widened, he was on uncertain ground now. “Forgive me Dorian, I wanted a dance but this may be more important. Will you take this letter to Mordecai? He needs to read it now, the moment you find him. I would urge you to run if you would help him most.”

One of the most amazing things about Dorian Thornbear was his unfailing loyalty. Where many would question or seek to delay, Dorian took the letter and stood up, “Save that dance for me Lady Rose.” He moved away through the crowd, striding quickly, and once he was outside he did indeed break into a jog. Rose watched him go before rising to find Penny.

I was reading again when the door opened, “You could knock first,” I said as I saw Dorian striding in, he was breathing hard. I guess running up stairs will do that to a man.

He ignored my comment, “Here,” he said, “Read this and be quick, Rose seems to think it’s urgent.” I could see he was in no mood for foolishness so I took the letter from his hand. It was marked with my name and I was fairly sure the lettering was Penny’s.

Opening it I started scanning the contents, then I reread them to be sure I hadn’t missed anything.

Dear Mordecai,

I write this now with great trepidation, not because of what I must do, but rather because it is impossible for anyone to put all their thoughts and feelings into something so limited as a simple letter. I need you to understand that you have always been my friend, and for that I am grateful. You should also know that the events resulting from my actions from this point forward are no fault of yours. I believe strongly that each person must take responsibility for their own actions, to do otherwise is to make oneself a victim in the hands of fate, and I will not be a victim.

Marcus has explained your situation with Devon Tremont to me fully, and for that reason I want you to know that what I plan to do is not because of you. As you know, I have good cause for hating that singularly unfortunate individual. I would that he had never been born. The fact that his removal might aid you and the Lancaster family is a great comfort to me, but it is not the cause for my actions. Please do not blame yourself. I make my own choices.