Page 15 of Heir of Uncertain Magic

She glanced at him, concern imprinting her brow. “Is it?”

He nodded, and she relaxed a hair. In truth, Merritt didn’t think Hulda Larkincouldrelax. God had made her out of steel and concrete and laced her together with thick whale-boned corsets. Something they would have to work on.

Releasing her hand, Merritt opened the door to the Genealogical Society. The clerk at the desk within perked up instantly and cameforward to greet them.Please have what I need,Merritt said, half thought, half prayer.Everything will be easier if you just give me what I need.

“Mr.Gifford, good to see you,” Hulda said, and Merritt repeated the name mentally three times to remember it.

“MissLarkin. And you must be Mr.Fernsby?”

“Last I checked,” Merritt replied, and the sudden thought came to him,Or should I be “Mr.Sutcliffe”?

The idea rankled him. He plastered over the discomfort and smiled.

Gifford glanced between the two of them, smile growing. “I hope you don’t mind my saying so, but after reviewing your family lines, you really will have the most miraculous children, I’m sure of it.”

Merritt barked a laugh while Hulda stuttered, “Y-You are too forward, Mr.Gifford. We are unwed.”

At least she didn’t claim Merritt as herassociateagain.

Gifford didn’t seem the least bit chagrined. “My apologies. I have the full pedigrees you requested written up here.” He guided them back to the desk. “And I took the liberty of penning yours as well, MissLarkin. I’ve always liked framing and displaying them myself.”

Leaning in close to Hulda, Merritt whispered, “This is just an awkward day for you all around, isn’t it?”

Without looking at him, she said, “And I’m sure you’re enjoying it.”

“Most definitely.”

Gifford handed each of them a crisp stack of papers. Merritt gawked. This man literally had the nicest handwriting he had ever seen. No wonder he framed his work.

“That’s very kind of you, Mr.Gifford.” Hulda retrieved a file folder out of that massive black bag of hers and carefully tucked the pedigree away, then held out her hand to take Merritt’s as well. He passed it over. “What is the charge?”

“This one is free. Youareour collaborator at BIKER.”

Merritt murmured, “Something to mention to Walker.” Another reason Hulda should get the position—she’d already established herself with local contacts.

He paused. If Hulda would be working long hours to prove herself worthy to assume Myra’s position, what sort of hours would she work once she had it?

Rhode Island suddenly felt very far away.

Hulda smiled. “Thank you. But there is another matter I’d like to inquire about. Do you know of any magic tutors in the area? Ones that specialize in wardship, communion, or chaocracy?”

Gifford paused. “I ... know where I can look it up.” He glanced to Merritt. “I presume this is for you?”

Merritt rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, it’s not for the dog.”

Confusion weighed Gifford’s brow, but he pressed on. “I can get the information for you, if you’d like. I’m sure at least one is in the Boston area.”

Something about that made him uneasy. Was it just because he was unaccustomed to being a wizard?

Gifford stepped away for about a quarter hour and returned with a few cards in hand. “I have a wardist in the area who may be willing to work with someone.”

“Communionists?” Merritt asked.

He shook his head. “Unless you’re willing to travel to South Carolina.”

Merritt’s muscles sank down on his bones. “And roughly, what would tutoring cost?”

“Their fees have some range,” the clerk confessed. “That is ... if I might offer my services, I’m reasonable.”

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