Page 32 of Enchanted Net

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Temple was a couple of years younger than her sister, but he was one of the people Mama was eyeing as a potential match, especially if they actually took to each other. Mama would not have considered it without Thessaly’s betrothal, but the Fortier connection absolutely opened doors and would continue to do so. She’d have to remind Mama to see about arranging some social outing that included Temple in the next few weeks.

She saw Alethea Witham, and got a word in. Alethea was delighted to consider a duelling session once the Faire was over, and they planned to set that up in the coming week, by note. The other woman was just a year out of Schola, apprenticing in Sympathetic magic, but her apprenticeship schedule was less gruelling than many. Alethea suggested adding Septima Palgrave, daughter of one of Aunt Metaia’s colleagues on the Council. Thessaly was willing enough, and proposed Palantina Monkton, if they wanted four women. She promised to sound them out by note if she couldn’t catch them tonight. That was something lovely to look forward to, excellent.

From there, Thessaly turned, and she saw Lady Teague. More to the point, she saw Lord Teague. It brought back, immediately, what Aunt Metaia had said about it. It wasn’t anything that Lord Teague was doing right now, in this very moment, but she was watching Lady Teague’s body language. If it had been a duel, she’d just have taken a hit, something that hurt. She was trying not to let it show because that would make the next one worse. Lady Teague’s body was all about the stiffness, the barely repressed certainty she’d done something wrong.

Worse, Thessaly had felt that herself, tonight. Not as badly, not yet, but certainly when Childeric had disengaged from her after the first dance. It wasn’t that he couldn’t have other plans; it was how he treated her in the process. How he didn’t have any care for her. There was distance from a lack of care to harm, but watching the Teagues, Thessaly began to realise it was a much shorter one than she’d thought before tonight.

Maybe there would be some chance to talk in the coming days, or at least offer her a distraction. Mabyn Teague had been a fifth year at Schola when Thessaly had been a first year. It at least permitted a social connection with no need to be entirely too formal about it. She’d look for a chance, perhaps during the Faire.

From there, she turned to find Jacinthe Howard and her husband Amalric. She made a little bob of her head. Jacinthe was cousin to Childeric, the daughter of his aunt Bradamante. And the Howards had married last year, right after Jacinthe finished at Schola. “Jacinthe, Amalric, a pleasure to see you. I hope you’re both well? And the cat, Amalric?” Amalric was well known for a small black cat, near enough entirely a familiar, who normally considered his shoulder her natural habitat.

“All well, thank you. You look lovely this evening. I do hope Childeric has admired the effect properly.” Jacinthe was easy to talk to, at least for Thessaly. She had her own magical interests in Incantation, like Amalric, but they honestly seemed to enjoy each other’s company. “And Onyx is also well, other than complaining at length when we went out.” She laughed, a sound that Thessaly knew had been trained into being pleasant, but which was also solidly real.

They talked for a little, mostly about plans for the Faire, as Thessaly was interested in which lectures and performances they recommended. Asking an Incantation specialist about performances was often informative. She made note of several she’d not have considered on her own. Then she caught Jacinthe peering over her shoulder. “Pardon, I see Uncle Clovis. I wanted to catch him to ask something. Do excuse me for a moment.”

Amalric didn’t go with her. Thessaly shifted a little so she could see Jacinthe and her uncle. It was the kind of thing she did automatically in these social gatherings, so she would not be surprised by someone coming up behind her. And besides, it provided all sorts of knowledge about what was going on. Jacinthe was saying something earnest, leaning in, when Clovis shook his head sharply, sending her away with only a word or two. Thessaly completely missed what Amalric had just said to her, but then excused herself to find some other conversation, with fewer treacherous spots.

Chapter24

JUNE 20TH

Vitus had been making his way through the Great Hall, a slow pass where he’d paused to talk to people here and there. He and Niobe had talked through who to speak with, as well as his conversations with his mother. There’d been no hope with Hesperidon Warren. He was swarmed with people wanting his time and attention.

There’d also been no chance with Lord Phineas Sisley. He’d made it clear three sentences in that he wasn’t interested in talismanic work, without ever actually using the words. He’d just strongly implied the family already had sufficient pieces. He preferred ancient pieces re-endowed with magic. That was that.

Conversations with Lord Siward Alton had been more promising, thankfully. That was especially true since Vitus had noted that he knew of an excellent supply of topaz to match a piece that Jenifry was wearing. What he had in mind would take inscription and enchanting well. Vitus was glad he’d correctly pegged Lord Siward as someone who liked to indulge his daughter. He’d equally spotted Jenifry as someone who very much wanted all the shiny delights to be hers. It would not be the sort of piece that made his name, but it might lead to other connections, and it was a straightforward sort of commission.

He’d also had a brief but promising conversation with Lenore Wallace, and with Psyche Milton, both of whom were looking for pieces for daughters who were coming of age. Both had asked when he’d be at the Faire, and he’d promised to have a few initial thoughts sketched out when they talked. They both wanted the usual enchantments to go with jewellery for social events, something that put the wearer in the best light physically and encouraged sparkling conversation. That sort of work was the bread and butter of a talisman maker. While it wouldn’t make his name, doing it well would be a boon to a steady income. Do a piece that someone liked, that meshed well with their magic, and they’d want similar ones to go with other outfits.

He was just considering another turn around the Great Hall when he saw Thessaly again. She had just finished a conversation, the sort that meant she wasn’t looking back, a far more successful Orpheus. It made his heart beat faster. That was not an emotion he ought to be having about her at all. And yet, there she was, determined and graceful. Also rather stunningly dressed, and he was sure he’d heard something about that garnet in the past. He angled himself, so she might see him, and to his surprise and delight, she turned, before gesturing. “Perhaps you might escort me for a breath of air?”

Of course, Vitus offered his arm, as well as pleasantries. “At your service, Thessaly. This way? You look lovely today. I hope you’ve been having a joyful solstice?”

It was still pleasantly warm out, though the sun had set at half eight, a good two hours ago now. The courtyard was lit with charm lanterns, more than enough light to see. And more than enough to avoid the corners where people who’d gone in search of privacy for more intimate reasons. Not that anyone was crude enough to consider outright indecency here, everyone with sense knew they didn’t know enough about the protections and charms in this keep. But they could arrange an assignation for later, simply enough.

Vitus and Thessaly ended up strolling north of the main tower, though Vitus didn’t suggest the steps up. They wouldn’t be kind to an evening gown. “Are you warm enough, or may I offer a charm?”

Thessaly tilted her head. “I’m tempted to say yes, just to see what you offer. But I am quite warm, thank you. I hope you’ve been having a good evening?”

“Oh, yes. A number of conversations in hope of later work on offer, mostly, but it is always good to see who’s here to be seen. Your gown suits you very well, as I said, and also your aunt’s. But I admit, I’m exceedingly curious about the garnets. The pendant, especially.”

Her hand came up to touch it, silk-covered fingers obscuring it for a second, then she lowered her hand. “Aunt Metaia gave it to me outright earlier today. She’s worn it on and off for ages, including in her challenge for the Council.” Vitus saw her shoulders shift. “Perhaps I might employ you for a consultation about it, when we’re past the Faire? So I best understand what it can do, and how to help it settle to my needs?”

“I would be delighted.” Vitus made a slight bow. He thought back to what he knew about key pieces. “It was made by Mariel Alderscroft, wasn’t it?” She was one of the talisman makers Niobe had looked up to, two generations older, and she’d died a decade ago.

“It was. Aunt Metaia told me the basics, of course, but I know that’s not the same as having someone with expertise look at it. I’d much rather you than someone else.” She leaned in a little, and he was sure it was deliberate. She couldn’t be flirting. Surely she wasn’t.

“Glad to. In good light and with all my tools handy, of course, but we can arrange whatever space you’d feel comfortable in.” He gestured back toward the hall. “I’m a little surprised not to see you in the midst of the dancing?”

“I promised Childeric another dance tonight, but...” There was a brief twitch of her shoulder, and something in it caught his attention like a poorly angled facet on a jewel. Not that it was obviously wrong, but it was not shining the way it ought to. He made note of it, but he didn’t know what to say.

Of course, he had to say something. The silence was drawing out, more and more obvious, and she also wasn’t saying anything. He cleared his throat. “I would also be glad to offer you a dance, if you wish.”

Her face lit up, and he knew it wasn’t the talisman. It wasn’t designed for that. It was all her, without artifice or magic. “I would enjoy that very much. When we’re ready to go in, please.” The shape of her shoulders changed again, something that underlined the shift in mood, and he smiled back at her, knowing he must look at least a little ridiculous.

“Do you have plans for the Faire?” It was the obvious question here, and it would at least get them back onto what felt like safer ground. She smiled at him again, and yes, she did. If you had asked Vitus what she’d be interested in, he’d have guessed about half of what she said. She was hoping to see several of the pavo matches. She knew people playing on the relevant teams.

There was a duelling demonstration of particular interest, though she was not taking part as one of the duellists and seemed a little put out by that. Thessaly apparently had a fondness for some of the agricultural shows, including the oxen. She added after a moment. “And some of the kitchen item demonstrations. Not that I cook, but I find the banter fascinating. It’s actually useful in illusion work, the way people talk about what they think people will like.”