Page 90 of The Journal of a Thousand Years
Stanley began to cry. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Gabe.”
Gabe drew him into a hug, too. “I forgive you.”
By the time one of the constables led Stanley away, the crowd had thinned. All the journalists and photographers had departed, eager to be the first to go to print. Mr. Jakes was still there, watching on, as was Lady Stanhope. She was deep in conversation with Huon, of all people.
When they spotted us, she bustled over. She grasped me by the elbows. “My dear girl! You were magnificent! Why didn’t you tell me you were a paper magician? Everything would have been different.”
“You mean you wouldn’t have been as rude to me?”
Her smile froze. Then she tittered with laughter. “Such an amusing girl, and so very pretty, too. It’s no wonder you’ve captured Gabriel’s heart. It’s a shame he isn’t a magician, after all, but finding you, Sylvia…what good fortune!” She looped her arm through mine. “What strong magic you possess. Now, you must be careful. Unscrupulous people will try to manipulate you. You must allow me to guide you. We’ll have such fun. I’m very well connected, you know, and my friends will enjoy meeting you. Youmustcome to my country house. We’ll have fabulous parties, and I’ll let you play with as much paper as you like.”
Willie snorted. “You told Gabe your house is quiet.”
Lady Stanhope ignored her. “You will make so many new friends, Sylvia. Friends worthy of a powerful magician such as yourself.”
I jerked my arm free. “I have a gift for you, Lady Stanhope.”
She pressed a hand to her chest. “How marvelous!” She licked her lips. “What is it?”
I asked Willie to hold the stack of papers for me. I removed the top one and folded it into the shape of a Sopwith Camel, using a spell to assist me to get it as close to a miniature version of the plane as possible. Then I sent it flying away. Far away, past the viaduct and over some buildings.
“Oh, dear,” I said dramatically. “I do hope nobody tramples it before you find it, Lady Stanhope.”
She picked up her skirts and hurried off in the direction it had flown.
Willie grinned. “Can you make me one of those, Sylvia?”
“I’ll make you an entire squadron.”
Her grin widened.
Beside me, Gabe rested a hand on my shoulder. I felt the weight of his exhaustion, the rapid throb of his pulse.
I circled my arm around his waist. “Let’s get you home.”
Alex left to bring the Vauxhall around, so Gabe didn’t have to walk to it. Huon joined us while we waited and congratulated me on the rescue.
“Why are you here?” Willie asked him.
“I was meeting someone in the area, saw the crowd, and decided to see what was going on.”
“Lady Stanhope?” I asked.
“No.” His gaze flitted to Mr. Jakes, lounging against a lamppost, smoking a cigarette.
Most people would think he was simply casually lingering, but those who knew him would see the sharp gaze that missed nothing. Huon was far less devious. Going by his enthusiasm and the frequent glances in Mr. Jakes’s direction, it wasn’t difficult to work out that he’d struck a deal with Military Intelligence for his invisible ink business.
“Then why were you talking to Lady Stanhope?” I pressed.
“I’ve been meaning to speak to her for a few days and seeing her here gave me the opportunity. You see, I recalled that her husband is an important fellow at the Royal Academy of Arts and knowing how she loves to think of herself as some sort of mentor to young magicians who have yet to discover their talent, I simply mentioned how I’d recently come across an amazing artist who uses magic graphite in her exquisite sketches. Naturally, this young woman has never dreamed of exhibiting her work and is ripe for discovery by someone with an eye for quality.” He smiled wickedly. “It was enough to pique her interest in Petra’s sketches. I negotiated an enormous price for one she has hanging in her shop.”
I laughed. “I do hope Petra appreciates your efforts.”
His eyes flashed. “So do I.”
By the timewe returned home, exhaustion had turned Gabe’s face ashen and made his steps plodding. Alex helped him up the stairs to his bedroom while I trailed behind with Willie. A short while later, Murray brought in tea and a meal of roast beef with buttered potatoes and beans. Tilda had gone to work, so I took over nursing duties. The first thing I did when Gabe finished eating was send everyone else out.
Willie refused to leave, however. “Someone should stay and watch over him.”
