A while later we lay between cool linen sheets, recuperating. I couldn’t believe the good fortune Lady Luck had handed me. At that point I was too happy and contented to remember that Lady Luck is also a brazen bitch. I would regret that later.
Despite the covers, the bed seemed cold. I pulled the blankets up further. Penny snuggled beside me. “Mort, you seem awfully hot,” she said.
“That would be entirely your fault, my little minx,” I pulled her in for another kiss, and the room spun a little. “I do feel a little woozy, though,” I added.
I had a fever. Not to point any fingers, but looking back I suspect it might have had something to do with my efforts to help my body reabsorb the excess blood in my chest. Messing with Mother Nature can be a mistake sometimes; she and Lady Luck are probably good friends. Penny was the very picture of concern and empathy. She pulled the sheets back, exposing me to the cold air. She must have been taking notes from Mother Nature and Lady Luck. They’re all in on it together I tell you, one big female conspiracy.
“What? No, no, it’s cold! Gimme those back!” I’m a skilled debater when I put my mind to it.
“You have a fever, and you need to cool off.” She refused to let me get the sheets past my waist. Without a doubt it’s because she wanted to gaze upon my chiseled muscles.
“I bet you tell all your fiancée’s that.” It made sense to me, but obviously I wasn’t quite as clear headed as I thought. Penny draped a wet cloth across my forehead. She didn’t seem too impressed with my attempts at humor.
After Penny had satisfied herself that I wasn’t in imminent danger of an early demise, we lay uncovered on the bed. She still wouldn’t let me have the covers, but she did permit me to borrow some of her warmth. I rather liked her warmth. “Mort,” she said, “I have a question.”
Even in my fevered state that set off my warning sensors. “What sort of question,” I replied guardedly.
“If I ever did something bad, something really bad, that made everyone else hate me—would you still love me?”
What the hell kind of question is that? I thought, but I was wise enough to frame a better reply. “I would still love you. I know you well enough to know that you would have your reasons, even if they didn’t make sense to everyone else at the time. Why?”
“I just wondered. The past few days have changed so much in my life that I guess I need a little reassurance,” she said.
“A few days ago I didn’t even realize I loved you, so it’s a little early trying to figure out ways to get rid of me,” I smiled at her. Stupid never dies. Looking back I can hardly believe I was so naive. I went to sleep dreaming of open skies, chasing a crazy tomboy of a girl through verdant fields. That has always been my best memory of Penelope Cooper. Even now as I look back, I realize that was when I first fell in love with her. Somewhere in my heart, she will always be that silly girl with grass in her hair.
Penelope woke early, as was her habit. Mordecai still slept, but his temperature had cooled so she drew a thin sheet over him. The ball was today. She looked at the dress hanging in the corner of the room. It was a beautiful combination of blue velvet and lace. She had tried it on with Rose the day before, amazed at how lovely it was when she looked in the mirror. It showed her bosom off to great advantage without being tasteless, and the fabric draped gracefully to accent her figure, exposing just a hint of her ankles. It was ironic that this would be the only day she would ever get to wear such a garment, and that Mordecai wouldn’t be there to enjoy seeing her in it.
I don’t want him there, she thought. That’s not how she wanted him to remember her. Considering that, she decided that perhaps she should write a letter. She couldn’t explain herself, but at least she could make sure he didn’t blame himself. She checked to make sure he was still sleeping soundly before going to the writing table.
Unlike some of the maids at Lancaster Castle, Penny was perfectly able to read and write. It was partly because of Mordecai, but in large part because she had always had a strong curiosity and a desire to learn. Unfortunately her penmanship was not the equal of her wordsmithing, but he would just have to deal with her bad handwriting. She took up pen and carefully wrote out a long letter. Several blots and misspellings forced her to start over a few times, but at last she had a letter she wouldn’t be embarrassed to have him read. Except for the content of course, but there was no helping that. She folded it carefully and put it away, she wouldn’t want him to see it until later.
I opened my eyes to the faint sound of a brush moving through thick hair. Penny sat at the dressing table across the room. Her task wasn’t easy, she had a lot of curls in her long dark hair and they had a tendency to tangle. It took quite a while to get it smoothed out, and when she was almost done she felt my eyes on her. I had woken half way through the process and lay quietly watching. It was fascinating to see her working the brush slowly through the long tresses. I could have watched her all day.
She smiled at me in the mirror, “Are you feeling better?”
I was. We ate breakfast and I took up my books, being ill had provided me with more time to read, and I decided it would be foolish to waste it. Penny got dressed and went to see Rose again; more preparation for the ball. I really hated that I would miss it, but at least Penny wouldn’t have to suffer through my imitation of dancing. There would be more balls though, and maybe I could get some lessons before I had to expose my limited dancing skills to Penny. Ariadne had offered to teach me in the past so I thought I might take her up on it, but that would be for another time.
The day went smoothly, but after lunch my fever came back. Penny returned and made sure I didn’t have too much in the way of covers. She obviously didn’t believe in ‘sweating’ out a fever. At least she didn’t try to bleed me, so I probably shouldn’t complain about feeling a bit cold. A long nap made the afternoon more pleasant.
Around six Penny started getting ready. She was kind enough to let me watch, so I kept my lurid fantasies to myself while she dressed. The dress was stunning when combined with her curves and graceful features. I couldn’t help but wonder how I had lured such an enchanting beauty into my bedroom. My careful gaze caught her strapping something odd to her left arm.
“What’s that?” I asked wide-eyed.
“A dagger sheath,” she answered, as if it were the most common thing in the world. She finished adjusting the straps and slid a deadly looking seven inches of steel into it.
“Are we expecting trouble, or should I be concerned for when you return later?” I half-joked.
“Rose has been most helpful educating me on the matter of protecting myself. After this past week, I am no longer so trusting as I once was. Plus I have an excellent man to keep myself unspoiled for...” she gave me a charming smile, batting her long lashes at me. That should have warned me, her most frequent use of feminine wiles seemed to be distracting me from important issues.
“I thought I spoiled you quite thoroughly last night,” I leered at her.
“There is always more spoiling to be done,” she answered, and then she leaned over and gave me a long kiss. “I have to get going. I’ll need Rose’s help to get my hair done up properly.” She stopped at the door and gave me a long look, “Don’t forget, I love you.” Then she was gone, but for a second I could have sworn I saw a tear in her eye.
I convinced myself it was my imagination, but it took me a long while to get back to my reading. Women are never simple. I however, am as simple as they come.
Penny found Rose in her apartments, still getting ready, “Shouldn’t we be hurrying more?” she asked.
“It won’t hurt them to wait a few minutes. Besides, the best arrive last.” Rose laughed. She finished what she was doing and began working on Penny’s hair. With sure hands, she worked it into a delicate braided design piled on top of her head, exposing the younger woman’s graceful neck. “You’re going to garner a lot of looks tonight.”
“None that I’m anxious for, but I suppose a little a
ttention will be nice,” Penny answered.
“Enjoy it while it lasts, we won’t be young the rest of our lives,” Rose remarked.
You might not, but I probably will be, Penny thought to herself. The two women rose and headed downstairs. The ball was already beginning.
Chapter XIX
The Ball
FEW OBJECTS OF MAGIC STILL exist. They have become as rare as the men who create them, and those who remain rarely gain the knowledge necessary for their creation. From my research I have ascertained that the process is similar in function to the way in which mages create their spells. Aythar is manipulated, but rather than using words, a greater part is played by symbols and written language. Most who are born to magic eventually try to bind power within an object, but few succeed. The art of sealing power in such a way that it remains forever bound is lost. For this reason, the only magical objects found today are wards, symbols drawn with power for a specific purpose. Yet these lose their strength within a span of decades unless they are regularly renewed.
~Marcus the Heretic,
On the Nature of Faith and Magic
The great hall had been transformed. The great trestle tables had been removed, replaced by a few long tables along the walls where refreshments were being served. A small scattering of tables and chairs provided a place for the dancers to rest, but their numbers were small enough to discourage people from spending too much time there. It was a dance after all, and the night would be wasted if too many spent their time lounging instead. The Duke’s musicians occupied one end of the hall, playing endlessly to provide the music needed for a successful ball.
Penny and Rose were announced as they entered, “Lady Rose Hightower and her companion, Penelope Cooper.” That earned Penny a few stares, especially from the servers. Most of the staff knew her, and although they had heard she had taken up with Mordecai, they were still unsure what that meant for her status. Arriving with Rose made it clear that she was headed up in the world.
Marcus spotted them and came over, walking slowly to avoid outpacing his sister, Ariadne. He was escorting her for the evening, although they would both be dancing with different partners before long. His sister was a picture of loveliness in a fanciful pink gown. Ariadne was only fourteen and had yet to fill out completely, but Penny was sure she would be a great beauty someday.
“Penny! I see you ditched that clumsy oaf and replaced him with someone better looking!” he gave a small bow in Rose’s direction.
Rose gave a light tinkling laugh, “Yes, she’s seen fit to find better company this evening.” Penny couldn’t help but wonder how Rose managed it, even her laugh was perfect. Marcus asked Rose if he could have a dance and they were on the floor a moment later, leaving Penny and Ariadne alone.
“Your brother is quite the charmer,” Penny ventured.
“Mother says he could charm the skin off a cat, but I know his rougher side,” Ariadne answered. “Still, as brothers go, I’m rather fond of him.” They chatted for a few minutes before Marc and Rose returned, then he swept Penny away for a dance as well.
“How is Mort doing?” he asked as he twirled her across the floor.
“He’s doing well. He had a fever today but otherwise it’s remarkable how quickly he has recovered, his ribs aren’t bothering him at all now,” she replied.
Marc raised an eyebrow, “More magic?”
Penny sighed, “Yes, he keeps trying different things, but so far he’s done himself more good than ill.”
“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 had 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 th
e exchange, but the look on the girl’s face made him feel bad 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 in her mind. 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. 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.
FIERCE: Sixteen Authors of Fantasy Page 24
