Avery’s legs trembled as he pulled himself upright.
“Your Grace. Why?”
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untroubled. “Did you think that I’d allow him to harm you any further? Lad, you have borne too much for too long.”
Avery took a deep, shaky breath and nodded. “My apologies, Your Grace.”
“None are necessary. I only wish that I could have stopped his evil before it progressed as far as it did.”
Gesturing to the corpse on the floor, Avery spoke.
“What are we to do now?”
“You must go.” His Grace pulled the bell rope. “After the altercation at Jackford, they will suspect you first, being a fighter yourself. I shall rid us of the body and inform the other servants of the need for silence.”
Moved beyond words, Avery bowed. “Thank you, Your Grace.” He tilted his head toward the shards of glass behind him. “May I have the broken mirror? It is very important.”
The duke laughed. “Have whatever you like, lad, but be quick about it.”
Avery had gathered as many pieces of the mirror as he could before stealing away on one of the duke’s horses.
He entered the outskirts of St. Giles with both relief and trepidation. Such a fine horse would surely draw attention in this part of the world, but he had no other choice. If he were to have any chance of restoring Leah to her true home, he must see Mrs. Comstock as soon as possible.
The horse snorted as Avery pulled back on the reins.
He tossed them and a coin to a nearby lad with the promise of more if the beast was still there upon his return. Carrying the sack as gently as he would a newborn babe, he ascended the stairs to his aunt’s chambers.
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“Mrs. Comstock?” His soft-voiced question floated
through the close room. “Are you about?”
The woman rose from his aunt’s bedside, a basin in her hands and a cross expression on her face.
“What’ll you be wantin’? She’s no better if that’s the word you’re after.”
“Mrs. Comstock, may I be plain?”
She nodded, setting the basin aside and drying her hands on her apron. “I prefer it.”
Avery set the sack gently on the rough wooden table.
“I have need of your talents, Mrs. Comstock. Your magical talents.”
The woman’s scowl deepened. “I’ve no more dealings in the Old Ways.”
“It is of vital importance.” He’d beg if necessary. Leah must be allowed to return home if it was her desire.
Mrs. Comstock sighed and gestured to the bag.
“Show me.”
When the pieces of the broken mirror were revealed, her countenance darkened. “This is strong magic, this is.
Not only time magic, but love findin’ magic as well. A true sorceress did this.”
“But can it be repaired?” The question was more of a prayer.
She pursed her lips and shoved her straggly hair from her forehead. “I will do me best.”
A wave of relief crested over him. “Thank you, dear lady.”
“Do not thank me yet. I’ve no guarantee it can be repaired, but I’ll do me best.”
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Leah and Ella took their time on the way back to Lady Chesterfield’s. After all, they had no reason to rush anymore.
They’d be living the rest of their lives in this century.
Leah kept her mind blank. She could not afford to think of Pawpaw or Avery or of the way she’d cost her friend her future. One slipper in front of the other. Don’t look right or left. Don’t think of the fact that Avery is probably in Scotland by now, and Pawpaw is probably…
She tripped and sprawled in a sobbing heap on the walk in front of Lady Chesterfield’s house. Ella knelt beside her, pulling her up into a sitting position. It was several minutes before Leah could breathe enough to speak.
“Come on. Let’s get inside.”
Ella nodded numbly, and together they made their way into the house.
“Leah dear!” Lady Chesterfield’s voice floated down the stairs. “Whatever has gone on? Muriel has been frantic since you departed so hastily.” She drew up short when she saw Ella.
“Lady Chesterfield.” Leah fought to keep her voice steady despite the tears that wouldn’t quit. “This is Ella Fowler. She came to take me home because my grandfather is very sick. But…the mirror…” Leah stared at the polished floor beneath her feet, struggling to regain control of herself.
“Oh. Oh my dears.” Lady Chesterfield gathered them both to her feathered bosom. Leah clung to her gratefully, despite the gray feathers that tickled her nose.