part0019

T he next two days flew by in a frenzy of researching and preparation, which might have proved overwhelming had it not been for Darcy’s unwavering presence and calm. How welcome it had been when he had placed himself between her and those who might distract her from her work. No one had ever left her feeling so protected.

Pemberley’s case was not as clear cut as they had hoped, but with what they had learnt and Rosings’ support their chances of success were good.

Elizabeth stared up at the ceiling. Plaster moldings—ivy with tiny fairy dragons playing amongst the leaves—stared back down at her. A moonbeam reached the little mantel clock. An hour before dawn. Just an hour and she could begin preparations to face a day that would forever change everything she knew. It did not seem right that a single day could make such a difference. Then again, Pemberley’s hatching had changed everything in a single day, too.

How many other lives could change in a mere moment today?

Now that he had seen dragons, the only way the Court would accept him into the Order would be for him to have a full-time supervisor, one who would tutor him in all aspects of dragon-kind until he was fully initiated. Since it was her fault he made the discovery, it would probably fall to her to be his keeper.

She pressed her knuckle to her mouth. How much of this trouble was, at its heart, her fault?

To start, she had spoiled Longbourn. She could see that now after dealing with Pemberley and trying to train her up properly. So much of his petulance she had tolerated, even abetted by giving him precisely what he wanted.

If she had not allowed him to have been so selfish, he would not have sent Pemberley away. If she had not been so impulsive, she would not have run away, and Georgiana’s letters would have reached her. If she had not been so stubborn, she would not have run from Collins; she would have accepted him and his life—and possibly the fate of her mother and sisters—would not hang in the balance at the Blue Order Court today. How many were suffering for her selfish, headstrong ways?

But those thoughts were not at all helpful. She dragged herself out of bed and donned Aunt Gardiner’s blue gown. She had been right; a suitable gown did make it easier to face the demands of the day. Not very much, to be sure, but even very small bits helped.

Darcy handed her into the carriage and climbed up to sit beside the driver. Without a chaperone to accompany them, it was the only proper thing to do. Still, she would have welcomed the company.

April, Cait and Walker had already gone ahead with Pemberley and Rosings through the dragon tunnels. Minor dragons were not usually included in the Court proceedings and never attended a Conclave, but their testimony was essential to several of the matters of the day. So, they were permitted to attend under escort from a Ranking dragon.

Someday Pemberley would be able to perform that function. Was it too much to hope she might have the privilege of seeing that one day? It was unlikely, though. Longbourn usually did not attend Conclaves and probably would not begin to do so.

They walked into the Order. Colonel Fitzwilliam met them in the front hall. His silence echoed the tension that seemed to fill the building. Liveried servants, human and dragon, scurried about, footsteps soft, voices muffled. They might not know the precise issues facing the Conclave today, but they were obviously aware of their gravity.

A Court Bondsman, dressed in blue court robes with his hood nearly covering his face, escorted them deep into the bowels of the building to a witness box along the side of the court floor. He latched the wooden gate behind them. It was a little like being in a cage, symbolic more than functional, but the sense was still there.

They sat in the front of three rows. Would Lady Catherine arrive later to fill one of the empty chairs? Who might be called to the others?

The court room was the only room on this deepest level of the Order offices. The ceiling rose four, perhaps five stories above them, above a round stone floor as large as four substantial ballrooms put together. Flying dragons could easily soar within. Dragon tunnels entered the floor from nearly every direction with mirrored wall sconces mounted between each tunnel. Three levels of balconies circled the room, guarded by somber wooden rails. Between each section of railing, brass mirrors backed tall, eight-hour candles. Cockatrices flew around each level, lighting the candles, the room brightening as they went.

Three imposing stations graced the head of the round room. Three rows of elaborate chairs on raised platforms rose in the center: The Gallery where the Order officials would sit when the Court assembled. On either side were the judge’s bench for the Minister of the Blue Court and the raised station and desk for the Chancellor of the Order, The Earl of Matlock, who would preside over the Conclave.

The levels above them gradually filled with Dragon Keepers, by rank, the highest ranking on the nearest levels. Major Dragons of every shape trickled onto the broad floor with what appeared to be dignity but was really more tension. Only the most important of matters could convince them all to gather so close together. Liveried attendants escorted them to their designated place in the court.

How much thought had to go into the placements of the arriving dragon peers? Like-types and ranks had to be separated. Certain types had to be kept apart—and basilisks had to be separated from all, including each other. Perhaps that was what those partial walls near the far tunnels were for.

Distinctions of rank had to be preserved, placing the biggest dragons closest to the proceedings. Raised platforms circled behind that rank to lift the lower-ranking major dragons high enough to see, but not to have their heads above the highest dragons.

No wonder Longbourn did not attend Conclaves. Assignment to the rearmost rank would remind him of his insignificance, and that would not do.

It was sometimes easy to forget that the Pendragon Treaty was as much a peace treaty between dragons as it was between men and dragons.

The noise level rose as the chamber filled, a dull, deep roar that pounded at the base of her skull. How would they hear anything above that?

Fitzwilliam elbowed her. “There, Pemberley arrives.”

She followed his pointing chin to a tunnel almost directly opposite them. The room’s roar dulled as Rosings entered, her right wing sheltering little Pemberley.

No doubt that little demonstration of maternal affection was designed precisely to communicate to the Conclave. Walker, Cait and April flew in behind them. The roar increased even louder than it had been before, not unlike a ballroom when unexpected guests arrived. The party was escorted to a dragon-sized railed and gated box close to the Minister of the Court’s bench.

Rosings looked calm and in her element. April landed on Pemberley’s head and seemed to be singing. The tension in Pemberley’s posture seemed to ease. There was nothing like a fairy dragon to calm one in a crisis.

“Collins arrives.” Darcy whispered, not looking at her. His hands were clenched and shoulders tense.

Collins walked behind Lord Matlock, flanked by two very large, robed escorts. Probably footmen pressed into service as Bondsmen. Most likely they were there for Collins’ safety should he try to bolt, able to stay him before a dragon’s prey reflex was triggered. She shuddered. That was a sight she could happily live without ever seeing.

He was secured in a witness box between Matlock’s station and the Officials’ gallery. Interesting. The rails were higher, nearly shoulder height, and the gate locked behind him. The burly Bondsmen remained stationed outside either side of his enclosure.

A Bondsman approached with Uncle Gardiner and Mary, and another escorted Lady Catherine. Interesting, Anne was not there. Had she not been summoned or was her “health” keeping her away?

Uncle and Mary slipped in the row behind her. Lady Catherine took the chair beside Fitzwilliam.

Uncle laid a hand on her shoulder. “How are you?”

“Ask me again when the Conclave is dismissed. I will not know before then.” Elizabeth glanced back.

Mary clutched her hands together, rocking slightly, face ghastly pale. Hopefully she would not swoon. Longbourn was the only major dragon she had really ever known. Seeing so many at once must be overwhelming to her. Had Papa not thought to prepare her better for this? Elizabeth reached back and found Mary’s hand. Mary squeezed back, the edges of her lips lifted for just a moment.

Elizabeth scanned the room again. Where was Longbourn? If he missed the Court—

A loud gong cut through the room’s roar, and an eerie hush fell over the room. The Minister of the Court led in the Blue Order officials, robed in blue, gold and ivory. They took their place in the gallery.

Lord Matlock, blue robes resplendent with heavy gold trim, mounted the steps to his station. He nodded at the Minister of the Court whose white wig identified him amongst all the other officials.

The Minister carried a heavy oaken staff toward his bench. Fully a foot taller than himself, gold—or possibly ormolu—vines wrapped the length. A firedrake, wings spread, holding a blue spherical gem in its mouth topped the staff. He rapped it on a large metal plate embedded in the floor just behind the judge’s bench.

The tones reverberated in her skull. Across the room, Pemberley and April cringed at the sound. A lindwyrm in the back row snapped at the wyvern next to him. Two Bondsmen ran between them—brave souls—and hoisted a large black curtain strung on heavy poles to block their view of on another. Two more intervened, one for each dragon, talking them down from their defensive postures.

The minister mounted the steps to the bench and opened the proceedings by reading a summary of the Pendragon Treaty and the Accords. While it satisfied the peers’ need for pomp and circumstance, it was also an obviously necessary reminder to all the dragons of the behavior required of them.

A softer, higher-pitched gong chimed three times. “The Court of the Blue Order and the Dragon Conclave of England are now in session.”

A brief roar of assent, then silence.

“Secretary, Baron Chudleigh, read the first case.”

Chudleigh rose from his place, front and center of the officials’ gallery, and unfurled a scroll.

That bit of drama was probably unnecessary, but it was very showy.

“The case of The Blue Order versus William Collins.”

A Bondsman urged Collins to rise and face the Conclave. He needed support on either side, his knees too weak to hold him. Given his pallor, he might faint at any moment. Not an excellent way of obtaining dragon respect.

Cait swooped past the Minister of the Court’s bench and landed on the railings near Collins. He jumped back.

“I am to translate for you,” she squawked in her parrot-voice that sounded nothing like her.

“Collins is the heir to Longbourn estate, an established dragon territory. Despite being totally dragon-deaf, he accidentally discovered dragonkind. The Conclave must decide whether to accept him as a deaf-speaker—or not.” Chudleigh’s voice boomed through the room.

Collins gulped and wobbled between the Bondsmen.

“Is he truly dragon-deaf and immune to persuasion?” Cownt Matlock grumbled from the front row. What a stunning blue-green firedrake, even larger than Rosings, with flaming orange eyes that missed nothing! What stories he would have to tell!

Instead of translating, Cait said, “April, please come and sing to him.”

April zipped to the box and hovered in front of Collins’ face, singing sweetly. The Bondsmen beside him yawned, and their eyes drooped. Matlock and the Minister of the Court did the same, but Collins remained white-faced, eyes wide.

“Perhaps I should bite off his generative bits?” Cait hopped toward him.

Both Bondsmen jumped back, hands shielding their family jewels. Collins remained unmoving.

A wave of laughter cut through Conclave, human and dragon alike. Fitzwilliam chuckled, though neither Darcy nor Uncle Gardiner did. Mary was probably blushing painfully. She never appreciated dragon bluntness.

“The point is established. Collins is entirely dragon-deaf.” Matlock stretched and shook his head.

April looked a little too satisfied with herself.

Matlock went on to ask for the case in favor of Collins’ provisional admission into the Blue Order. It began with his standing as heir to a dragon estate and ended with Lady Catherine and Mary testifying to his tractability in the right hands, not that Collins appreciated the latter point very much, though.

He should have. It could very well be the thing that saved his life.

Collins’ treatment of Rumblkins, as told by Rustle and April and tempered by Uncle Gardiner, was a mark against him, as was his anti-dragon attitude. Collins himself, though, managed to argue that it had changed since coming to know that dragons existed. Now he was actually quite fascinated by them.

Terrified by them was probably more accurate.

“And just how did you become aware of the existence of dragonsss?” Barwines Chudleigh slithered forward, toward Collins.

Collins shuddered a bit. Snake-types in particular unsettled those unaccustomed to them.

“I … I … that is to say, it was Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s fault all told. I made her an offer of marriage, one sanctioned by her father and Lady Catherine and, as I understand, the dragon Longbourn himself. Yet, she refused me. Refused me and ran off into the woods. I chased after her and came, unknowing, into a lair full of dragons.”

A roar resounded from a tunnel at the back of the room. “She should have accepted the offer. She promised to do so!” Longbourn stormed in.

Bondsmen with curtains dashed to his side, raising the black cloths to shield him from the view of the nearby dragons.

The Minister of the Court struck the floor gong. “Order! Come to Order.”

Matlock rose. “Since these cases are inextricably intertwined, Lord Secretary, I recommend we pause in the case of Collins and hear the case of Miss Elizabeth Bennet versus Longbourn.”

The Conclave roared their assent.

The Bondsmen escorted Longbourn to the final empty box near the center front of the court. Collins stared at Longbourn, blinking hard. No doubt, the first time he had seen was had been lurking in the Longbourn estate cellars.

Elizabeth and Uncle Gardiner rose. Her mouth went dry. She licked her lips, but it did not help.

Chudleigh lifted his scroll. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet, junior Keeper to Laird Longbourn, has filed a complaint charging first that Longbourn insists she marry against her will, an act now forbidden by the recent changes to the marriage clauses of the Accords. Secondly, he threatened her, treating her as prey—”

That drew gasps from the gallery above. A cold wave trailed from her face down to her toes. She would never forget that moment.

“—using his venom until she fainted and could have suffered substantial harm. And finally, that Laird Longbourn attempted to use draconic persuasion upon her when Collins first offered her marriage.”

The dragons hissed at that. Longbourn cringed and roared.

“In his rebuttal, Laird Longbourn counters that since the estate is entailed upon an heir who cannot hear dragons, it is imperative that Miss Elizabeth marry him to ensure that a proper Keeper will remain on the estate. He charges her with neglecting her duties by leaving the estate improperly after said offer of marriage. He also claims innocence on the charge of attempting to persuade a Keeper.”

Murmurs filtered through the audience.

Minister of the Court rapped his staff on the floor until the room stilled. “On the first charge, the point of law is quite clear. A Keeper may refuse a marriage as long as it does not leave the estate without a Keeper.”

“Collins is dragon-deaf!” Longbourn stomped. “He cannot be a Keeper. She must marry Collins and return to my Keep.”

“Is there another daughter who is not dragon-deaf?”

Mary rose, shaking as hard as Collins. “I am, sir.”

The Minister of the Court looked straight at Mary. “And have you been acquainted with the estate dragon?”

“Not nearly so much as my sister, but yes.”

“You have been taught the role and responsibilities of a Keeper?”

“I am not nearly so good at them as my sister.”

“Her dragon friend would disagree.” Elizabeth edged back to stand beside Mary. “She quite adores Mary.”

“Are you willing to accept the role of Dragon Keeper?”

“Me? Sir, I … that has always been my sister’s task. Longbourn would never accept another. He adores, Lizzy, insists upon her presence regularly. He is angry and resentful that I should be there instead of her.”

Longbourn roared his agreement.

“Silence, Laird Longbourn!” The Minister rapped the floor again. “That was not my question. Would you willingly accept the role?”

“I have never considered it … But I suppose should anything happen to Lizzy, I would have to. Yes.”

“Laird Longbourn, you are familiar with Miss Mary Bennet?”

“In the absence of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, has she provided you with food, security, and comfort?”

“Not very well. She is fearful and clumsy. She does not know how to do many things right at all.”

“The court will hear that answer as an affirmation. Longbourn’s needs are met under the care of the secondary junior Keeper.”

“I want Elizabeth.” Longbourn roared and stomped. “Mary will not do!”

Mary wrung her hands, eyes very bright.

“This demonstration of temper supports the case against you. You seem quite capable of threatening your Keeper.”

“She made me angry!”

“So, you confess?”

“I was angry. I would not have hurt her.”

Uncle Gardiner stepped slightly forward, gripping the rail before him. “I witnessed the event. He lifted her in his talons, covered her with his wings and breathed venom on her. I believed she would be dead when he dropped her.”

“She is my Keeper! I would not have hurt her!”

“Miss Elizabeth Bennet, were you at any time in fear for your safety or your life from Laird Longbourn?”

She squeezed her eyes shut and nodded. “Yes, sir I was, as I never had been from a dragon before.”

Longbourn trumpeted, the sound rang hollowly through the huge chamber.

“And on the count of persuasion—”

“I did not persuade her!” He stomped and slapped his tail on the stone floor.

April zipped to him and hovered in front of his face. “I was with her. I heard the voice, too.”

“It was not mine!” He snapped at her.

She barely buzzed away in time.

“Stop! She is a member of your Keep!” Cownt Matlock growled.

“There was a voice, sir, a dragon voice, urging me to accept Mr. Collins’ proposal.” Elizabeth’s voice sounded so small and weak in the room full of dragons.

“It was not me!” Longbourn screamed.

“Could you definitely recognize the voice as Laird Longbourn’s?” The Minister turned to Elizabeth.

“I … I do not know.” Elizabeth leaned against the rail for support. “It came from the cellars. Only a major dragon’s voice could be heard at that distance. There is no one else it could have been.”

“It was not me. I should know very well who I have tried to persuade and who I have not.”

Voices shouted from the back of the Conclave. Others in the middle and the front answered them. The roars grew louder until Elizabeth had to cover her ears.

The Minister struck the floor gong twice. “Come to order immediately.”

The Conclave took far longer to settle down this time.

“On the matter of persuasion, sufficient evidence does not exist. The court finds for Laird Longbourn.”

Longbourn trumpeted and flapped his wings.

“However, the court also finds that Laird Longbourn, you are in violation of the Accords. There is no evidence Keeper Elizabeth Bennet is in dereliction of her post. She is well within her rights to withdraw if she feels threatened. No Keeper should ever feel threatened by their dragon.”

The Conclave agreed. Loudly.

“She is a fool if she believes I threatened her.” Longbourn flipped his wings to his back and tossed his head. He had never been gracious in defeat.

“Then you will be relieved to know that you do not need to have a fool as a Keeper. Miss Mary Bennet, are you willing to marry Mr. Collins and take on the role of Keeper of Longbourn and Guardian to the dragon-deaf?”

“Marry Miss Mary?” Collins stammered.

“Do you object to her?” The Minster of the Court glowered.

“I … ah … no … I had just thought the elder sister was the more appropriate choice.” He waggled his fingers at Mary.

“She has refused you, twice I believe. Miss Mary Bennet, do you object to a marriage with Mr. Collins with all the privilege and responsibility it will entail?”

“No, sir, I do not object.”

A quick glance suggested not only did she not object, but she rather relished the notion.

“Then by order of this court, I declare Miss Mary Bennet betrothed to Mr. William Collins, a marriage to be conducted at the earliest possible date in her home parish of Meryton. The couple shall reside at Longbourn where Historian Bennet will take charge of Collins’ instruction and official sponsorship into the Blue Order in one year’s time. A cockatrix who can speak to men directly will be assigned to Longbourn to translate. Until such time of his official induction, Miss Mary Bennet, you are his official Guardian. He is not to be out of your presence in company at any time. If at any time he proves to be any kind of threat to the Blue Order or dragonkind, it is your responsibility to alert the Order. Mr. Collins, justice among dragons is swift and severe. Do you understand?”

Collins gulped and sagged into the support of the Bondsmen.

“Does the Conclave agree?”

A deafening roar filled the court room. Was it possible that the dragons were as glad to have reason not to kill him as the men were?

“Let the records show this decision.”

Longbourn shrieked and flapped his wings. He bounded over the box’s rails and landed just short of Elizabeth. “You would abandon me?”

She pulled her shoulders back against the trembling in her belly. “I will not be afraid of my Keep’s dragon.”

“And this is your final word on the matter?”

“Mary will be your Keeper now. Treat her well, and she will be glad of the appointment.”

Longbourn huffed acrid breath at Mary, and she shrank back. He turned to Elizabeth. “You are no longer welcome on Longbourn estate. I will not have its shades polluted by one who abandons me. You are never to enter the house or the gardens again. I forbid it. You shall never see your family or your father again.”

“It is within your right to determine who is allowed within your territory, but you cannot dictate the family’s choices to see her outside your territory.” The Minister of the Court called from his bench. “Speaking of your territory, your application to expand your boundaries is denied and your territory will be reduced ten percent as penalty for your transgressions against your Keeper. Keep well within the boundaries of Longbourn estate or more severe consequences will follow.”

Longbourn roared and stomped. “Bennet will never see you again. I forbid my Keeper from it, and I shall persuade the others who do not hear. You have no home. You are no Keeper.”

A high-pitched cry echoed from the far side of the room. Pemberley bounded out of her box and half-lunged, half-waddled to Longbourn.

“No be mean her!”

“Get away from me, you little—”

Pemberley reared back on her hind legs and huffed. A little spurt of flame singed Longbourn’s nose, and he jumped back.

Elizabeth hurdled over the railing and caught Pemberley’s face in her hands. “No! You must not do that. You know better than to threaten another dragon!”

“But he hurt you. He want hurt you again! Only protecting. I allowed that.”

“Of course, you are, my dear. But there are many others here whose job that is. We must learn to perform our role, and let others do theirs. Now, you should apologize to Longbourn.” Elizabeth pushed Pemberley’s head toward Longbourn.

“I sorry.” Pemberley dropped her head and muttered.

“I have no need for apologies from babies and dragonless Keepers.” Longbourn stormed off down the tunnel he had come from.

“You no Keeper now?”

“It is nothing for you to worry about. Nothing has changed for you.”

“Yes. Yes, it do!” Pemberley flapped and hopped like an excited fairy dragon. “You no have dragon. I be you dragon. You my Keeper.”

“You already have a Keeper, dearling.”

“I want two! I vikontes. I can has two, right?” She turned to Cownt Matlock. “Please, can I has two Keepers?”

Matlock rose and the Minister of the Court struck the high gong twice. “Is there any in the Conclave who doubts her imprinting now?”

Silence. Not even the scratching of talons on the stone floor.

“Let the records show this decision. I officially welcome you, Vikontes Pemberley into the Blue Order.” Cownt Matlock licked the top of her head.

Pemberley licked him back, looking up at him, puzzled. “That mean I can has two?”

“Dearling, I am sorry but—”

“There is a way.” Darcy laid his hand on her shoulder. He drew a deep breath and stood very tall. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet, would you consent to be my wife and Pemberley’s Keeper?”

Her eyes bulged, and she grabbed for the railing behind her.

“See, you can be my Keeper!”

“No!” Lady Catherine sprang to her feet. “Absolutely not! Under no circumstances.”

“On what grounds?” the Minister of the Court asked.

She looked straight at Matlock. “You well know the reasons.”

“State them for the court.” Had Matlock learned that glare from his dragon?

“He is engaged to my daughter. From their birth—”

“A betrothal I never agreed to—”

Pemberley squawked and flapped. “I not have that one! No, she awful! She no like me!”

“Your precious changes mean that he is not bound by his dragon’s demands.” Lady Catherine crossed her arms over her chest.

“But you should listen to mine.” Rosings lumbered toward them. “I will tolerate the young one as my Keeper, but I will not share my territory with another dragon, even Pemberley. If the young one marries Darcy, one of us will be left without a Keeper unless they do not live together.”

“An intolerable option,” Darcy muttered under his breath. “I will not have Anne.”

Lady Catherine whirled on him, shrieking like Cait. “But it is a spectacular match! If you refuse, I shall never see you again. You will be—”

“Enough!” Matlock stood. “Darcy is in no way obligated to marry Anne.”

“But since their birth—”

“Escort her from the floor.” Matlock waved several Bondsmen into motion.

Lady Catherine regained her composure enough not to be dragged away kicking and screaming—but only just.

Pemberley watched the procession then turned back to Cownt Matlock. “I can has her my Keeper?”

Sir Edward stood in the second row of the officials’ gallery. “It is the opinion of the Lord Physician that the drakling would fare best with Miss Bennet’s presence.”

“I concur.” Barwines Chudleigh lifted her head a little higher.

“And I.” Rosings bellowed.

More dragons added their loud agreement.

Pemberley wrapped her neck around Elizabeth’s waist tightly and stared up into her eyes to plead.

April landed on her shoulder and nipped her ear. “I shall stay with Pemberley if you do not take him!”

She glanced behind her. Uncle Gardiner nodded.

Beside him, Mr. Darcy caught her gaze. Oh! The look in his eyes! Her face flushed and it crept down her neck.

Mr. Collins had never looked at her that way.

Darcy could be taciturn and dour, ill-mannered and rude. But men like Colonel Fitzwilliam followed him, Walker trusted him, Pemberley and Georgiana adored him.

“I … I accept.”

Pemberley squealed and wrapped her neck around Elizabeth’s waist.

“Let the record show that the Court approves the request of young Pemberley to be granted two Keepers and note the betrothal of Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.”

Apparently, the dragons approved.

The Minister allowed the Conclave to quiet on their own.

Lord Chudleigh rose and cleared his throat. “That concludes the cases before the Blue Order Court.” He gestured toward Lord Matlock.

“There remains a final matter for the Conclave to consider, one of grave concern. I have received three independent reports from Dragon Friends stationed with the militia in Hertfordshire, all pointing to the presence of an unknown dragon in that county.”

Who knew silence could be every bit as frightening as dragon roars?

The Accords permitted a major dragon to kill another major dragon trespassing on its territory. But a battle of major dragons, especially ones of similar size and strength, could go on for days and would be certain to draw the attention of the local human population, threatening the secrecy of the entire dragon community. Dragon war was the most likely outcome. If a rogue dragon really existed, it had to be dealt with immediately, hopefully by bringing it into the Blue Order and under the rule of the Pendragon Accords. The alternative was unthinkable.

Matlock began reading the reports. Dragon thunder heard the night of the Netherfield ball, but two voices, not just one.

Her skin prickled. Was that possible? She closed her eyes. What had she heard that night?

Reports of thefts from the regimental supplies … Great Heavens, Pemberley’s egg might well have been hidden among the stolen supplies—was that the crux of the argument between Wickham and Darcy before the ball? That Wickham had lost the egg he had stolen?

Mary leaned forward and whispered in her ear. “Do you think it is possible that voice you heard—”

Elizabeth grabbed her hand. “I … I think I heard it the night of Jane’s betrothal at Netherfield as well.”

Mary gasped. “Netherfield? Lydia!”

“What do you mean?”

“Before she went to stay at Netherfield. She was saying some very odd things. I think—Heavens! Can it be possible?—I think she might be like Aunt Gardiner!”

“You think she has started hearing dragons now?” Elizabeth chewed her knuckle.

“As I think about it now, yes, I do. If there is an unknown dragon at Netherfield, and she is speaking to it, of course she would want to be there with it, alone. It could be trying to convince her to become its Keeper.”

“But Jane and Bingley—”

“Are at risk of suddenly disappearing to make way for Lydia!”

Darcy leaned toward them. “Do you think it possible that the dragon script we found at Netherfield could have been written by a dragon?”

“The last time I was there, I found paintings in the drawing room, with hidden bits of script. There was one that I did not understand, but now I think the script read ‘sanctuary’—possibly a dragon taking sanctuary? Lindwyrms have been known to write and even paint—it could have been done by one.”

“Whilst in Meryton, Walker thought he heard a voice—”

“That is right! He asked Longbourn about it.” Why had she not paid more attention to that?

“Do you recall what he said—that there was nothing unknown in his territory? He did not actually deny its presence.” Darcy bit his bottom lip.

“He has been awfully cross, could tolerating the presence of another dragon—” Mary said.

“Lord Matlock!” Darcy’s voice boomed over Matlock’s reading. “We have come to believe that the dragon you speak of is a lindwyrm that has possibly taken residence at Netherfield Park.”

“And you failed to mention this?”

Elizabeth gulped. Actually, it was Papa who failed to mention it. He had been musing for quite some time of the possibility of an unknown dragon in the region. She thought it had been idle talk, wishful thinking of something noteworthy he might record for the Order. If it had been more than that, though, he should have brought it to the attention of the Order. Why would he not?

“It is only now that we have put all the pieces together. If it is indeed at Netherfield, it may pose a serious threat to the dragon-deaf residents there.”

“Sir!” Elizabeth cried. “It is my eldest sister and her husband. Pray, allow me to go to Netherfield and investigate. Perhaps I might make contact with it and induce it to become part of the Blue Order.”

“If there is any among the Order who can do such a thing, it is she.” Rosings shrugged her wings and shuffled back to her place.

Barwines Chudleigh rose up and extended her wings. “I concur.”

The room filled with sounds of approbation.

“Let the record show that Miss Elizabeth Bennet will go immediately to Meryton to assess this situation and make contact with this unknown dragon. Use whatever persuasion is necessary to stay at Netherfield Park and protect the dragon-deaf residents there. Keeper Mary Bennet, you and Historian Bennet will provide as much assistance as possible, while respecting Longbourn’s ban on Miss Elizabeth in his territory.”

“I go, too?” Pemberley asked loudly.

“No, my dear, it is far too dangerous. You must stay—”

“No leave me! No go!”

A murmur began among the dragons. Barwines Chudleigh slithered to Pemberley. “There are times all dragonsss must do what they would rather not. It is part of living under the Accordsss. Your Keepersss have a duty to dragonkind, as do you. You will ssstay here with the girl, Georgiana. Whilst they are gone, Bylock, the Ssscribe’s drake, has offered to teach you to read and write. We will also help prepare the girl to be presented to the Blue Order ssso that she might have her own Dragon Friend, or one day be a Keeper herself.”

“But I no want her go.”

Elizabeth laid her arm over Pemberley’s shoulders. “It will not be like last time, I promise. We will send letters, but not through the post. Walker and Rustle and perhaps even Cait will help us. I am your Keeper now, Pemberley and will never abandon you. I will always come back, even as I did this time.”

“You did come me.” Pemberley hung her head and swung it to and fro.

“That is right. She did, and she will do ssso again. Your Keepersss are trustworthy. Otherwise we would not ask this of them.”

Pemberley blinked up at Chudleigh. “We have tea?”

“Yesss, we shall have tea quite regularly. I will help you learn to use your wingsss.”

“You fly? I want fly.”

Elizabeth patted her shoulder. “That is something I cannot teach you. Only someone with wings can do that. You should thank Barwines Chudleigh for her kind offer.”

“I want learn fly. Thank you much.”

“Is the matter settled then?” Matlock asked. He did not cover his annoyance well.

“I stay, learn write, and fly,” Pemberley called back.

Chudleigh leaned down to Elizabeth’s ear. “She is going to be a handful.” With a wink, she slithered back to her place.

Lord Matlock descended from his station and stood beside Cownt Matlock who sat back on his haunches and lifted his head high above the rest. “The Conclave is adjourned.”

The Minister rang the floor gong twice. Bondsmen scurried in from all sides, escorting dragons out by rank. One came for Pemberley and, after a little encouragement from Darcy and Elizabeth, was able to lead her back to Rosings and out.

Another Bondsman escorted them back upstairs to the street level rooms where a footman took over. “Tea has been prepared for you in one of the parlors, courtesy of Lord Matlock.”

“How very civilized of him.” Fitzwilliam laughed and offered Elizabeth his arm.

Darcy stepped between and offered his. She slipped her hand in the crook of his arm, leaning into his strength. Somehow it felt natural and right and very, very confusing.

“As territorial as a dragon!” Fitzwilliam jumped back between Mary and Uncle Gardiner. “You will join us, will you not?”

“Thank you, but perhaps I should go find Mr. Collins?” Mary glanced about.

“I would not expect him to be released for several hours yet. Lady Astrid will be tutoring him on the basics of the Accords, particularly on secrecy. Then, I imagine Aunt Catherine will wish to discuss the hiring of a curate to fill his pulpit. You might as well enjoy tea whilst you wait.”

“A splendid idea.” Uncle Gardiner offered Mary his arm and they followed the rest to the small parlor on the second floor.

Afternoon sun poured through the windows, bathing the room in light and warmth. After so many hours of candlelight, it seemed bright and almost garish. Thankfully, dark woods and soft blues and golds soothed her senses. A low, round table was set with tea things in the center of the room, surrounded by comfortable chairs, interspersed with dragon perches where April, Walker, and Cait were waiting for them.

Elizabeth went through the motions of serving tea, happy when the men launched upon a discussion as to how they might penetrate the poisoned room at Netherfield. The topic should have been fascinating to her. Usually it would be, but too many other things filled her mind.

“Are you well, Mary?”

Mary stared into her tea cup. “I am just so surprised by the events of the day. I never expected—”

“Are you certain you are content with being betrothed to Mr. Collins?”

“Indeed, I am. I can see you are skeptical, though. Do you think it incredible that Mr. Collins should be able to procure any woman's good opinion because he was not so happy as to succeed in securing yours? I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done. It is best for the family—for all of us.”

“I would be happier knowing that the choice will not make you miserable.”

“None of us can know the future, Lizzy. But I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home, and considering Mr. Collins' character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state. I have always been fonder of him than you have. Heather finds him quite tolerable. Truly it is the best solution for all of us. I might ask the same question of you though. I did not think Mr. Darcy—”

Rustle flew in, almost toppling the perch as he landed.

Elizabeth and Uncle jumped to their feet and steadied it.

“Heavens, catch your breath, Rustle. It is all good news! Mrs. Gardiner will be pleased.” Uncle offered him tea from his own cup.

Rustle swallowed a couple of gulps. “If only I had been sent in want of news, all would be well, but that is far from the case.”

“Pray tell, what is wrong?” Elizabeth sank back into her seat.

“In my satchel, there is a letter, sent express from your father.” Rustle turned his back so Uncle could retrieve the letter.

He broke the seal and unfolded it. He scanned the page, color draining from his face. “Bennet writes:

“Something has occurred of a most unexpected and serious nature. An urgent message came at twelve last night, just as we were all gone to bed, from Colonel Forster, to inform us that Lydia was gone off to Scotland with one of his officers—Mr. Wickham! At first light, I went to Netherfield, hoping that perhaps they were simply sequestered there, but to no avail. Her trunk was gone. The housekeeper was unaware of her departure, saying that Lydia had kept to her room for the last two days with a sick headache.

“I would not trouble you simply over a possible elopement—as serious as that would be—but Lydia has lately been showing signs of starting to Hear dragons. I have been waiting to be sure before introducing her to dragonkind. Not long ago, April expressed concern over Mr. Wickham’s excessive interest in dragons, not to mention his connections to the Pemberley affair. Should he be a Deaf-Speaker, or trying to become one, any connection to a Hearer not loyal to the Blue Order could be disastrous.

“I would go after her myself and have tried to do so. But my condition no longer permits me to ride, and even an hour in a carriage is nigh on intolerable. I must ask you, my brother, for your assistance in this matter. While it is possible this may all turn out to be naught, the risk is too great to ignore.”

“Great heavens!” Uncle fell into his chair.

“Was not Mr. Wickham in Brighton?” Mary whispered.

“He was supposed to be.” Darcy slammed his fist into his palm. “This is my fault. Had I only revealed what Wickham was, apprehended him when I had the opportunity—”

“You could hardly have done that until the egg was found—which I might remind you never happened. Instead, you had a new hatchling to care for, hardly a time that you could be away to negotiate with the colonel of the regiment to turn Wickham over to you in chains,” Elizabeth said.

“I must find her.” Uncle rose unsteadily.

“No,” Darcy stood. “It was my charge first. I must complete it.”

“And I will go with you. No offense, sir, but he will find the two of us more formidable.” Fitzwilliam wore the sort of expression that would brook no argument.

“I can manage the matters at Netherfield myself, Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth gazed straight into his eyes, not precisely a challenge, but—

He nodded slowly. “Though I do not prefer to leave you alone to do it, I have complete faith in you. Will you consider taking the Darcy carriage to Meryton? Your sister and Collins, and you, Mr. Gardiner, if you desire to go as well, might all drive there together, and the coach would be at your disposal whilst you are there. Most important, you will have the ability to return to London whenever you should need.”

“That would be most welcome.” The crest of her cheeks heated. Perhaps she should have had more faith in him. “I should leave first thing in the morning.”