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When they entered Papa’s library, he looked up from the sizeable book on his desk and his forehead creased. “What has the two of you at sixes and sevens?”

Elizabeth hastened forward and placed her hands on the desk. “The Duchess of Ormonde found us at the stone circle. Her husband visited her last night with the most disturbing news.”

Her betrothed came to her side and placed his hand upon her back while she relayed the information Her Grace had shared in the forest. He added his opinion here and there on certain facts, but he spoke for no more than to support her statements.

His pride was not wounded by her place or that her magic was similar to that of a man’s.

Her father had selected the best possible match for her.

Fitzwilliam would never attempt to claim her power for his own or attempt to suppress her. He was all that a gentleman should be.

Once she finished her recitation of all that had occurred, her father sat back in his chair and rubbed his beard.

“I am wary of delving too far into the future using the altar. With the aid of Her Grace and the visions you have already seen, we have an idea of what is to come. If only we had a more definite knowledge of when.”

“Sir,” said Fitzwilliam. “As I mentioned before, the hedgerow I slipped through had a coating of snow.”

Mr. Bennet tapped his fingers upon the desk.

“Yes, so we have every reason to believe this will happen sometime this winter. I just wish we had more.” He stared ahead as though seeing something not there for a moment.

“As I said, I do not want you seeking more information in the altar.

If you happen to have a vision, that cannot be avoided, but the draining of energy you experience from the sight of what will happen, is disturbing—particularly combined with the knowledge the duchess imparted this morning.

“I am not averse to the two of you continuing to practice, but I wish to spend as much time as we can poring over books in the hopes of discovering whatever magic this person is using to accomplish such a feat. I have never heard of it, and that disturbs me most.”

“If I may, the duchess claimed it was an ability,” said Fitzwilliam.

“We may not find a reference to such a talent in any book. After all, unheard of talents and abilities are discovered all of the time. It is the diverse nature of our number that is what is so rich about our community.” He stepped back and began to pace.

“You must know that one of the visions I saw was of a man I have known for my entire life. It seems he is to come to Meryton as part of the militia quartering here over the winter. His name is George Wickham, and he is not to be trusted. Thankfully, this Wickham was not the heir. The elder son died as a babe, so Wickham has no more than a talent for persuasion. He swindles shopkeepers and gentleman, cheats at cards, and has no scruples about seducing women. I suggest we prepare the village in advance of his arrival.”

She bit her cheek. The officer standing in Sir William’s drawing room had been unfamiliar to her, but apparently, he was known to Fitzwilliam. With her two youngest and silliest sisters, this man could be dangerous.

“We need to find some way to shield Kitty and Lydia.”

Her father groaned and leaned his head back against his chair. “We could hope Lydia uses her ability early, and he rejects any further advances from her.”

“Papa! If they both enchant the other, she could be with child before he becomes immune to Lydia’s charms.”

“No peace will exist in this house if I restrict them to Longbourn.” He sounded like a petulant child .

“Sir,” said Fitzwilliam. “Wickham is not to be trusted with even the lowliest maid. Your daughters should be protected at all costs. I shall await Elizabeth in the mornings behind Longbourn so I may accompany her to the forest, but you should make preparations to protect your other daughters when they are not at Longbourn.”

Papa rubbed his temples. He valued his peace above all else.

He was her beloved father, yet he was not the most diligent.

After all, he had come to the forest the first couple of days Elizabeth had practised with Fitzwilliam, then had left Herne to chaperon their meetings.

Thank heavens Fitzwilliam could be trusted to behave with honour! —Well, mostly behave.

Her father stood and crossed to the window.

“I understand your concern over this Wickham, but the duchess’s news is much more dire.

Someone is robbing heirs of their powers.

Ormonde had substantial magic, and though we know little of this other heir, we must assume this rogue has acquired enough power to be dangerous.

If this person is attempting to divert your magic to themselves in the vision, it also explains the residual effect you feel when it is over.

“No, first and foremost, we must discover who this individual is and put a stop to their treachery. Someone hoarding magic is dangerous. There is a reason the earth has a limit to the amount of power one person can wield.”

Fitzwilliam took Elizabeth’s hand in both of his own.

“The Bennets’ abilities have always surpassed most, but it is no wonder given the history of your family.

You and your ancestors have preferred to live quietly without stirring unrest or striving for status, so you have never been perceived as a threat.

Whoever this is, they must be hoping to elevate themselves above all.

We must warn as many families as possible.

They must guard themselves and their heirs so this thief cannot succeed in their plans. ”

He was correct. Steps had to be taken to protect not only the magical but the non-magic.

If someone acquired enough power, they could enslave those they perceived as threats or lesser than them.

The moment her status was revealed, they would, no doubt, seek her out.

As a lady, they would assume she was weak. She would have to prove them otherwise.

They had to defeat this person. Whomever this was could not succeed, or the results would be dire!

2 nd of November 1811

When Elizabeth entered Lucas Lodge for Sir William’s party, she was tighter than she had ever been in her life.

Would the Wickham Fitzwilliam had told them about be in attendance?

The militia was to remain for the winter, so this may not be the correct circumstance or even setting—they had been in Uncle Philips’s house in the vision—yet that knowledge did not relieve her discomfort at the prospect of meeting such a man.

“I see no one from the militia,” said Fitzwilliam in hushed tones near her ear. “You can relax.”

She took in everyone milling about the drawing room. “Why do you not believe me to be relaxed?”

“Because you are squeezing my arm so tight, I am losing feeling.”

With a start, she released his forearm. “Forgive me. I had not realised I was hurting you.”

He kissed the back of her hand. “I shall suffer no lasting harm. As for Wickham, only a few men have arrived in preparation for the remainder, but since your father has set forth his restrictions for now, your sisters will not argue as much later when Wickham is in town. ”

Papa had insisted Lydia and Kitty remain behind with Mama.

All three objected strenuously to his edict, which was why her father stood in front of them to greet Sir William.

In his eyes, a party was much better than suffering the complaints and flying objects at Longbourn, so he accompanied them.

Mrs. Hill had provided Mama, Kitty, and Lydia her special calming tea.

Hopefully, they would all soon retire for the evening.

“Bennet!” Sir William grinned widely as he and her father bowed to each other. “You have not attended one of our parties in some time. I am honoured you came.” He looked behind to her and Fitzwilliam, then Jane and Mary behind them. “But where are Mrs. Bennet, Miss Lydia, and Miss Kitty?”

“My wife had a headache, and my youngest daughters remained behind to keep their mother company.”

Sir William clasped his hands. “Well, that is a shame. Maria will be disappointed, but Charlotte will be pleased to have the opportunity to speak with Miss Elizabeth. She called to congratulate you on your engagement yesterday, but you were on one of your walks.”

She withheld a wince. “Mrs. Hill mentioned Charlotte’s call, and I was sorry I was not home. I shall make sure I speak with her this evening.”

“Mr. Darcy,” said Sir William with another bow. “I am pleased you could join us. Your friend Mr. Bingley arrived a moment ago with his sisters.”

Papa shifted to allow Fitzwilliam to step closer to their host. When her betrothed approached Sir William, he returned the gentleman’s welcome.

“Yes, Bingley said they would attend, but Mr. Bennet had offered for me to join their family tonight, so I accompanied Miss Elizabeth instead. ”

“And why would you not! What gentleman would decline an invitation to join his betrothed? How can you refuse when such beauty is before you?” Sir William’s voice carried with the last part of his statement as Charlotte approached. Her nose crinkled at her father’s statement.

Elizabeth’s cheeks warmed. Sir William often praised the Bennet daughters’ comeliness, which often offended Lady Lucas and Charlotte, who was sometimes called plain.

Poor Charlotte deserved some recognition.

She was a practical sort—a trait that deserved admiration.

She was also intelligent. Her ability to sense someone’s feelings or mood was also a useful talent.

She deserved more notice than Sir William gave.

“Ah, here is my daughter,” said Sir William. “I am sure you wish to share confidences, so I shall greet your sisters. I hope you enjoy the evening.”

Elizabeth smiled at Sir William before approaching Charlotte and clasping her hands in her own. “How are you?”