Page 39 of Potions and Proposals
The flattery came with ease, but Benedict wasn’t sure how genuine it was. A little temper test wouldn’t hurt. “Probably because there aren’t many Mathersons left, thanks to the Order that sent you.”
Emerson’s face fell, but to his credit, he recovered his polite smile quickly.
Lucinda silently scolded Benedict. He cleared his throat, wishing Grams and Wilhelmina would join them so he wouldn’t have to suffer through more pleasantries.
“How do you two know each other?” Emerson asked, breaking the tension.
“Old family fri—” Lucinda started.
“She’s my fiancée,” Benedict announced.
Lucinda choked on her wine.
“You shouldn’t be drinking. It might make the fire worse,” he whispered in her ear, passing her an empty glass. When it touched her hand, it was filled with water. He gave himself a mental pat on the back for using her element without causing a mess.
“I won’t survive this conversation without it, and I’m managing fine,” she hissed, swapping the water for wine. “Stop using my element!”
Emerson glanced at Lucinda, as though waiting for her to confirm whether or not they were to be married.
Don’t even think about it. She’s mine. Always has been, and always will be.Benedict’s possessive thoughts startled him.
“I didn’t know you were engaged. Congratulations,” Emerson said.
“It’s c-complicated,” Lucinda stuttered, her eyes darting between the two men as though she didn’t know where to begin.
“What relationship isn’t?” Benedict said cheerfully before she could keep going, though he doubted she’d explain the exact workings of their engagement to a stranger.
“Lucy, could you help me with the dessert for a moment?” Wilhelmina called from the kitchen down the hall.
“Don’t antagonise him,” Lucinda whispered, placing her napkin on the table. Benedict rubbed his jaw to conceal a smirk as he watched her leave.
“I hear you’ve accepted the vacant position at the university,” he said. “I’m surprised your Order would allow you to settle in a sanctuary town.”Even the mention of the Order made him wince, but he wasn’t going to let Emerson see that. The university had been looking for someone to replace the Classical and Mythical Studies spot since the last professor had decided to study dragon remains in some undisclosed location. The head of the University often visited the Manor spa with his wife, andBenedict hadn’t heard the dean had approved anyone until Rosie mentioned it.
“I’ve been working in Darworth University. Lucinda’s father gave my CV to the university board. My work with the Order required moving quite often, but I want to settle somewhere, put down some roots,” Emerson said. “When Lucinda’s father told me about the opening, I didn’t hesitate.”
“I hope you don’t mind me saying, but you look rather young for such a position.” Benedict was surprised he’d worked with Mr Hawthorne, never mind having his approval. At least now it made sense how he’d got past the hiring committee.
Emerson sipped his wine, and Benedict wondered if his patience was beginning to thin. “I’ve done the work, and I’ll be thirty-two this year. All those years in libraries and out of the sun kept me youthful. I’m sure you get the same assumed about you, considering you run such a successful business.”
“I didn’t have a choice after my father passed,” Benedict said tightly.
Emerson stilled, realising his mistake. It was the Order that had taken his father’s life as punishment for a spell gone wrong. Would Emerson report those at this very table for the same sin if he knew about the elemental mishap?
“I didn’t mean…” the professor started.
“Foxford is a special place. I understand why you’d want to stay here. The people are trusting and kind, and we look out for each other,” Benedict cut in, drinking from Lucinda’s wine glass. “But if that trust is broken, and anyone tries to harm our sanctuary… I’m afraid little mercy is shown.” His words were laced with threat.
“I understand you want to protect your town,” Emerson began, but Benedict’s laughter cut him off again.
“The town itself can burn.” He leant forward, pointing to the door. “But the women in the next room mean a great deal tome. Ifanythinghappens to them, or anyone brings them any trouble, then no sanctuary in this world or the next can help them.”
Emerson took another drink, no doubt considering his reply carefully. A veiled threat directed at an Order member could get Benedict in a lot of trouble, but he didn’t care. Not when it came to protecting those he cared about. He couldn’t protect his dad, his brother, but he would sure as hell protect the Hawthornes.
“They’re lucky to have someone who cares for their safety more than their own,” Emerson said at last, and Benedict mentally shook hands with him – begrudgingly. “I can assure you that I mean them no harm.”
“Sorry for keeping you waiting – the dessert was a little on the frozen side,” Wilhelmina interrupted, carrying in a dish filled with perfectly layered tiramisu.
“Benedict was telling me about the town, and I was congratulating him on his engagement,” Emerson said, watching Wilhelmina cut into the dessert at the head of the table.
