Page 16 of The Dragoneers of Longbourn and Pemberley
“One or two have implied it.” Kesley spun her in the dance, free and lifting. “I denied it, and redirected to other topics.”
“That should start rumors nicely. You couldn’t deny something without a charming wink.”
“When it is something as flattering as being a stellar dragoneer?” Kesley laughed. “Of course I couldn’t.”
“A stellar dragoneer? Is that what they are saying about the masked rider?”
“Those are my words, Val. You deserve them.”
Valeraine’s heart fluttered. She wasn’t all that talented; their placement in the derby showed that plainly. But brilliant Kesley, endearing Kesley, thought she was.
“We’ll see soon what the press’s words are on the masked rider,” Kesley said. “It’s such an impressively mysterious figure, I wouldn’t be surprised if they think he’s stellar, too.”
Chapter fourteen
The First Derby of N—
by our trusted correspondent, Scaleheart
The first derby hosted by Mr. N— was a more spectacular mess than even I portended. Before the derby began, there were already two fights which resulted in a fractured claw and multiple lacerations because of cramped quarters for the dragons. None of the injuries were severe enough to keep the riders from racing. These dragoneers were much too foolish to make a sensible decision such as that.
Though some fights are typical of a derby, this high volume was a direct result of the dragons being penned too close together, and the irresponsible management of Mr. R— (who eventually won the derby). In the air, the dragons performed even worse. Mr. P— (whom our readers may remember from the incident of one year ago at Marfont) had particularly bad sportsmanship.
The derby suffered from dysregulation and injuries to both man and beast, but the true scandal of the day was even greater. Longbourn house participated, which has not been seen for decades. Longbourn is a direct neighbor to Netherfield, so had the only dragon who was not nest-tetchy, particularly because the dragon of Mr. N— has not yet adjusted to its new nest. However, Longbourn still performed terribly due to an unfit dragon and rider. The dragon is truly ancient, worn in wings and claws, and was visibly struggling and lagging during the race.
The identity of the rider is unknown, as he wore a mask. Due to there being no dragon riders in Longbourn house, this must be a common man who has been hired.
This sullies the honor of dragons. A farmer may ride a leant dragon to plow his field, but he does not aspire to be a true dragoneer. To allow a common man to compete will only see the derbies polluted.The direction that we must reform the derbies is to make them more exclusive, not less. For example, habitually rough riders like Mr. P— should be banned. The precedence of allowing a masked rider should not be followed. Only then can the derbies achieve the glory they were meant for, instead of cheap entertainment.
Chapter fifteen
It was a quiet afternoon two days later, and Valeraine and Kesley were resting after grooming Lelantos. He had demanded the finest of massages and treats, and they couldn’t very well deny him what he had earned. Now, they were in the drawing room, playing a round of cards. Alyce was sitting nearby, finishing an embroidery project for a new sofa cushion.
Selaide burst into the room, brandishing the latestDragoneer’s Journal“Everyone is writing about you, Val!” she said, thrusting the paper on top of the game of cards.
“About Val?” Alyce asked. “Why would —”
“No, I should not have said that.” Selaide snatched back the newssheet and held it to her chest, failing to hide the headlines on the back about a masked rider. “Pretend I did not.”
Alyce knew the fastest way to get Selaide to elaborate was tonotask her to. So, she addressed Valeraine. “What is she talking about?”
Valeraine held out her hand to Selaide, who relinquished the paper. She flipped straight to Lady Scaleheart’s column. Would Scaleheart, known for eschewing convention, enjoy the romantic masked rider?
As Valeraine read, her hopes withered. The column was distinctly uncomplimentary. As always, Lady Scaleheart was a critic.
Alyce, seeing Valeraine had finished reading, held out her hand.
Valeraine mutely passed the paper. She wished their Uncle Haupter, owner ofThe Dragoneer’s Journal, would have more flexible ideas of censorship. It would have been nice to never read something negative about Longbourn house. It felt like a betrayal, knowing he had approved these words to be printed.
Alyce read Scaleheart’s section. “Kesley, I thought you did wonderfully. It was a great show of camaraderie with our neighbors to participate in their derby. But, where is Valeraine in this? Because it was her idea?”
Kesley looked a question at Valeraine, waiting to follow her lead. He would not answer for her.
Selaide watched both of them, entertained by the drama she had kicked off.
How would Alyce react to the news? She would certainly keep the secret, but would she approve? Alyce was expectant, her expression open. Valeraine wouldn’t keep something so important from her favorite sister.
“I was the masked rider,” she said. She dropped the news, and closed her eyes, listening for the splash.
