Midnight Jewel (The Glittering Court #2)(14)

To my astonishment—and Adelaide’s—one of her relatives had turned out after all. She was a buxom woman with faded gold hair and a gregarious personality. Adelaide introduced her as Aunt Sally and didn’t seem entirely thrilled that this was the relation who’d come to visit.

After introductions and small talk, I switched to Sirminican and asked, “Have there been any letters from Lonzo?” It was my last, desperate hope—that he’d reestablished communication while I’d been away.

Fernanda shook her head sadly. “No. I’m sorry.”

“You’ll find him,” said Pablo.

I wrung my hands. “What if I’ve wasted my time with the Glittering Court? A year of not searching for him! I should’ve become a bond servant and gone over sooner.”

“And then what would you have done?” Pablo chided gently. “You’d be bound to an employer for years. You couldn’t search for him. But as the wife of some wealthy man, you’ll have more freedom and influence.”

“And Lonzo never wanted you to become a bondswoman,” added Fernanda. “He didn’t want you to go there with a debt on your shoulders.”

“He didn’t want that for himself either,” I said.

“He didn’t have a choice.” Fernanda’s kind face grew hard. She’d known Isabel and had helped hide Lonzo from the authorities when he’d accidentally killed her killer. “He had to get out fast. But you? This is better for you. Only the twelve know what you’re meant for, but I know it isn’t working endless days on a plantation.”

Hearing the twelve angels invoked, as Alanzans did, reminded me that it was Fernanda and Pablo who’d met Cedric and arranged our deal. He had had the power to get me to Adoria, and my father’s name had helped me acquire Alanzan contacts in the New World. Like me, Cedric had an agenda in Adoria. He wanted to join up with a newly forming colony called Westhaven that was promoting religious tolerance. Our deal had helped him, and although I knew it was good for me, I still questioned if I’d done the right thing. I barely heard Jasper’s fine speeches about all the luxury waiting for us or how he bragged to our families about how cultured and refined we’d become. Would culture and refinement be enough to help me find Lonzo?

I pulled myself from my rumination when word spread that coaches had arrived to take the guests back to Osfro. Time had flown by, and the tears that had flowed upon the guests’ arrival now doubled at their departure. A few of the girls looked so devastated that I thought they might very well leave with their loved ones. But this display had clearly impressed everyone’s families, and I saw those same distraught girls bolstered with encouraging words from their relatives. While I didn’t believe Tamsin would actually leave, she too apparently needed a little motivation. Her face was stricken as she clung to the children, but she nodded along as her mother rested a hand on her cheek and spoke rapidly. I didn’t hear what she said, but when I walked by, I caught Tamsin saying,” . . . go get you the letters.”

I hugged Fernanda and Pablo tightly, wondering if I’d ever see them again. In some ways, they were my last connection to Sirminica. But even as I told them goodbye, my mind was jumping ahead. I found myself thinking like Tamsin. What purpose had this event served? I’d loved it. Everyone had. But it was an uncharacteristic indulgence. A break in the routine. I began to understand why that raised Tamsin’s guard so much.

And later, when my housemates and I were called back to the ballroom to assemble around Jasper, I knew for sure that Tamsin had been right all along.

“It was a true delight for me to meet the wonderful people who helped raise you,” Jasper began. “But their visit isn’t the only surprise you’re getting today.”

My unease grew.

He grinned. “I hope you’re all excited about Adoria, because we’re going there—three months earlier than planned.” When no one spoke, he added, “As a result, you will also be taking your exams early. They’ll start in one week.”

The room filled with gasps and the buzz of nervous conversation. Mistress Masterson had to hush everyone so that Jasper could continue. “I know this change in plans is unexpected. But really, it’s a reflection of your outstanding progress that we feel confident in bringing you to Adoria early. In just a couple of months, you’ll be in a whole new world—adored and coveted like the jewels you are. I know my brother will be overcome when he sees this year’s class. I have no doubt you’ll all perform excellently in your exams.” He smiled more broadly, perhaps hoping that would soothe the anxiety radiating off everyone. “I’d love to stay but must check in on the other manors as well. Cedric, however, will be coming to supervise and offer moral support during your exams.”

“Isn’t it dangerous?”

The question, spoken boldly and clearly, came from a remarkably serious Adelaide.

“Cedric offering moral support?” Jasper asked.

“No,” she said. “Making the crossing in late winter. Isn’t that still storm season?” A few girls looked even more anxious, and I got the impression Jasper was trying to hide a scowl.

“I like to think of it more as early spring. And I’d hardly make the journey myself if I thought we’d be in danger. Surely, Adelaide, you haven’t gained some sort of nautical knowledge I don’t know about, have you? Surpassing mine and that of the ships’ captains who agreed to take us?”