Vow of Deception (The Ministry of Curiosities #9)(5)

"One is quite enough, thank you."

"And your baby son?" Lincoln asked. "Can he make fire too?"

"Clearly you know nothing about babies," Jack said. "He has only just learned to crawl."

"Let me know if he develops the trait."

Jack bristled. "Why?"

"So I can add him to the ministry files."

"You will not put my son into your records."

"I will if he exhibits fire-making skill. You have your own file."

"It's all right, Jack," Hannah said. "We discussed this." To Lincoln, she added, "We agree, but you must promise to keep his file under lock and key. No one outside the ministry must be allowed to see it."

"That is already so with all the records," Lincoln said. "Not even the committee members see them."

We talked them into showing us the abbey ruins and headed down there after finishing our tea. Jack carried their baby, relieving the nanny of her duties for the rest of the afternoon. The sun hung lower in the sky but the warmth of the day lingered on, and I was hot by the time we reached the lake and ruins.

"It's so atmospheric," I said, taking in the view. Most of the stones lay scattered in the thick grass where they'd fallen centuries ago, but some remained in position and formed the floor and base of the abbey walls. Its layout was clearly defined; the doorways and window enclosures easy to spot. I could easily imagine monks bustling along its corridors or congregating for prayer.

A breeze brushed the blades of grass and brought the scent of summer flowers from across the lake. Alice drew a deep breath. "So peaceful."

"Its demise wasn't peaceful," Jack said. He leaned against the wall and made a face at the baby in his arms to win a smile. He was rewarded with a giggle.

I wandered around the ruins with Hannah, only half listening as she pointed out the function of each of the rooms we found ourselves in. The rest of my attention was focused on Lincoln. He'd wandered off on his own but kept coming back to a particular spot. Perhaps he'd sensed something about it with his seer's eye. Jack watched him too, a small frown connecting his brows.

"You're getting married soon," Hannah said, following my gaze to Lincoln.

"In eleven days." I twisted my engagement ring and smiled. Sometimes it was hard to believe how much my life had changed in twelve months. Not only did I have a home and security, something I feared I'd never have again, but I had friends who were like a family to me. And I was about to marry the man I loved, who loved me in return.

"You both look very happy," Hannah said.

"You think Lincoln looks happy? Usually only I can tell when he is."

She laughed. "To be honest, I'm guessing. He's rather hard to read." She took my arm in hers and gazed at her husband and baby. "I hope you will be as fortunate in your marriage as I am."

"Thank you. I hope so too."

"Jack's friend, Tommy, who married Jack's cousin, Sylvia, once said that the key to a happy marriage is never ending the day angry with one another."

"And what does she say?"

"That her husband is so amenable that she always gets her own way."

We both laughed.

"And what of Seth and Alice?" Hannah asked.

I followed her gaze to where Seth helped Alice down from a low wall, his hands on her waist. "They're a work in progress."

Alice caught us watching her and quickly pulled away from Seth. He trailed behind before seeming to think better of it and changing his direction to join Gus.

"It would seem he has quite some work to do," Hannah said.



* * *



We woke early the following morning to catch the train back to London. It had been a pleasant overnight stay, and we'd learned a lot from one another, but I sensed Lincoln was eager to leave after breakfast. I was too. While our brief country sojourn had been idyllic, it was too close to the wedding date to be away from home for long. Lady Vickers could have got up to all sorts of mischief in my absence. I half expected to find some of her friends added to the guest list or the flowers to be changed. At least I knew Cook wouldn't alter the menu without consulting me first.

While I liked to involve her, since I had no mother to share the experience with, she could be a little too determined to have her own way sometimes. Seth scolded her once, reminding her she was not the mother of the bride. Seeing her crestfallen face, I'd vowed not to do the same, but it wasn't always easy.

"It was good of Hannah to invite us back whenever we liked," Alice said, settling on the seat in a vacant first class compartment. "Perhaps we can return again after your honeymoon, Charlie."

I sat beside her and removed my gloves. It was too hot to wear them. Alice frowned at my impropriety but didn't scold. "So soon?" I asked.

"Of course. It's lovely in the country. And what a grand house! I adored it."

"You found it cold and uninviting at first."

"The people made it feel welcoming. Hannah and Jack were very kind. Even if you don't come back with me, I'll visit again for certain."

I wondered how much of her enthusiasm for Freak House had to do with the portal at the ruins and the possibility of learning more about herself from it and the Langleys. I felt a little sad that she never spoke so effusively about Lichfield Towers, but I shouldn't be surprised. She'd often told me it wasn't her home, merely a temporary roof over her head. She hated the idleness of her life there. I understood the need to feel useful, but I did wonder why Lichfield held no appeal for her while Seth resided there.