Something Strange and Deadly (Something Strange and Deadly #1)(46)

Despite my white lawn dress—which was supposedly meant for outdoor play— the sun roasted me. I couldn’t enjoy the beautiful blue sky or the gentle breeze. We were on a wide, flat yard surrounded by woods. The whole park covered miles and miles, but this was one of the few lawns suitable for croquet. As such, the area was crowded.

Barely even a mile north of us was Laurel Hill Cemetery, yet here the people played, oblivious and carefree.

Nearby, a restaurant sent a salty perfume on the breeze that made my stomach growl—it did not improve my mood to be hungry.

Mama forbade me to attend the Exhibition after an overheating spell, yet she insisted I gallivant in the park in the midafternoon sun. I almost wanted to pass out again just to spite her.

I smacked at my ball and watched as it rolled across the grass and passed by the nearest wicket.

“Damn!” I cried. It was the fourth time I’d missed.

Clarence sputtered a laugh, and I pivoted toward him. His dapper white suit and straw boat hat were at odds with his exhaustion.

I gulped and scanned everyone’s faces. Their eyebrows were collectively high and their jaws collectively low.

“Pardon me.” I coughed weakly. “There must be something stuck in my throat. If you’ll excuse me.” I stomped off the course, all the while continuing my cough and enhancing its severity for dramatic effect. I was determined to cough up blood if it would wipe the startled expressions off everyone’s faces.

I would have to be more careful. It was all fine if I wanted to cuss in front of the Spirit-Hunters, but not here.

It was Allison’s turn, and I kicked past her, stoutly avoiding her eyes. But she clutched at my arm. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, of course.”

Her eyebrows drew together, and I realized she was actually concerned for me. I forced a taut smile. “Honest, Allison. I’m just hot.”

“Then you ought to rest in the shade.” She pointed to a nearby chestnut tree with her mallet.

“Yes, I think I will. Thank you.”

Her face lit up with a sparkling smile, and she turned back to the game.

I moved to the wide-limbed chestnut that spread its branches over the edge of the field, grateful that Allison had suggested it. I wanted to be alone.

My mallet swung side to side in my hands, ticking and tocking as my brain sorted through my black thoughts. What had happened yesterday with the Spirit-Hunters? Had they taken the Exhibition guidebooks? Had they discovered anything new? And where on earth had Daniel gotten that parasol?

With my eyebrows jutting down, I gazed at the grass beneath my white patent leather boots.

“Miss Fitt,” said Clarence.

I snapped my head up. If I thought he’d looked unwell Wednesday, it was nothing compared to today. Not even the sun could add color to the deathly pallor of his cheeks, and his eyes were rimmed with such darkness, it looked as if he’d rubbed them with charcoal.

Willis was planted on a bench across the field and had taken on some of his master’s appearance. I was certain neither of them had managed to sleep since I’d last seen them.

“Are you all right?” Clarence asked. His voice was gravelly, and his eyes were sad.

“Yes, quite.” I gave him a false grin.

“I don’t believe you.” He approached slowly.

“I promise, it’s just... it’s just the heat.”

“Then I’ll keep you company in the shade.”

I bit back my urge to groan and tossed my mallet on the ground. He winced at the thud, and then gently laid down his own.

He folded his arms over his chest and considered me for several moments. “Have you perhaps had... have you had bad news? Have you heard something?”

“No.” I flicked my gaze away. “I told you, it’s just the heat. I... I had a fainting spell yesterday, and I’m still not entirely myself.”

“You fainted?” He frowned, a pinched expression that gave his skin a papery look—as if it might tear at any moment. “What are you doing here, then? You should be in bed.”

“Mothers.” I flashed my eyebrows and turned away. Looking at him disturbed me. How could this be the same beautiful prince I’d met last Friday?

“Wait,” I murmured, whirling to face him. “Have you had bad news?”

He grunted and dropped his hands. “No.”

“Don’t lie.” I advanced on him. I was certain another headless man had been found.

Clarence stalked from me, circling around the tree trunk and away from the other players. I followed.

“That’s why you seem sad,” I pressed. “You’ve had more bad news—Mr. Wilcox, has someone else died?”

He stopped and rubbed his eyes. The muscles in his jaw pulsed. “You’re entirely too clever, Miss Fitt.”

“Who was it? Another boy from the academy?”

He nodded once. His lips and nostrils trembled, and I could see the battle he fought to keep tears away.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Wilcox.”

“Then damn it, stop pestering me! This is—” His voice broke, and he blinked rapidly. “This is an incredibly difficult time for me.”

I yanked my handkerchief from my pocket and shoved it in his hands. “Truly, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have bothered you, but I... I just knew somehow and... Does anyone else know?”