Notes: This is the third story in Tales from the Library, a series based on The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman. I wrote a status update about the main characters for my blog, Penna Nomen & Silbrith Conversation. The post is called: Library Acquisition: Thrushfield Hall. See the notes at the end of the story for more information.

Chapter 1: A Field of Thrushes

London, England. Alternate World: B-395.

"Going my way?"

Irene paused on the sidewalk. When a luxurious hansom cab emblazoned with the crest of Liechtenstein pulled up to the curb next to her, it wasn't a surprise to see Lord Silver stick his head out of the window. The ambassador—and self-appointed leader to the local Fae—recently seemed to take particular delight in dropping in unexpectedly. Irene would have been annoyed by his attention if he didn't supply her with an occasional nugget of useful information.

Silver felt threatened by a rival Fae, Count Lecerf, who'd invaded what Silver viewed as his private playground—England. Silver considered Irene a useful tool in his desire to evict Lecerf, and since the Library also believed Lecerf was a far greater danger, Irene was willing to play along with his games.

"Forced to carry your own hat box? Tsk-tsk, my little Librarian. Isn't your pet dragon available to tote it for you? You must allow me to give you a ride home."

So I'll be in your debt? Nothing doing. Nor would she show any reaction to his insulting description of Kai. "So kind of you, Lord Silver, but I find the walk refreshing." Irene wasn't far from her shared lodgings in Warren Mews. Silver had likely parked nearby to wait for her. His manservant Johnson was also in the carriage, discreetly attired as ever in gray.

"You would honor me by your presence. I only ask for a few minutes." Silver tapped on the side of the cab for the driver. His golden skin exuded a warm glow of welcome. She'd expected him to lay a glamour on her, although compared with some of his more powerful efforts, this one was a token gesture.

Why did Silver want to talk with her? When the driver dismounted from the top of the hansom to open the door, she was sufficiently curious to accept the invitation. Even though there had been no recent reports of Lecerf in London, Silver could have been worried about spies at the embassy. Silver made abundant use of agents. He undoubtedly expected Lecerf did the same.

Irene took a seat opposite the Fae next to Johnson. "Perhaps you wish a favor of me?" she asked, raising a carefully courteous brow.

"You've already granted it by being here. I'd hoped for an opportunity to speak with you before your departure."

A novel gambit. She hadn't planned to take a trip. "You heard about my destination?"

"Yorkshire is delightful this time of year, especially the region around Leeds," he said, not answering her directly. "Not long ago, I passed a pleasant idyll in a field of thrushes. As I recall, there was an ancient stone cross next to a farmhouse." He paused to glance at Johnson. "What was the name of the river?"

"Sir, I believe you're referring to the Derwent."

"Ah yes. I spent a pleasurable evening with a charming lady who lives nearby. Her knowledge of stags is quite remarkable. She has a unique specimen mounted on a wall which was acquired a few weeks ago."

"I've heard that the song of the thrush can be illuminating," Irene said blandly, playing along with his version of charades.

He smiled warmly. "Precisely. I've also been told that the species of deer which the duchess cultivates has a strong aversion to dragons. Should you take your pet along, you may wish to keep him on a tight leash."

Silver's reference to stags was clearly meant to indicate Lecerf. In the previous two cases where Lecerf had been involved, attempts had been made on Kai's life. The motive was not simple to determine. Was Lecerf's hostility toward Kai merely the natural animosity all Fae displayed to dragons or was it something personal? Silver had no reason to protect Kai. More likely he considered that his caution would be an additional inducement for Irene to investigate, and he was right.

#

When Irene returned to her lodgings, questioning Kai was the top item on her list. He'd spent his morning researching leads on rare books in newspapers and should be happy for a break. Inquiries about his background were however not undoubtedly not at the top of his agenda. Irene suspected Kai was a member of one of the dragon royal families but he'd never disclosed any details. He had good reason not to. Dragons considered fealty to their family an inviolable obligation. That allegiance ran counter to the tenets of the Library which demanded equal loyalty.

Dropping her parcel on a chair, Irene put the kettle on for tea while she told Kai about her encounter with Silver.

"Did you ever have any dealings with the Fae before you joined the Library?" she asked.

"No. The alternate where I was recruited was an alpha. If there were any Fae present, I didn't encounter them."

Irene believed him. Alpha worlds were technologically advanced with well-ordered government structures. They were the antithesis of the chaotic environments the Fae thrived in.

"I'm telling you the truth," Kai added, looking more miserable by the moment. "There's no reason that I know of for Lecerf to single me out. I'd never heard of him until our case in Montmartre." He hesitated to eye her uneasily. "I hope you're not thinking of leaving me behind when you go to Yorkshire."

"For your sake, I should."

"You could view it as an opportunity instead," he suggested hopefully. "If Lecerf is there, I may be able to smoke him out."

"You want to make yourself a target?"

He shrugged. "Why not?" He smiled at her disarmingly. "There's a reason for the Fae to fear dragons. We're not without unique abilities. And if the situation becomes too dire, you can always use the Language to come rescue me." When she grimaced at his glibness, his expression turned serious. "I appreciate your concern, but from my standpoint, the two previous attacks proved my value. I wasn't killed, and both times we were able to acquire additional knowledge about our foe."

He might view the decision as settled, but she didn't. In any case, any trip to Yorkshire was premature. They couldn't simply roam through the countryside searching for singing thrushes in a field. Fortunately, they knew of someone with an intimate knowledge of the region.

#

"You're the Earl of Leeds. Silver knows we work together. He must have assumed I'd ask you. Are you familiar with a field of thrushes near the River Derwent?"

After posing her question, Irene sat back to enjoy her brandy while preparing to be enlightened by London's greatest detective—Peregrine Vale. In many respects, Vale resembled Sherlock Holmes, and the state of his parlor was a clear example. Irene would never set a new standard for neatness, but even she was taken aback by the reckless abandon at which he stowed chemicals, drugs of all descriptions, and stacks of newspaper clippings next to valuable antiques. His bookshelves were filled with reference manuals. Fiction interested him little unless it was evidence for a case.

Since discovering that Count Lecerf was in possession of a Chinese classic whose illustrations acted as portals to other worlds, Irene's supervisor Coppelia had made finding the book Irene's top priority. The count was viewed as a lethal danger to this alternate, one who could unleash chaos on a vast scale. Normally Librarians didn't work in partnership with residents of alternates. Vale was the exception which proved the desirability of flexible guidelines.

Vale tapped impatiently with one finger on the armrest of his wing-back chair. "You would have easily solved the riddle with a little research. Thrushfield Hall is an estate about fifteen miles north of York. It's owned by Lady Helena Moreton. I've met her on numerous occasions although I've never visited her home."

"Are you familiar with any stone crosses on the estate?" Kai asked.

"No, but that doesn't necessarily preclude one being there. There are several stone crosses in that region of Yorkshire. Some are of great antiquity. A few date back to Anglo-Saxon times." He stood up and retrieved a thick volume from one of his bookcases. "This is a registry of ancient monuments in England. If there is such a cross, it should contain a reference."

While he skimmed the index, Irene asked, "Is Lady Moreton Fae?"

"Yes, but of the benevolent sort. She married Sir Moreton roughly six years ago. He died two years later. My understanding is that she's quite popular with the locals. She's a patron to many of the local charities and hosts the annual church fete."

"In that respect she's not unlike Lord Silver," Irene said. "He likes to project the image of the noble benefactor."

He nodded absently. "There's no record of a cross near the River Derwent. It's a curious coincidence that you brought her to my attention. My sister wrote to me last month about her. A friend living in Leeds had visited Lady Moreton. She and her fiancé stayed the weekend. While they were at Thrushfield Hall, the man became ill. His symptoms—fever and hallucinations—were sufficiently alarming that his fiancée had him taken to a hospital. There he recovered quickly. The doctor was unable to pinpoint a cause and attributed his symptoms to the grippe. My sister visited him in the hospital and was struck by the clarity of his hallucination. He insisted he saw his fiancée calling to him from outside the bedroom window." He winced. "You should know that my sister suffers from a lamentable addiction to Gothic fiction."

Kai chuckled. "Shades of Wuthering Heights?"

Vale nodded. "Her friend also enjoys sensationalist literature, but her fiancé—the one who suffered the hallucinations—reportedly does not."

"I'd be tempted to write off his experience as a fever-induced dream if Silver hadn't also alluded to the work," Irene said. "That reference to a cross near a farm? He knew I'd associate it with Thrushcross Grange, the fictional location of Wuthering Heights. Silver also made a point of mentioning that a stag was a recent acquisition, indicating Lecerf was a recent acquaintance. Do you know of any other odd occurrences?"

"No, but I'll check with my sister." Vale eyed her curiously. "What do you suspect?"

"The Fae have been known to adopt the attributes of a fictional character in the belief that it makes them more powerful. If Helena had aspirations of becoming another Heathcliff, she could have induced the man's illness. We could test the theory by providing her with a pair of test victims."

"You and Strongrock?" Vale asked.

"Or you and me. Given Silver's warning about dragons—"

"—which is precisely why I need to go," Kai said, interrupting her. "I thought we'd already decided."

"You may have, but I haven't."

"Lady Moreton has asked me to visit on several occasions," Vale said, deflecting the simmering argument which was about to boil over. "I could introduce you as Canadian friends visiting England. That would simplify obtaining an invitation for you."

"Perfect!" Kai said enthusiastically. "We'll pretend to be engaged. Irene could wear a locket with a strand of my hair like Catherine wore in the novel."

Vale snorted. "Clearly Strongrock will be able to embrace his role of smitten fiancé."

Kai nodded eagerly, ignoring the sarcasm in Vale's voice. "I can easily convince her I'm madly in love with Irene. Of course, if I'm to play the romantic hero, I'll need a new wardrobe. It shouldn't take long. I saw some shirts on Savile Row which—"

Irene cleared her throat noisily. "Am I not to have a say in the matter?"

"Without question. You'll need new clothes as well." Kai studied her a moment, a calculating smile on his face. "As your fiancé, I'll accompany you to make your purchases."

Irene sighed, surrendering to the inevitable. Her clothes were chosen to allow her to blend into the background, not to portray a wealthy tourist. Kai's point was valid.

Kai turned to Vale. "Lady Moreton likely entertains in style."

"At our previous meetings she wasn't clad in rags," he agreed, an amused smile on his face.

Kai beamed. Was her apprentice now seeing himself as her dress designer? Was this a previously undiscovered talent of dragons?

"You're ignoring a much more pressing issue," she said, bringing Kai back to the here and now.

"You're rejecting me already? You haven't even heard me recite love poetry."

"Your prowess as a fiancé is not what concerns me." Or my ability to appear equally smitten. "Not even that you may be targeted, but will you be able to control your hostility to the Fae?" She pressed home her advantage before he could come back with a rebuttal. "We'll need to appear genuinely appreciative of her invitation. Concealing your dislike for the Fair Folk has not been your strong suit."

He took a long breath. "For this, I'll do it."

"I'll write Lady Moreton," Vale offered. "The fact that Lord Silver is being so helpful is enough to make the excursion worthwhile."

Irene nodded. "It concerns me as well. Underlying Silver's banter was an undertone of genuine unease. The power Lecerf wields is unprecedented. If Silver believes Lady Moreton can help us with Lecerf, it's essential we meet her."

Lord Silver had previously proven his usefulness by warning her of Lecerf's presence in London. When it came to Lecerf, she believed he could be trusted. In Silver's eyes, he no doubt considered Irene his pawn, and that didn't bother her. This was one pawn who didn't stick to the rules.

#

Kai had high expectations for the trip and not purely to discover more about Lecerf. As long as Irene feared for Kai's safety, it would put a brake on their partnership. Although she hadn't mentioned it, he suspected she'd discussed the matter with Coppelia. When Kai wasn't ordered back to the bowels of the Library, he assumed he'd been placed on probation. Superior dragon genes had enabled him to survive the previous attacks, and if he made himself a target, there'd be less chance of Irene becoming one.

It was truly unfortunate that contemporary morals in this alternate were so backward. Although he and Irene would pretend to be engaged, he'd be limited to handholding and an occasional peck on the cheek. Still, that was better than what he had in London. Kai knew Irene had feelings for him. What was difficult to figure out was why she didn't act on them. Surely she wasn't prejudiced against dragons? Was she so devoted to the Library, there was no room in her life for him except as her apprentice? He intended to make the most of this opportunity to demonstrate how right they were for each other. Even though Lady Moreton was a Fae, he'd be unfailingly gracious. She would be an unwitting ally in his strategy.

In her return letter, Lady Moreton had expressed in elegantly phrased language her pleasure to make their acquaintance and had invited them to stay overnight. In a matter of a few days, Kai and Irene found themselves riding with Vale in a first-class train compartment to York.

As the train chugged through the farmlands of northern England, the plot of Wuthering Heights was on everyone's mind.

"Slicing through the atmospherics, what one is left with is a straightforward tale of revenge," Vale said dismissively. "Heathcliff was abused by the Earnshaws. Rather than blaming himself for the death of his beloved Catherine, he wreaks vengeance on others. Heathcliff didn't kill anyone. He couldn't be arrested for his actions. Normally it wouldn't be worth considering."

Irene winced. "Are you immune to the tragedies of the characters?"

"Perhaps if they'd been real people," he conceded, "however I can see where a Fae would enjoy playing with the emotions of others just like Brontë did in her story. There's no question that the connections to Lady Moreton are striking. She'd changed the name of the estate to Thrushfield Hall after she married Lord Moreton."

"I wonder how long she's been enamored of Wuthering Heights," Kai said, glancing through the train window at the sheep grazing in the fields. "Did she pick Lord Moreton because his property is in the Yorkshire moors?"

"Or did it inspire her?" Irene asked. "Vale, do you know how many years after the marriage the name change occurred?"

"Three. It may have been an idle fantasy. There was no hint of anything untoward in Lord Moreton's death. He was killed by a self-inflicted wound in a hunting accident. My sister wrote that in the past month, whispers have started about Thrushfield Hall being cursed. In addition to the incident concerning her friends, a man was found murdered a couple of weeks ago. His throat had been slashed. The body was found a couple of miles from the house in a wooded part of the estate."

"Do you have any details about the victim?" Irene asked.

Vale nodded. "I researched the crime before we left London. The man was twenty-eight, an architect and amateur ornithologist. He'd been on a walking tour of the moors." He frowned. "In addition, there have been reports of nocturnal howls and of exsanguinated animals."

"Somehow I knew we wouldn't be able to escape the possibility of vampires and werewolves," Irene said, giving a small sigh.

At Vale's arched eyebrows, Kai clarified, "Some believe that the characters of Heathcliff and Catherine are vampires. Dogs are also featured in the novel and may be a metaphor for werewolves."

"The vampiric references are particularly noteworthy," Irene said. "They may have been what first attracted Lady Moreton to the novel."

"Vampires, werewolves, tragic love affairs . . . They're all catnip for a Fae," Vale commented.

"You have less resistance to the Fae than we do," Irene said. "You'll need to be particularly careful."

"Helena has never displayed any interest in me," he scoffed.

Irene appeared skeptical of his claim. Kai sometimes wondered if Irene had feelings for Vale. Detective fiction was her favorite genre. Kai suspected she'd chosen her name from a character in Sherlock Holmes, and Vale's similarity to the fictional detective was close enough that anyone with a penchant for Holmes would be fascinated. Kai wasn't immune to Vale's magnetism either. But so far Vale had shown no indication of being romantically interested in anyone. That could serve to make him impervious to any glamour Lady Moreton attempted to lay on him.

Irene had initially been concerned that Kai would be in more danger, but it appeared that Vale would be a more likely target. Lady Moreton had invited him several times to visit her. Was she also intrigued by him?

#

The carriage dispatched by Lady Moreton to pick them up was waiting for them when they arrived at the York train station. As they traveled into the heart of the northern moor, Irene realized she was repeating phrases used by Lockwood, the Wuthering Heights narrator. The wild desolation of the landscape worked a spell on her, sweeping her into a fantasy where she was a Gothic heroine and her two protectors were traveling with her. After a minute's idle indulgence, Irene shut down the notion. Was the moor trying to lay a glamour on her or had she let herself be seduced by Emily Brontë? Whatever. She was a level-headed Librarian, not the naïve heroine of Northanger Abbey, and the odds were greater that she'd need to rescue the men rather than the other way around.

For her part, Lady Moreton quickly dispelled any notion of a resemblance to Heathcliff. Tall and svelte, she was clad in a mauve silk gown embellished with ivory embroidery. Her tawny hair was caught in a net sparkling with miniature jeweled butterflies. Unlike the uncouth, ill-mannered Heathcliff, Lady Moreton was the embodiment of the refined hostess. She graciously welcomed them onto her estate, paying equal attention to all three of them. If Irene hadn't been told she was Fae, she wouldn't have recognized her as being one.

Kai didn't display any hint of animosity. True, he focused on Lady Moreton's Russian wolfhound more than their hostess. The dog appeared to be unusually attracted to him, rubbing against his legs and nuzzling his hands. After contemplating the possibility of werewolves running wild over the moor, Irene was relieved that Kai's only concern could be an abundance of dog fur on his trousers.

The hall was one of those marvelous country homes which made Irene think of Jane Austen's works. The exterior appeared to be a medieval construction, but inside it had been transformed in the Italianate manner with marble walls and luxurious Axminster carpets. Paintings in ornate gold frames were hung throughout the mansion. Irene only had a glimpse of the library but the sight of the bookcase-filled room made her long to shut herself up inside. Plus, it was an excellent reminder of why they were there—not to trace Lady Moreton's addiction to Wuthering Heights but to obtain leads on Lecerf. For the moment, how she would work the count into the conversation escaped her. She was relying on establishing a friendship with her ladyship to achieve her objective.

After a tour of the main floor, Lady Moreton showed them to their rooms to change for dinner. Irene's was next to Lady Moreton's suite. Kai and Vale had adjoining rooms at the other end of a long hallway. Irene replaced her moss-green traveling costume with an azure-blue low-cut gown with lace sleeves. She'd seen a similar design in a House of Worth catalog and had splurged on it at the spur of the moment.

Irene spun in front of the full-length cheval mirror in her bedchamber. The silk fabric clung sensually to her skin. Was this why her fellow Librarian Bradamant wore such elegant clothes? She might be onto something. Irene felt transformed. The gold locket Kai had purchased for her was dangling from her neck. She fingered it, slipping into a daydream about being caressed by Kai's slender fingers rather than the silk fabric.

A knock on her door made Irene start guiltily. She was on assignment, not a holiday. When she opened the door, Kai was standing outside, resplendent in a black swallow-tail coat and starched white shirt. His mouth opened but no word came out when he saw her. That dress was worth the extravagant sum she'd paid and then some. For a moment Irene reentered the world of Jane Austen with a younger, more innocent Darcy standing in front of her.

"Irene, I . . . You look enchanting! Why did I wait so long to propose?"

She laughed. "A question I often ask myself." This was the kind of banter she needed and something that would keep her grounded in the present reality—to the world where he was her apprentice and fellow agent. Thoughts of possible intimacy would have to wait. Judging by his expression, he was fighting the same battle. She'd hold onto the hopefulness of that thought and slip it into the locket where it could reside along with the strands of his hair.

He held out his hand. "Shall we join the others?"

A much safer idea than lingering inside her bedroom which was sensually decorated in shades of peach.

Vale was already downstairs. And if Kai was a young Darcy, Vale would make a splendid Knightley. It was now up to her to be much wiser than Emma.

Over a dinner of roast pheasant, Irene explained her interest in literature. "I particularly admire the Brontë sisters. Mr. Strongrock and Lord Vale have been indulging in my desire to visit the settings in northern England. I couldn't help but be struck by the name of your estate."

Helena smiled warmly at her. "You've guessed my secret! I too possess a fascination for English literature. I convinced my late husband to rename his property, and he indulged my whimsy to mix Jane Eyre's Thornfield Hall with Thrushcross Grange of Wuthering Heights." She gave a melodious chuckle. "You won't be surprised that I named my dog Nelly after a character in the novel."

"Did you feel life was imitating fiction when my sister and her friends visited you?" Vale asked.

"You're referring to the young man's unfortunate illness? He was quite feverish, poor chap. I admit it did take me aback. He's a musician and of tender sensibilities. I suspect he was also enamored with Gothic literature. I was delighted to hear he made a full recovery." She turned to Kai. "Mr. Strongrock, I hope you're not feeling faint?"

"Not at all, Lady Moreton," he said gallantly and turned to Irene. "But if I were, merely drinking on the beauty of my beloved would heal me."

If he weren't sitting across the table, Irene would have kicked him. Did he understand the meaning of overplaying a part? Kai had been directing love-struck looks her way the entire evening.

When they stood up from dinner, Lady Moreton added yet another complication to her life. Taking her by the hand, she said, "Tomorrow you must allow me to show you my extensive library. I have some rare treasures which may appeal to you." And it will give us a chance to be alone.

Irene concealed her surprise at the glamour Lady Moreton was planting in her mind, even as she was filled with an almost irresistible urge to kiss her. Irene had experienced many Fae glamours but none as powerful as this one. Would she be able to control it while taking advantage of Lady Moreton's interest in her?

"I look forward to it," Irene said smoothly, controlling her suddenly errant hormones. "I believe Lord Vale planned to take Mr. Strongrock on a morning walk through the countryside. They don't share my enthusiasm for books."

Kai narrowed his eyes at the lie, but he controlled what she knew was the caustic remark on his tongue. Undoubtedly there would be words later.

#

"Calm down, Kai," Irene urged. "This is exactly what we wanted."

"Not what I wanted," Kai protested vehemently, "and surely you don't either."

"Keep your voice down."

He opened the door into his bedroom. "We can talk inside."

"You know we can't."

"We're supposed to be engaged! Is that too much to ask?" He took her arm and pulled her inside but left the door open.

Vale was downstairs drinking port in the salon with their hostess. When Irene went upstairs to freshen up, Kai followed her. Once they were out of view of the others, he let his agitation register on his face. Another time she might have been flattered by his jealousy but not now.

"Kai, her ladyship isn't the first Fae who's tried to seduce me, and I can use that to our advantage. With you and Vale not around, I may be able to accomplish more. Remember, we're here to find out about Lecerf. You have no need to worry that I'll become Helena's love toy."

Kai grimaced at her word choice and continued to glower as he absently stroked Nelly. The Russian wolfhound had been following him around ever since they arrived.

"What is it about you and dogs?" Irene asked, hoping to distract him. "I've noticed the same phenomenon on the streets of London. They appear to find you irresistible."

"They sense my nature. Many species view dragons as their protectors. Bears, dogs, and cats in particular can be rather effusive." He looked as if he wished to say something else but stopped himself. "Good girl," he murmured to Nelly, some of the tension leaving his face. Irene hoped the dog would continue to act as a moderating influence the next day.

"We should go downstairs," she said, also lowering her voice. "I've survived Lord Silver's attention. Lady Moreton will be no different, I promise you."

He nodded, looking embarrassed. "I trust you, but be wary of her. I can sense the chaos in the mansion. Can you?"

"No." She'd known Kai was more sensitive to chaos. Dragons became physically ill when they were exposed to high levels. Worlds of pure chaos were lethal to them. "Is it enough to cause you difficulties?"

He shook his head. "It's not extreme, a little lightheadedness and discomfort. Just enough to set my nerves on edge."

That could explain his overreaction. "Look on the positive side," she urged. "By playing along with Lady Moreton's game, I'll be able to discover what information she has about Lecerf, then we'll be able to leave. I have no intention of staying here another night."

Kai appeared reassured. She wished she felt the same. Kai had never mentioned sensing chaos around Lord Silver. Was Lady Moreton truly that powerful or was Lecerf exerting an influence even now?

#

"Kai, help me!"

At Irene's plea, Kai started out of bed. He'd been sound asleep. The room was dark with moonlight streaming in through the window.

Where was she? He strode over to the wall and switched on the ceiling ether light. He appeared to be alone. Had he been dreaming? Feeling like a fool, he peered out the window. They were on the third floor. Irene surely wouldn't be outside. The only place she could hide in the room was in the wardrobe, and only his clothes were inside. Slipping on his dressing gown, he opened the door. The hall was quiet, with the only sound the faint regular ticks of the longcase clock at the head of the stairs. Wall sconces provided enough illumination to reveal there was no one about. It was after midnight. Everyone must be asleep except him.

Just a nightmare. Kai returned to his room and sat down at the writing desk, resting his head in his hands. The only detail he could remember was Irene calling to him from outside the window. Was the atmosphere of the house getting to him? Or was it his concern for Irene? Kai had been prepared for Lady Moreton to make a play for him or Vale, but not for Irene. Never mind that his mentor considered it a golden opportunity. For her frustrated suitor, it was an intolerable risk.

But he was only her student, blast it. He couldn't dictate to her how to conduct the investigation. And when it came to matters of her safety, she was seemingly oblivious to threats.

He heard a scratching on his door and stood up. Suddenly lightheaded, he swayed and had to brace himself against the table till the dizziness passed. Was he coming down with something? Or was the level of chaos affecting him more than he realized?

He opened the door and found the wolfhound outside. Nelly bounded into the room and began licking his hand. He leaned down to stroke her head. Why couldn't Irene be as affectionate?

He groaned. Was that part of her appeal? She was unattainable? His father would dismiss his feelings as a stripling's infatuation, but he knew it was something much deeper. The way she'd looked this evening . . . If she'd permit it, he'd shower her with silks and jewels. The finest designers would dress her . . .

He rubbed his forehead. Why was he torturing himself this way? Normally he had no difficulty in concealing his emotions, but this evening they'd been on the surface for everyone to read . . . and mock.

Nelly appeared anxious to stay with him, and he saw no harm. He left his door open. Perhaps the wolfhound would keep the nightmares away.

Notes: Sorry, Kai, but more help than Nelly can provide will be required in Chapter 2: The Locket. If you'd like to read an introduction to the world of the Invisible Library, you'll find one on the Tales from the Library page of my blog.

Visuals for the story are on the Tales from the Library board of my Silbrith's Stories Pinterest site. The board includes my dream cast of actors as well as location pics. Fanfiction doesn't allow links in notes, but there are links in my profile. I used photos from two country houses in Yorkshire to represent Thrushfield Hall: Ripley Castle and Brodsworth Hall. Some believe the houses are haunted. Signs that the Fae are still among us?