Rise of the Arcane Fire (The Secret Order) Read Free Page A

scalawag. Best mind yourself, boy. In my day, less than that earned you a trip to the altar.” For all her apparent disapproval, she gathered the tea tray with a wry smile.
    “I should be so lucky,” he said, the hunger in his gaze heating my cheeks.
    Even Mrs. Brindle blushed. “I know what you’re about, young man. Just remember I’ve got my eye on you.” And abandoning her chaperone duties altogether, she turned for the stairs.
    I giggled. “I think she wishes to see me compromised.”
    “It’s so good to see you,” Will said, stooping to gather the flowers by the door. “I brought these for your parents.”
    I sighed and helped him gather them. “Thank you. How long are you in London?” Every moment he had been away had felt like a lifetime to me. Will held my heart, but he was working for Oliver, and the duke kept him busy. Will acted as a personal messenger for the Chadwick affairs in London while Oliver settled his estate in the country and planned his wedding. It meant Will was often traveling for days on end between London and Birmingham.
    “I’m only in town for the week. Oliver and Lucinda send their regards,” Will said. “I was also told to inform you there will be a Gathering.”
    I looked toward him in shock. “A full Gathering of the Order?” If word reached my grandfather, he would have to return for that. A Gathering meant that as many Amusementists as could muster were to meet in London at the appointed time to discuss Order business and plan the next Amusement.
    Will placed the flowers on the table. “Oliver has asked for your attendance. He figures you should address the assembly about your grandfather. One of them must know something.”
    “I do hope so,” I murmured.
    Will took my hand. “Oliver has asked for me to be there as well.”
    I felt my heart skip as I met his eyes. “He’s going to nominate you for an apprenticeship,” I said. Excitement poured through me. “Oh, Will. How wonderful.”
    He glanced back at the door and then down. “Aye. It would be a start.”
    My heart felt hopeful, and I found myself alight with giddy energy. I knew Will was concerned about making a name for himself. He had started life as a poor tinker in Scotland, then worked most of his life as a stable boy. This was his chance at a real opportunity. I knew he wasn’t satisfied with his current position. He felt it was charity on the part of Oliver to employ him.
    Now he had his chance. He could be an Amusementist.
    Will was driven beyond the aspirations of most men to make a way for himself. He needed desperately to belong to something. Once he felt secure in his fortunes, we could be married and manage the toy shop together. We could finally begin our life.
    He shifted.
    Unease set upon me once again. “Will? What’s troubling you?”
    He shook his head. “It’s nothing.” His eyes narrowed as he studied my face. He lifted a hand to my cheek and let his thumb slide near the corner of my eye. “You seem tired.”
    “I’m fine.” I turned my face toward his hand as he gently brushed his fingers over the hair by my ear. “I’ve been working too hard.”
    It was the truth. The shop had suffered from more than four years of terrible neglect. It was once again a shining gem in the bustling storefronts of Mayfair. I had worked myself to the bone to restore the shop to its former glory.
    Will led us into the front of the shop. “This looks wonderful.” With the morning sun shining through the sparkling glass windows, light danced over the bright colors of the shop. The dolls, games, toys, and puzzles seemed pleasant and cheery in the new light.
    Then I heard it again.
    Tick, tick, tick.
    I shook my head.
    “What is it?” Will asked, turning to me. “The shop is beautiful. Simon Pricket would be proud.”
    Tick, tick, tick.
    “It’s nothing,” I said, taking a step to retreat back toward the parlor. “I can’t stop thinking about my parents today. I fear it is making me a little