Always with the fiction. Noli did love her novels, while he preferred practical things like history and philosophy.
“I think you should read Machiavelli. I read it while on my quest. It would be quite enlightening, all things considered,” he told her.
Noli stuck out her tongue at him in a very un-queenlike gesture. “I’m on vacation.”
He was about to retort that monarchs didn’t get vacations, but he closed his mouth. Instead he squeezed into the window seat with her.
“Haven’t you read Great Expectations a million times?” he teased. That was her favorite, next to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
She shrugged. “What of it?”
He laughed, then caught hold of her left hand. “Do you like the ring?”
“It’s wonderful. When did you have time to get it?” She reached out and ran her fingers along his jaw.
He liked it when she did that. It felt like love.
“I had James send Jeff an aethergraph asking for his permission, and wiring him money so that he could get it for you, since I wasn’t sure I’d have time.” Even though Steven had now secured Mr. Braddock’s permission, he was grateful to have Jeff’s blessing as well.
“It’s perfect.” Noli grinned. “I’m so glad I have my father back.”
He pulled her onto his lap and they got comfortable. “I’m happy for you, though I’m a little jealous. There’s so much I wish I could ask my father.”
About ruling. About Quinn. About the staff. About Elise.
She gave a little sigh. “There’s so much to do. I feel guilty being here.”
He tightened his arms around her. “Me too. But let’s enjoy the time we have.”
There was a knock on the half-open door.
“Noli?” Jeff walked in, Vix behind him. “Good, you’re both here.” He closed the door behind them. “Darrow, are you marrying my sister because you’ve gotten her with child?”
Noli snorted. “What makes you think that?”
Steven was glad Noli replied, because he had no words.
“A couple of weeks ago, you mentioned nothing about moving to France, and the idea of a marriage between you two was a bit of a joke.” Jeff’s face flushed red.
Steven would hardly have called it a joke; it had been more of a far-off thing.
“Jeff, there’s nothing wrong with rushing things a bit because you’re with child,” Vix said quietly, eyes downcast. “Not if you’d intended on being with him anyway.”
Jeff turned to Vix. “Is that why you told my mother you didn’t mind if there was a surprise wedding at Christmas?”
Vix nodded. “I … I didn’t want to say anything until I was certain, and I’m still not completely sure. I’d marry you anyway, but I … ”
“I love you.” Jeff picked up Vix and swung her around, then planted a kiss on her still-flat belly. “We’ll raise our own little crew.”
It was everything Steven could do to not avert his eyes; it seemed to be such a personal moment.
“It can be the Braddock Finishing School for Air Pirates,” Noli said with a laugh. “I’m so happy for you both. So, there is a surprise wedding?”
“It’s not exactly a surprise anymore, but yes. Tomorrow, Christmas Eve. We’ve already been subjected to engagement dinners, meeting the family, and such. It’s rather overwhelming.” Vix looked a bit pale. “I think, since you’re going to France, they intend to have you two married as well … is that all right? Your mother, grandmother, and aunties tend to take over, so if you don’t want this, you should tell them immediately.”
“It’s fine, as long as Papa walks me down the aisle.” Noli beamed.
Steven was glad Noli would get her mortal wedding with her family.
“I don’t object,” he said when he noticed Jeff staring at him.
“Good.” Jeff stood there, arms crossed, a stoic look on his face. “And France? What is this about France?”
Noli sighed. “Sit. We’ll tell you the truth about everything … including Papa. But you can’t tell anyone.”
They told Jeff and Vix everything that had happened since they’d left Los Angeles.
“Let me get this straight, Noli.” Jeff frowned. “You killed Brogan. And by killing him, you became queen and you married Darrow? And now the two of you are king and queen of the faeries?” His face contorted in disbelief.
“Just the earth court,” Steven assured him. “But we’ll be spending a majority of our time there, so we were trying to explain why we won’t be in close contact. France may not be the best explanation, but it was all I could think of.”
“Especially since Mama hates airships and won’t want to visit,” Noli added. “But we’ll visit as much as we can. After all … ” She grinned. “I want to meet my niece.”
“Niece?” Jeff’s eyebrows rose.
“Why not?” Noli’s grin widened. “Girls are just as good as boys, don’t you think, Vix?”
Vix nodded. “Better. Maybe this one will be an engineer like Auntie Noli.”
Jeff looked to Steven for support.
“I’m not getting involved, especially since Noli and I are now raising Elise,” Steven said. An airship full of little Vixes and Nolies. Jeff was in for it.
“What about university?” Jeff prodded. “I thought your dream was to be a botanist?”
“We’ll go to university there,” Noli replied. “I’ll still get to be a botanist and invent things. I have a tree house and a workshop. Sometimes dreams change—I’m all right with all this. It’s a lot all at once, but I can do it. No.” She tipped up her head and looked at Steven. “We can do it. Truly, Jeff, it’ll be fine. Vix, do you have any idea how I might be able to get a hoverboard to work in the Otherworld?”
“I won’t hold Noli back from her dreams,” Steven told them. “And she’s queen. I’m just her king.” He didn’t mind one bit.
“Just?” Noli laughed.
Jeff shook his head. “It’s a lot. My baby sister, queen of the faeries.”
“I’m going to need your help to make everything work, Jeff. Please?” she pleaded.
“Anything for you.” Jeff smiled. His eyes narrowed. “I’m still watching you, Darrow.”
Of course he was. At least they weren’t aiming pistols at him. Right now.
“Are they in here?” Elise called. The door burst open and she ran in. She stopped short and looked around. “Oh, how do you do? I’m Elise.”
James came in behind her. “Jeff, Vix, hello.”
“Oooh, a window seat.” Elise climbed into the window seat with them, making it quite crowded.
Noli did the introductions. “Elise, this is my big brother, Jeff—do you remember him?—and Vix, his fiancée.”
“It’s nice to meet you. Noli, this house is very grand. Have you seen the giant Christmas tree? Will there be presents for me under it?” Elise beamed with excitement.
Presents. Oops. He should get Elise and Noli presents.
“I’m sure there will be.” Noli tickled her, making her laugh.
Vix turned to James. “James, Hattie says hello. She also says to tell you they’re still in need of a gunner.”
“They are?” James flashed a smile of true happiness, one they hadn’t seen since Charlotte died. “I might need to find them. I’m getting a little tired of playing prince.”
Was he now? Steven needed him. But now wasn’t the time to pick a fight.
“Can I go on an adventure, too?” Elise’s eyes pleaded.
“Not with Hittie and Hattie, but I’ll take you for a ride in my airship,” Vix told her. “She’s called the Vixen’s Revenge. Should we go in a little while?”
“Can we?” Elise looked at Steven.
He squeezed her. “Of course we can. I’ve actually never been aboard, though Noli has.”
“Ah, this
is where everyone is hiding,” a female voice said. Noli’s mother and father filled the doorway, hands clasped.
Steven looked at Noli. Her eyes were on their hands, and her lips twitched with a silly grin.
“We’re just talking, Mama,” Noli said, leaning against Steven’s shoulder. It was quite crowded in the window seat, but he wasn’t about to eject either girl.
“We’re going for a ride on Vix’s airship. Would you like to come?” Elise bounced up and down in excitement.
Mrs. Braddock shook her head. “I’ll pass. However, I need all ladies to come with me, please. Hello, Elise. For some reason I thought you were bigger.”
Oops. Steven had forgotten that the spell that made Elise look older in the mortal realm would have worn off. Hopefully people wouldn’t notice too much.
“Is it a surprise?” Elise tumbled off his lap and tugged at Noli’s hand. “Come on.”
“It’s probably dress fittings,” Noli whispered to Steven. “I’m sure I’ll be back eventually.”
Vix gave a little sigh and stood. “I suppose ‘ladies’ refers to me as well?” She shook her head. “Here I always considered myself a woman, not a lady,” she muttered, giving Jeff a long look as Mrs. Braddock herded them off.
Mr. Braddock remained and gave them a sheepish look. “I … I don’t suppose anyone needs to go Christmas shopping?”
“I do.” Steven sat up. “Do you think the shops are still open?”
“A few are,” Jeff replied. “I’ve finished my shopping, but I’ll go with you. James?”
James shrugged. “Sure. Elise is expecting presents.”
Steven joined them. “I’m sure she is. Shall we be off? If it is a dress-fitting, they’ll be busy for some time.”
“It is; I heard Mother talk about it.” Jeff grimaced. “Let’s get far away before we’re asked for our opinions. They say they want them, but they really don’t.”
James made a face as they walked down the hall. “Then why do they?”
“Women are different,” Mr. Braddock replied.
“Oh.” James’ face lit up. “Tomorrow Jeff and V are to be married. That means tonight I get to take you two out for your last night of freedom. Jeff, do you think Vix will lend you the airship? There’s this great place in New York City—”
Steven groaned. “We’re not going to Mathias’ Place.” That was a recipe for disaster.
“I know a place.” Mr. Braddock’s look grew sly as they walked down the stairs. “It’s a bit of a Braddock tradition. But we can’t tell the women.”
His belly dropped. Uh oh. Perhaps Mathias would be the better option.
Jeff nodded, then shot Steven a long glance. “That sounds great, Father. Especially since the women are throwing some sort of ladies only party tonight. Though I’m not sure Darrow can handle what you have in mind.”
“I can handle it, Braddock,” Steven retorted. If he could be king of the earth court, he could handle an evening out with Noli’s father and brother. Perhaps.
Elise couldn’t sleep. Voices drifted up from downstairs, many voices, like they were having a party without her. Why did she have to go to bed so early? It wasn’t fair. At least she got her airship ride.
As nice as Noli’s family was, she missed her own father and Quinn. Most of all she missed Aodhan. If only Miri were here to tell her a story.
The door cracked open. “Are you asleep, Elise?”
“Will you tell me a story, Noli?” Elise sat up.
“Certainly.” Noli sat down on the bed. “Can’t sleep? I’m nervous about tomorrow, too.”
Nervous? Elise was excited.
“The dresses are so pretty. Your mother is nearly as good a dressmaker as Miri,” Elise told her. Now she’d get to be flower girl for two weddings at the same time.
“Don’t tell my mother that,” Noli laughed. “Here, let me read you a story.”
She went over to the bookshelves and took down a book.
Noli read her a story. Closing the book, she said, “Now go to sleep. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.”
Elise sat up with a start. “I didn’t get Aodhan a present.”
“Tomorrow will be busy, but perhaps on Christmas Day my mother will help you make a present for him. The best presents come from the heart.” Noli smiled and squeezed her hand. “We’ll bring it to Aodhan when we return.”
“Promise?” Elise settled back down in the bed. She hoped he wasn’t disappointed that there wouldn’t be one under the tree waiting for him.
“Promise. Oh, look, Elise.” Noli flew to the window. “It’s starting to snow!”
“Snow?” She’d never seen snow. Elise joined Noli at the window, faces pressed against the glass, breath forming little clouds on the cold panes. White snowflakes fluttered from the sky.
“Noli, dearest, where did you go?” Mrs. Braddock called. “You need to greet everyone.”
Noli sighed and gave her a hug. “Good night, Elise. Coming, Mama.”
Elise stood in the window, watching the snow and the moon. Was Aodhan watching the moon, too? She missed her friend. Never before had she had someone to have adventures with, someone who really understood her—what it was like to have no parents, to have strange magic, to feel lonely and misunderstood.
Putting her hand on the window, she gazed up at the moon. In her mind she could see him, standing in his room at the restaurant. She pictured him putting his hand on the window and saying Good night, Elise.
“Good night, Aodhan,” Elise whispered. With a little sigh, she crawled into bed and went to sleep, dreaming of all the adventures they’d have together.
Thirty
Stag Party
“As long as your husband is gentle, you’ll be all right,” an older woman told Noli, nearly pressing her into the corner with her giant burgundy dress. “Just lie back and think of more pleasant things.”
Noli’s cheeks burned. Who was this woman, and was she speaking of what she thought she was?
“I … I appreciate the advice. Excuse me; I’m going to find my mother.” Noli darted away, weaving through the parlor packed with well-dressed women her mother had invited to the party. Many were related to her—aunties, cousins, and such. The rest were friends of her mother and grandmother. Women she didn’t know or care to know.
At least Missy Sassafras wasn’t here. Though Noli wouldn’t have minded if Jo could have been in attendance.
She wasn’t actually looking for her mother, but this was the third older woman dispensing vague advice. She found a spot near the wall and leaned against it, wishing she were invisible. All around her, women gossiped as they drank wine and ate tiny food passed around by Ellen and the other maids.
There were no men in the room. Not even Jameson. V, James, Jeff, her father, and both her grandfathers had left in search of more manly pursuits.
A few women giggled in a way that made her wince. Noli sighed as yet another woman entered the parlor, exchanging air kisses and high-pitched greetings with her mother while setting packages on the table overflowing with gifts.
“It feels so scandalous, having a gathering such as this at night,” said a woman dressed like a cake to a woman who resembled a sausage wearing a dress, as Miri would say.
Miri. Noli actually missed the sprite. She would adore all of this.
“I think it’s quite nice. After all, a ball or dinner party is this late; why not a ladies’ party? It does seem sudden, though,” the sausage replied. “Jeffrey and his bride only got engaged at Thanksgiving, and now the other is getting married as well. You don’t think … ” Her hand went to her mouth and Noli snatched a petit-four and popped it in her mouth so she wouldn’t reply.
She’d heard some of that as well, though never to her face.
“No, no. The lucky girl is moving to France and she wanted to have a wedding before she
moved. Also, apparently her groom is still in mourning, so a small affair is more appropriate.” The cake shook her head. “Aside, she’s Eady’s daughter and proper-as-could-be, I’m sure. That other one, the one her son’s marrying … ” Her voice lowered and her nose wrinkled in distaste. “I hear she works on an airship.” She made airship sound like a bad word.
“As captain,” Noli put in, even though she should probably remain silent. “Vix is captain of an airship, and probably the most valiant person I know. Oh, by the way, both of your dresses are … interesting.” She spun around and marched out of the room, taking refuge in the foyer.
Ugh. This was what she hated most about society. Someone knocked on the front door.
“Miss Noli, shouldn’t you return to your party?” Jameson shuffled past her to answer it.
“I … I needed a breath of air.” She fanned herself with her hand. “The perfume is threatening to choke me.” Not to mention their fussy attitudes.
“Very good, miss.” He opened the door and she could hear voices on the other side of the door. “No, I’m sorry, this is a private affair,” Jameson told them.
Noli edged closer, trying to spy who was at the door. At this point she’d give nearly anything for Vix’s crew to invade the party. Yes, what would they make of Asa, Thad, and Winky?
“We’re good friends of Vix’s, please, if we could speak to her … ” one woman said.
“We should go, Hattie, I told you the likes of us wouldn’t be welcome.” This woman sounded sullen.
Hattie. Noli knew that name.
“Hittie, Hattie? Is that you?” She rushed to the door, worming her way past Jameson.
Two blond women stood at the door, wearing plain dresses. The older one had short hair. The pink didn’t flatter her and she looked awkward, as if she wore dresses even less frequently than Vix. The younger one had long hair that had been put up, her blue gown decorated with a gold pin, a gift clutched in her hands.
“Do we know you?” the one with short hair cocked her head.
“You’re Jeff’s sister, aren’t you?” the other said. “You look so much like him. I’m Hattie Hayden, and this is my sister Hittie.”
Fragile Destiny (The Aether Chronicles) Page 31