to say that they might not be changed? If we do not believe they can change, they never will.”
“Believe them into being good?” Miss Pendennis snorted. “I tell you, Mirabilis. I’ve heard my fair share of credomantic bunkum over the years, but this takes the cake. It’s impossible.”
“Nothing’s impossible,” Mirabilis said.
There was a long pause. Emily was acutely aware of her own breathing.
“That stone contains vast magical potential,” Mirabilis said finally, “the heritage of every Warlock and Witch who has ever lived or will live. Can you not see, Miss Edwards, that it is only fair, and it is only right, that representatives from every magical tradition have a say in its disposition?”
“Don’t answer that!” Miss Pendennis barked. “He’s trying to trick you into agreeing!”
“Miss Pendennis, please.” Mirabilis’ words were an attenuated sigh. His gaze remained fixed on Emily. “It’s not a trick, Miss Edwards. It’s simply a question. Will you attend the Grand Symposium tonight?”
“What if I refuse?” Emily said.
“Then you are free to leave,” Mirabilis said.
“Leave?”
“And walk right into the arms of the Maelstroms, or the Sini Mira?” Miss Pendennis blazed. “Let whoever grabs her first take the stone and use it however they like?”
“Don’t be idiotic, Miss Pendennis. It does not suit you. Whatever Miss Edwards’ decision, her hand will remain here, under my protection.”
“What?” Emily leaned forward in her chair, outraged. “You’re just going to … commandeer my hand?”
“What else would you have me do?” Mirabilis asked. “Do you not see the almost impossible responsibility you have placed upon me, Miss Edwards? The knife’s edge I must negotiate to save you, the Institute—even the future of magic?” He paused. “Your participation in the symposium—specifically your connection with Komé—will be of great help in navigating that treacherous edge. I would be most grateful for your cooperation. But if I cannot have it, I must do without.”
There was a long silence, broken finally when Miss Pendennis slapped the arm of her chair.
“Well, isn’t this a fine kettle of fish,” she bleated. “And folks wonder why Witches need a Friendly Society!”
“Oh, that’s right,” Mirabilis narrowed his eyes at Miss Pendennis, his voice taking on a tone of inspiration. “I’ve forgotten all about the Witches’ Friendly Society. Why, your troubles are at an end, Miss Edwards! I’m sure the members will be delighted to open their homes to you—a kind of underground railroad of one. Of course, they’ll be putting their husbands and children in the path of the Maelstroms, but that’s just a minor detail. Go on, then. You females work it out among yourselves. I’ve clearly wasted my time trying to come up with a solution when one was staring us in the face all the time.”
Emily glanced at the woman for her reaction. Even Miss Pendennis’ seemingly unflappable brusqueness had transmuted into obvious consternation. Emily felt suddenly trapped and alone.
You are alone, carissima mia.
Emily winced at the sudden slight pain, but it faded quickly, and in an instant she had forgotten it. She drew in a deep breath, let it out.
“Well, what’s in it for me?” she said, with more petulance than she had intended. Mirabilis’ eyes widened, but Emily pressed on. “Mr. Stanton promised me payment. Will you honor that arrangement?”
“Of course, Miss Edwards,” Mirabilis said. “If that is what you want.”
“I want twenty thousand dollars,” Emily said. It was, of course, an impossible sum. It was the kind of money that people talked about in hushed and respectful tones. No one really had twenty thousand dollars; it was a number with far too many zeros to be believed. But it was the amount of the bounty that had been offered for her and Stanton. They were worth that to someone.
To her surprise, Mirabilis grinned broadly and clapped his hands together. “Done,” he said.
Emily gaped at him with all the astonishment of one who had been expecting “truth” and had gotten “dare.”
“You can’t really mean it …” Emily sputtered. She wondered, suddenly, if she hadn’t been trapped in some exquisitely cunning fashion.
“Of course I do!” Mirabilis said. “I’ll have a contract drafted immediately.”
“And if some harm should come to Miss Edwards during this suicidal adventure?” Miss Pendennis asked.
“I will add a codicil that the money shall be paid regardless. It could pass to your adoptive father.”
Emily knew that she would never again have the chance to make such money—a fortune! It would fix her for life … and even if the worst happened, she’d know that Pap was provided for. It was an opportunity she could