“We’d have to tell them about Belial,” said Cordelia.
“And that would potentially be disastrous,” said Matthew. “For Jamie, for Lucie, for Will and Tessa—for all the reasons we decided not to tell them in the first place.”
Thomas had sat down on the edge of the sofa. He laid a hand on James’s shoulder. “Of course. We weren’t suggesting we tell them any of that.”
“I would be prepared to tell them about Belial if it affected only me,” said James, “but it would put my mother and Lucie under the Clave’s microscope too.” He turned to Thomas. “Now. Tom, no one’s saying you can’t patrol. Just not by yourself. I’ll go with you.”
“I wish you could,” said Thomas. “But they’re setting a curfew for everyone under eighteen. None of you will be allowed to patrol at all, and if I can’t patrol with you, I’d rather be on my own. Last time they paired me with Augustus Pounceby. It was torture.”
“Speaking of Pouncebys,” said Lucie. “What could Amos Gladstone and Basil Pounceby have had in common, besides both being out on patrol?”
“I imagine that’s what the Enclave is looking into right now,” said Matthew. “As for us, perhaps we ought to concentrate on preventing James from being tormented in his dreams.”
“There are tinctures and things that are meant to offer dreamless sleep,” said Christopher. “I’ll ask Uncle Henry about them.”
“Oh, that would be wonderful,” said Lucie, looking relieved. “I’m sure these are just bad dreams—some remnant of the shadow power tormenting you, James.”
“No doubt,” said James, but Cordelia could tell from the look on his face that he had many doubts indeed.
* * *
As they collected their coats and gloves, Lucie watched her brother carefully, looking for clues to how he was holding up, but his face was impassive. She wondered if it bothered Cordelia, how little emotion James could show sometimes. But then, Cordelia probably did not expect much, or even want much, from James. It was a dispiriting thought.
“I’m going to visit the Pouncebys,” James said, wrapping his scarf around his neck. “I ought to go offer condolences.”
Matthew made a face. “I’m sure they’re being well looked after by the Enclave,” he said. “You needn’t trouble yourself, Jamie.”
“And yet I shall trouble myself,” James said, squaring his shoulders. “It’s what my mother and father would do if they were here. With them in Paris, it’s my responsibility to pay respects to the Pouncebys.”
“You’re a good man, James,” Thomas said sympathetically.
“Capital of you to step in for Uncle Will and Aunt Tessa,” Christopher added. “Please send the condolences of us Merry Thieves as well.”
“Yes,” agreed Matthew. “Whether they want them or not.”
Lucie admired her brother’s resolve but did not share it. “I’d join you,” she said, “but Cordelia and I were meant to train today. We’ve fallen dreadfully behind, and we must catch up if we’re going to be ready for our parabatai ceremony in January. Are you coming back to the Institute with us, Kit?”
“No—I’m off to Henry’s lab.”
Lucie couldn’t say she was surprised—despite the fact that Christopher was in principle residing at the Institute, she expected he’d be nearly always away: either at the Devil Tavern or at his beloved laboratory at the Consul’s house.
Christopher turned to James. “If you’re going to the Pouncebys’ anyway, come to Grosvenor Square afterward. There’s something I want you to have a look at in the lab.”
As James and Christopher fell into a discussion of the laboratory, Matthew took Thomas aside. Lucie perked her ears up. She suspected Cordelia was eavesdropping as well, though she was drawing on her napa leather gloves and looked perfectly demure.
“Do, please, be careful, Tom,” Matthew advised. “I know you’re eighteen and you can do what you like, but don’t take foolish chances.”
Thomas drew the hood of his gear jacket up, covering his light brown hair. “You, too, Matthew. Be careful.”
Matthew looked puzzled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Thomas sighed. Lucie could not help wondering if he, too, had noticed what she had noticed about Matthew. What everyone else seemed determined not to see or address. “Just take care of yourself.”