Page 3 of Half Agony, Half Hope

“I’ve heard excellent things about your work. You’ve made quite a name for yourself. And Winterbournes want the best - no matter the…history.”

Sighing, Pearl raised her eyes to the heavens as though she could find some patience there. “There’s so much to unpack there I don’t even want to start.”

“I’ll triple your fee, and you’ll have a recommendation letter from my mother that will get you into any library in Europe.”

Pearl’s voice was quiet when she answered. “Corvus, you can’t solve every problem by throwing money at it.”

Standing, Corvus stepped closer to her. “What if I told you I have a copy of Chaucer’s The Book of the Lion?”

Pearl couldn’t help the gasp that escaped from her, nor the hand that flew to her chest. Staring him down, she attempted to reply evenly even if she’d already given away her eagerness. “I’d call you a liar again.”

Eyes sparkling with mischief, Corvus stepped back to the door. “Care to find out?”

Walking into the manor, Pearl smelled the fresh lemon scent the staff used to clean, and it brought back a burst of memories. It was as though nothing had changed - as though she could reach out and grab Corvus’ hand and pull him into the library like she belonged there. Giving her head a little shake, Pearl tried to jostle herself back to the present. She didn’t belong here. She was the help, and she’d power through this job to open doors to other jobs.

Hearing a throat clear, Pearl realized she’d stopped in the middle of the grand hall, and Corvus was looking at her with a gentle smile on his face. “We could get a spot of tea first if you like? I can even make it iced for you.”

A small chuckle escaped before Pearl could call it back. “I’ve finally been converted to hot tea. It’s too cold here not to eventually be worn down.”

“Well, follow me and we’ll go and have a cuppa. Is jasmine still your favorite?”

And just like that, all warm feelings left her. It seemed like she wasn’t the only one having a moment that all was as it was before, that nothing had changed, and it was like a slap in the face that it wasn’t true. “That is a kind offer, but I think it would be best if we go to the library - if I’m really doing this, I would like to focus on the work.”

If Pearl hadn’t known him so well, she would have missed the disappointment that flashed across Corvus’ face, but he pivoted quickly, “Of course. I’ll take you to the library.”

“Corvus, I’m sure you have more important things to do. I remember my way there, and I promise I won’t make off with the china if you leave me to my own devices.”

“Oh, please do make off with the china, actually. I’ve hated it since I was a child. My mother paid to have them enchanted it to make vegetables look like sweets and sweets look like vegetables, so I’m still suspicious of anything put on those plates.”

“Corvus, stop being ridiculous, and show me this book you’re attempting to bribe me with, and then I can get to work. I assure you I do not need a babysitter.” She’d meant to lace her tone with at least some severeness, but it came out sounding like she was trying to choke down a laugh. Why did he have to be funny? She didn’t want to give him any more laughs today, but she had forgotten how easy things could be with him. And she cursed inwardly at how obviously pleased he was.

“While I trust your excellent work and the fact that you do not need a babysitter, many of these texts will require a Winterbourne to be present to cursebreak. A few of them may need blood. My ancestors were as suspicious as they were inbred.”

Sigh. She should have anticipated that. Even though she’d only worked in a few personal family libraries, it was something that came up often in the old families. One of her professors had likened it to the most elegant form of a “No Trespassing, Private Property” sign.

“Alright, I’ll try to handle those first so you can go on about your business.”

“No rush, darling. I’m yours for as long as you’re here.”

Cutting suspicious eyes to him, Pearl could sense no alternate meaning behind his words, but surely he wouldn’t make himself so available to an old paramour he had thrown off so coldly almost a decade ago? What an odd choice - and he still hadn’t answered her question about what he wanted - why he had chosen her. But before she could contemplate further, Corvus threw open the library doors, and all thoughts left her head at the sight of an actual copy of The Book of the Lion. It was an illuminated copy that was utterly breathtaking - in almost pristine condition, and Pearl was drawn to it like a moth to a flame.

“You have to tell me where you got it.”

“Well now, if I did that I’d have to kill you I’m afraid.”

Pearl rolled her eyes. “Sure. Now that we’ve gotten the theatrics out of the way, why don’t you tell me the story.”

“Maybe another day.”

Nose flaring in frustration, Pearl took a deep breath. She was not going to laugh at his jokes and let him get a rise out of her on the same day.

“Keep your secrets. I’m sure I’ll figure them out anyway.”

“I dearly hope you do.” There was a wistfulness to Corvus’ tone that made Pearl look up, but he waved her off. “Don’t mind me. Look at the book - what kind of curses do you see? It took a week for me to take off all the protective enchantments and set it up for you here.”

Why did he want to hire her if he was just going to do the work for her? Pearl tried unsuccessfully to keep annoyance out of her tone. “Corvus, I could have done that - there was no need for you to do so.”

Despite the annoyance in her tone, Corvus responded teasingly. “Ah, but then I wouldn’t have gotten to make such a grand showing of it just now.”