Strange sighed. “It is purely a matter of practicalities. That is all. A magician and his pupil must spend a great deal of time together, reading and discussing. Had Arabella not died, then I believe I might have taken female pupils. But now I would be obliged to rely upon chaperones and all sorts of tediousness that I do not have patience for at the moment. My own researches must come first.”

“And what new magic are you intending to shew us, Mr Strange?” asked Lord Portishead, eagerly.

“Ah! I am glad you ask me that! I have been giving the matter a great deal of consideration. If the revival of English magic is to continue – or rather if it is not to remain under the sole direction of Gilbert Norrell – then I must learn something new. But new magic is not easily come by. I could go upon the King’s Roads and try and reach those countries where magic is the general rule, rather than the exception.”

“Good God!” exclaimed Sir Walter. “Not this again! Are you quite mad? I thought we had agreed that the King’s Roads were far too dangerous to justify …”

“Yes, yes! I am well acquainted with your opinions. You lectured me long enough upon the subject. But you do not let me finish! I merely name possibilities. I shall not go upon the King’s Roads. I gave my word to my … to Arabella that I would not.”3

There was a pause. Strange sighed and his expression darkened. He was clearly now thinking of something – or someone – else.

Sir Walter observed quietly, “I always had the highest regard for Mrs Strange’s judgement. You cannot do better than follow her advice. Strange, I sympathize – of course you wish to do new magic – any scholar would – but surely the only safe way to learn magic is from books?”

“But I do not have any books!” exclaimed Strange. “Good God! I promise to be as meek and stay-at-home as any maiden aunt if the Government will just pass a law saying Norrell must shew me his library! But as the Government will not do me this kindness, I have no choice but to increase my knowledge in any way I can.”

“So what will you do?” asked Lord Portishead.

“Summon a fairy,” said Strange, briskly. “I have made several attempts already.”

“Did not Mr Norrell lay it down as a general rule that summoning fairies is full of hazards?” asked Sir Walter.

“There is not much that Mr Norrell does not regard as full of hazards,” said Strange in tones of some irritation.

“True.” Sir Walter was satisfied. After all, summoning fairies was a long-established part of English magic. All the Aureates had done it and all the Argentines had wished to.

“But are you sure that it is even possible, sir?” asked Lord Portishead. “Most authorities agree that fairies hardly ever visit England any more.”