“Greater freedom for women, I hope!” With a departing smile, she collected her cloak and headed toward the drawing room. When she entered, Lucas was studying a battle-scarred round shield, but he turned at her arrival, then stood stock-still, staring. He swallowed hard before saying, “Good morning.”

“I think this is the first time I’ve seen you really surprised,” she said cheerfully. “Athena Masterson sent the clothes over while we were traveling. I hope to see her at Angelo’s this morning.”

Collecting himself, Lucas said, “Your outfit will offer great flexibility for fencing.” He grinned. “Or possibly for becoming a jewel thief.”

She glanced down at herself. “I hadn’t thought of that, but I’ll bear it in mind if I need to take up a new occupation.”

“You may cause a riot as we walk over,” he said, seeming unable to wrench his gaze from her legs. “And if you cross swords with any men at the academy, you’ll win because they’ll be too stunned by the sight of you to put up a defense.”

“I’m divided between feeling dashing and alarmed,” she admitted as she donned her cloak to conceal her appearance from men on the street. “But I do love the freedom of movement that I have.”

They stepped out on the street and the bright spring breeze blew her loose cloak around her legs. Her pantaloons made the effect interestingly different from her usual skirts. She also found that her strides were longer and freer. Lucas didn’t have to alter his pace for them to walk side by side down the street. Yes, she liked this.

Angelo’s was rather quiet when they arrived, but four women had claimed the left end of the main room and were chatting in a friendly way as two of them sparred with their blunted small swords. All wore pantaloons, though only Kendra was dressed in all black.

Kendra smiled at the sight, feeling as if she was joining a very special club. Athena Masterson was part of the group and wore black boots and pantaloons along with a white shirt and dark red tunic. She made a very convincing warrior woman. She turned to greet the new arrival. “Kendra, welcome to the Fencing Females Fighting Society! I’m glad you braved the pantaloons. It’s much harder to fence in a skirt.”

Kendra grinned at her, immediately feeling at home. “You did a good job guessing my size. Thank you!”

“My sister-in-law, Lady Kiri Mackenzie, is a wizard with clothing and fashion and she developed the pantaloons,” Athena explained. “She often fences here but couldn’t come this morning. I’ll tell her how pleased you are with your new ensemble.”

“I think pantaloons are a splendid idea,” Lucas said. “Why should women always wear clothing that is so confining?”

“I like your point of view.” Athena extended her hand. “I’m Athena Masterson and you must be Foxton?”