The library door opened and I jumped guiltily, unable to stifle a startled squeak. My reaction wasn’t nearly so severe as the cry that came from the intruder. I thought Mrs. Talbot might fall from shock as she froze in the doorway. Then she laughed nervously. “Why, Miss Newton, you startled me,” she said. “I didn’t expect to find anyone here.”

Glad I’d hidden the magic book, I said, “I’m looking for discussion topics for the children.”

“My, but you are diligent,” she said, her voice sounding steadier. “I came to find some light reading, but I don’t want to disturb your work.” Before I could protest—which I was not planning to do—she backed away and closed the door.

I let out my breath in a huge sigh of relief, then reshelved the books. It was only as I entered my room that I realized I hadn’t dropped my shield during that scare with Mrs. Talbot. I could face a magical dinner party.

*   *   *

I remained determined to play no role other than chaperone when Rollo, Flora, and I boarded the family’s carriage to go to the governor’s home Wednesday night. It was my first ride in a magical carriage, and despite my appreciation of Alec’s steam engine, I had to admit that I far preferred the magical ride, which was much quieter and smoother. Rollo obliged me with a complete recitation of the carriage’s specifications, none of which I understood.

The governor’s estate stood on a hill overlooking the Hudson River at the northern tip of the island. I wasn’t sure how I would be received as a chaperone or what I would be expected to do. Once the children were in their grandfather’s home, I presumed they would be considered safe. However, the butler informed me as he ushered us inside that my services would be required for the social portion of the evening, as His Excellency had invited a variety of people to this affair. I took that to mean that there would be nonmagisters present, and the governor couldn’t be expected to monitor the children while attending to his guests. I didn’t think either Flora or Rollo was in any great danger of an improper liaison. Flora would sneer at any man she considered beneath her, and Rollo was far more interested in machines than in girls.

I followed my charges into the drawing room, where the guests mingled before dinner. A tall, husky man with graying muttonchop sideburns stood in the middle of the room, and it was he to whom the children went, so I presumed he was Samuel DeLancey, Duke of New York, and royal governor of the American colonies. He kissed Flora’s cheek and ruffled Rollo’s hair in a fond, if somewhat halfhearted, greeting.