In addition, we have taken to holding regular meetings of the whole coven, in order to maintain and strengthen the bonds between witches, to cast and enforce spells of protection and incantations designed to alert us to danger. We have set up groups within the coven, working in rotation, undertaking frequent callings and summonings of spirits that may give assistance or comfort in these difficult times. Some are able to pass on specific, if fragmentary information about the forces that oppose us, whether Sentinels or foreign militia. Others suggest courses of action that might prove sensible, or warnings if certain members or their family are in particular peril. It seems our work as necromancers will become ever more important, both in the coming war abroad and our own, closer to our coven home.

The earl of Winchester has insisted one of his own guardian spirits, a fearsome Goth, accompany me when I am out after dark. This has horribly curtailed my movements. While I might persuade the spirit to wait outside Mangan’s house, he still reports back to his master regarding my whereabouts. And the earl has taken it into his head that the closer Louis is to me, the safer he becomes. Indeed he has clearly been pressuring him to redouble his efforts to press me for a date to marry, and has insisted he return to London. Last time he called at the house I felt terrible, seeing how worried he is and knowing I can only add to his difficulties now. He looked so very frightened, and yet did his best to sound cheerful and brave, that my heart went out to him.

When I am trying to be sensible I wonder, could the earl be right, perhaps? Might it be that if Louis and I were to form such an alliance, a pairing of witches and a joining of two ancient families of necromancers, might he be saved? If that is the case, it could be seen as my duty to marry him. And how happy it would make Mama. But what of Bram? What of love? There are times when it seems I must consider everyone else before myself, and Bram barely at all. If I were Mama I would know exactly what to do. I would marry Louis.