And of course I have Freddie to think of. Louis and he are still friends, and I know he will think I am a fool for turning away from such a match for the love of a penniless artist nobody has ever heard of. Freddie has, as yet, given me reason to hope that he may be lifting himself out of his dark troubles. I have not once, these past weeks, been summoned to Mr. Chow Li’s to rescue him, and though he is still frail and given to sleeping through whole days on occasion, he seems a little steadier. A little stronger.

But the greatest cause for my delight is Bram. When I am fearful for him, and for our future together, I hold tight to the thought that we will soon be out of London, in the comparative safety of Radnor Hall. Together at last. Bram has purchased the railway tickets, and we are to meet at St. Pancras station tomorrow, at noon. I have already told my guardians I will not be needing them. No one knows I am going yet, not even Mama, whom I will tell at the very last minute. There is really very little danger of anyone causing me harm so far from London. The Dark Spirit will not have his master to aid him, and I believe my own strength as a witch will keep us safe there.

“Yes!” Charlotte claps her hands together in delight. “Oh yes, Lilith, this is the one. This is perfect, don’t you agree?”

She looks glamorous and pretty beyond words in the dark pink velvet, and I tell her so. Iago jumps down from his chair and comes to wind himself around my legs, clearly having decided he will give his affection, albeit grudgingly. I scoop him up in my arms.

“Poor puss, to have to put up with all these women and their silliness.”

“Indeed it is not silliness,” Charlotte tells me. “This ball marks the end of a very long, dreary winter, and I for one intend to enjoy myself enormously.”

*   *   *