Stricklend holds up his hand. “Please, do not insult my intelligence by telling me that their friendship continues to deepen. The plain fact is that, for all his charms, your son has failed to win Robert Montgomery’s daughter’s hand in marriage. They are affianced, it is true, but their engagement is a long one, and those who know about such things tell me a wedding is, frankly, unlikely. No, I am sorry to say, waiting for the viscount to secure what we want is no longer an option.”

The earl blanches but makes an impressive attempt to cover his anguish.

“Then … what do you propose to do? I have tried my utmost to get what you asked for. My son has been sincere in his attempts to ally himself to Lilith. You must surely see that we are not to blame if the plan has not brought about the desired result?”

“My dear Harcourt, it is not a question of apportioning blame. Where would be the benefit of recrimination and reproach? No. I am not here to admonish you for your failure. I come, as a representative of the Sentinels, simply to offer you a choice.”

“A choice?”

“Quite so. Time is a harsh master, you will allow, which means we have not the luxury of more gentle options than these: either you yourself obtain the Elixir for us, complete with the necessary spell to accompany it, which will, naturally, include the divulgence of the Great Secret, or we will remove from you the burden of fatherhood.”

“You will kill Louis!”

“Would that there were another way. Our original ploy of using the seventh duke to manipulate his sister ended badly for all concerned. Your son has not succeeded in the more … romantic option. We believe that, given your position in the coven and your closeness to the Montgomery family, you are best placed to get the Elixir yourself. Particularly given suitable motivation.”

“But the Elixir is kept in the catacombs of Fitzroy Square…”

“Which you could no doubt gain access to.”

“Well, even if I could, I am not in possession of the Great Secret. That knowledge is handed down from one Head Witch to the next. Only Lilith knows the truth of it.”

“Then when you obtain the vials I suggest you also obtain this truth from your precious Morningstar. Or bring the girl herself and let us do it. We have no particular preference.”

“She will not tell me.” The earl shakes his head firmly. “I promise you, she will not divulge that Secret to anyone.”

“Really? We shall see. If you are not capable of getting the information from her, then bring the store of the Elixir, and bring your haughty Head Witch. When we have both, we will do the rest.”

Chapter 22

22.