Free Jane Austen: Blood Persuasion by Janet Mullany Page A

dirty, defiled ones.”
    “And Luke has joined Duval?”
    “He is with them. I sent him and Clarissa as ambassadors, to persuade Duval to abandon les Sales and their unclean ways, and to destroy his weapons. I fear Luke may have cast his lot with them.”
    “Weapons? What weapons?”
    “A weapon like the one that made the mark upon your breast. Had you been at the height of your powers as one of us, that blow would have destroyed you. As it was, you fell into a deep swoon, and it took Luke’s blood to revive you.”
    “And you believe that one of les Sales attacked Martha? On Duval’s orders?”
    “Very likely, but as to it being upon Duval’s orders, I think not. He allows them to roam as they will and gives them shelter. But soon I fear he will command them.”
    “What can Duval hope to gain?”
    “Who knows?” William shrugged. “He and those with whom he is in sympathy are seduced by power. It divides us, Jane, at a time when we cannot afford a schism in our ranks. It is my responsibility to seek a solution, for I am the oldest and highest in rank in this county.”
    “But why should Luke revive me if he is one . . . one of them?”
    “I believe you have a better understanding of Luke’s mind than I do.” He looked at her inquiringly.
    “I don’t believe I do. You are his Creator! Do you not know him best?”
    “Not while he is among Duval and les Sales, and that is my burden. After what happened in this house when you were here, I have forbidden Duval ever to set foot here again. But I can no longer see Luke’s mind.”
    She understood that, the isolation of the Damned who could not sense the presence of the ones they loved. “So fledgling has turned against Creator.”
    “So it would seem. But as you know, things have never been easy between us. We are too alike in temperament and age; I expect he told you of this.”
    “Tell me more of the weapons,” Jane said, not wanting to talk of Luke. She touched the place near her collarbone as she spoke.
    He stood to fetch the decanter and pour them more wine. “You may remember that after we found Margaret had betrayed you to the French, I gave you the choice of judgment: to banish or to destroy her. There was a weapon, a small sicklelike implement of graystone. You chose banishment. It is weapons like that knife that Duval and those who hold his views use. And yes, I still possess that knife, but I bring myself to that level of degradation should I, or any of my household, use it in warfare.”
    Jane nodded, remembering the cold burn of the graystone against her fingertips and her reluctance to send another of the Damned to hell. One of the Damned, alone, was as good as destroyed, might even become one of les Sales . Had she really made such a wise choice? Or even a humane choice? Yet Margaret had formed, or joined, another household.
    “She was luckier than most,” William said in answer to her unspoken question. “Well, Jane. Is it not time you made a decision?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “To throw in your lot with us and hunt les Sales .”
    “And my family?”
    “You mean your mortal family. Join us, and they will be safer than if you do not.”
    She rose to her feet. “You are hardly persuasive, William.”
    He rose too. “I am honest. My family is my first priority. But consider, Jane. This is not a situation unique to Hampshire. All over England the Damned are divided, households and old alliances broken, fledglings turned against Creators, and more and more of us take to the ways of les Sales . It is your duty to help, as it was when the French invaded. ”
    “Your indifference to my family hardly convinces me to join you, William. I regret I must decline your offer.”
    “You may think differently when more fall foul of les Sales . Martha was lucky that you knew what to do.”
    “I must excuse myself. I suggest, sir, you and your kind protect this village in which you have chosen to live, and upon which you have brought trouble.