How many times had she said that she would not return to Mizel? Nor should she return to a clan that valued her so little, to a delm who would make certain to remind her every day that her brother had died on her account.
“Can we stall?” he asked, and only realized that he had spoken in Terran when he saw the incomprehension on Mr. dea'Gauss' face.
“Your pardon, sir. I meant to say: Can we stand against this?”
“Ah.” The other man folded his fingers together before his lips, as if he would prevent any unfortunate words from escaping, and gazed thoughtfully down at his desk before finally speaking.
“There are certain . . . delaying tactics which might be employed, your lordship. I will detail them, if you wish.”
Daav considered him. “I would be interested in hearing your estimation of the probable success of these tactics.”
“We may delay,” Mr. dea'Gauss said promptly and far too certainly, “but we will not prevail. It will be expensive, and—forgive me—your lordship is not in funds.”
Daav took a breath.
“Does Pilot Caylon remain steadfast in her refusal of a . . . formal lifemating?”
“She does not wish to speak of it,” Daav said neutrally.
“Ah. If I may then offer a suggestion on what is, most naturally, a most delicate matter . . . ”
“You know that I value your advice, Mr. dea'Gauss. Please, speak plainly.”
“Thank you, your lordship. I wonder if a contract marriage might be proposed to the pilot. This would win time—for all—and be . . . considerably less expensive than entering into a stall with Mizel.”
It would win time up front, Daav thought. But when the contract was done, Aelliana would be bound by law and custom to return to her clan.
That was unacceptable, he thought—and thought again. A contract marriage would buy them time, yes. More importantly, it would buy her time, to ready herself and her ship.
And that might be a fair line of play.
He rose. “Thank you, Mr. dea'Gauss. I will speak with Pilot Caylon. Now, if you might produce a very small stall on my behalf. Pray allow Mizel to know that I am only yesterday returned to planet, and beg another day's grace so that I may craft a formal reply.”
Mr. dea'Gauss inclined his head. “Of course, your lordship.”
Back | Next
Contents
Liaden 11 - Mouse and Dragon
Chapter Twenty-Five
The pilot's care shall be ship and passengers.
The copilot's care shall be pilot and ship.
—From the Duties Roster of the Pilots Guild
Mr. pel'Kana was plainly distressed. No, the pilot had left no word. He had brought her a letter—yes, sir, Mizel's seal—brought the letter to her in the garden. She was deep in her work; had he known it, he would never have disturbed her, but she had left no instructions, and—an express message. He had followed House protocol . . .
“Of course,” Daav soothed. “You did exactly as you ought, Mr. pel'Kana. But I wonder, did it seem the letter disturbed her?”
“Truly, sir, she scarcely regarded it. She took it in hand, but did not even glance at the mark, and thanked me for bringing it. I asked if she wished for anything else, but she said she was well-provisioned and dismissed me. I —Cook and I were in the back room, inventorying . . . neither of us heard her come in, or leave. She left no message in the house base; the garage reported her car out . . . ”
“I see,” Daav said, keeping his voice calm and his face noncommittal. “Doubtless it slipped her mind; she is sometimes forgetful of commonplaces when she is at work. I have no doubt she'll be back with us soon, never thinking that we would have missed her. Thank you, Mr. pel'Kana.”
His butler hesitated.
“She is a fine lady, sir,” he offered tentatively, “gracious and sweet-tempered. Staff is pleased to serve her.”
Well, here is a recommendation! Daav thought. First, Mr. dea'Gauss and now Mr. pel'Kana. Aelliana conquers wherever she goes.
“Indeed, she is a fine lady,” Daav answered. “To my mind, there is none finer.”
Mr. pel'Kana bowed.
“Sir,” he murmured. “Will you wish to sit for prime meal, or—”
“I will wait, I think, until Pilot Caylon has returned,” he said smoothly, as if he had no doubt that she would do so, and soon.
