Fragile Destiny (The Aether Chronicles) by Suzanne Lazear Page A

self-consciously. “Noli, do I look all right? James said I look like Father. I’m not sure if he meant it as a compliment.”
    Noli sucked in breath at the handsome sight in front of her. “You look like a gentleman.”
    She walked over and straightened the vest and cravat, which had been his father’s party best. He did resemble Mr. Darrow a little, but not in a bad way.
    “I never thought to use magic to make it fit.” V tugged at the cravat. “Will I pass? I feel odd wearing his suit. Like I’m wearing a costume.”
    She took him in from toes to top hat. He was a very cute man indeed. Noli adjusted his cravat, again. “You’re perfect.”
    Jeff cleared his throat, still sitting at her desk.
    V’s eyes widened as he took her in. “You look amazing. ”
    “I’m so glad you like it.” Part of her preened, proud of the off-the-shoulder dress—and the entire effect the sprite had created. Even if the dress was poufy .
    Poufy is pretty! The sprite told her. And we look so very pretty.
    That we do, you did a good job, she assured the sprite.
    V looks pretty too.
    Noli gazed openly at V. Yes, V looks really nice.
    If only Jeff and Vix weren’t here …
    “Will your skirt fit in my father’s auto?” V frowned as his head flopped from side to side, top hat nearly falling off in the process.
    Oops. She’d forgotten about that. “We’ll figure it out.”
    Jeff sighed and shook his head slowly in resignation. “Have fun—and please don’t forget to follow the plan.” He eyed her handbag. “Do you have everything?”
    Noli patted her handbag, which was a little large for the affair, but she needed the space in order to conceal everything. “I do. I even remember the plan.”
    They’d only been over it a hundred times. At least she’d gotten them to agree to doing things her way.
    “Good.” Jeff eyed V and patted the pistol at his hip. “Darrow, I’m watching you.”
    V straightened and gave a decisive nod. “Likewise.”
    “Ugh, you two. I’ll be waiting downstairs.” Grabbing her skirts, she left the room and marched down to the kitchen, frustrated by their silly boy games.
    Vix sat at the kitchen table, cleaning her pistol. She looked up. “What a pretty dress. Not my style, but pretty.”
    “I appreciate the compliment.” Noli untangled the train.
    We will be prettiest, the sprite told her, as she fixed the skirts. Missy will be angry. Perhaps she’ll turn purple.
    She heard footsteps down the back stairs.
    “I’m sorry, Noli.” V joined her and offered his arm. “Shall we? The auto’s out front. I’ve enlisted James as our chauffeur.”
    Noli took his offered arm. “Apology accepted. I just tire of you two sniping at each other. Now, let’s steal ourselves a faery jewel.”

    “And here we are.” James stopped the auto in front of the museum. The red and gold enameled steam-powered auto was a few years old but top of the line. He opened the car door for her.
    Noli carefully extracted her skirts and train from the car and straightened them, as V got out and adjusted his top hat. A flying car, a giant purple Dragon model, soared overhead.
    “I miss the Big Bad Pixymobile,” she muttered. The unrepairable remains of her beloved flying car were in the shed behind the house, if Grandfather hadn’t already carted them to the scrap heap.
    “She was a good car.” V put a gloved hand on her bare shoulder. “James, are you certain you don’t wish to join us?”
    James made a face as he climbed back into the car. “I’d rather eat ogre dung.” He pulled out his pocket watch, which was on the chain she’d woven out of Charlotte’s hair. James tucked it away and gave them a nod. “Enjoy.”
    After watching James race off, V straightened his top hat and offered Noli his arm. “Shall we, Miss Braddock?”
    Grinning, she took his arm. “Why certainly, Mr. Darrow.”
    They walked up the museum steps slowly so she wouldn’t trip on her skirts. V took the invitation out of his jacket