Ten Little Wizards: A Lord Darcy Novel by Michael Kurland, Randall Garrett Page B

unbelievable honor and a pleasure to meet each of you.” He grabbed Lord Darcy’s hand and shook it firmly, then turned to Master Sean and did likewise. “Welcome to the Gryphon d’Or . I could only wish that we meet under more auspicious circumstances. I have admired both of you for many years. Professionally, that is, of course. I hope I haven’t offended you. But you understand. Of course you understand. It must get tiresome. I will try not to ask you too many questions.”
    Goodman Lourdan led the way into the front hall of the inn, continuing to talk enthusiastically to his two new guests. Master Sean responded politely, but was clearly puzzled. Lord Darcy seemed to be secretly amused.
    “I have followed your cases with interest for years, my lord,” Goodman Lourdan told Lord Darcy. “You and, of course, Master Sean. The mysterious murder of Master Sorcerer Zwinge; the strange death of the Count de la Vexin; the impossible murder of Lord Aflen; the incredible disappearance of the barque Lady Jeanne in Portsmouth Harbour—Your Lordship and Master Sean did masterful work in solving them. Incredible. Have you ever thought of writing your memoirs, my lord? Here, Jonquil, take His Lordship’s luggage up to his room. And Master Sean’s. They have rooms fourteen and fifteen. See that the connecting door is unlocked. Hurry now! May I offer you a drink at the bar, my lord, or would you rather go up to your room and freshen up first?”
    “Let us freshen up a bit first,” Lord Darcy said. “Shake some of the grime and mud of travel off us. And then Master Sean and I will gladly meet you in the bar in, say, fifteen or twenty minutes. You and Prefect Henri will have to acquaint us with the details of this mysterious double murder which has happened in your inn.”
    “What a horrible thing,” Goodman Lourdan said, frowning at the memory. “But if anyone can solve it, Your Lordship and Master Sean are the pair, I’ve no doubt. It will be a pleasure to answer your questions—to watch you at work.” The thought seemed to cheer him up, and a beaming Goodman Lourdan gave them their keys and waved them to the staircase.
    The rooms were large and comfortable, with great king-sized canopied beds and oversized wardrobes and bureaus. Lord Darcy’s room had an ornate Gwiliam II style writing desk, while Master Sean’s had a chaise longue that any lady would have delighted lounging in. “Obviously, judging by the connecting door, designed for a husband and wife,” Lord Darcy said.
    “If you say so, my lord,” Master Sean said, shaking his head. “But why a husband would choose not to sleep with his wife, or a wife with her husband, is beyond me.”
    “Sean, my old friend,” Lord Darcy told him, “you have the romance of a bachelor in your heart.”
    Master Sean nodded. “Maybe you’re right, my lord. And it may be that my being a romantic at heart is what has kept me a bachelor over the years.” He went through the connecting door into his rooms and closed the door behind him.
    Lord Darcy opened his suitcase on his bed and took out a fresh shirt. “You’re supposed to be a magician,” he called across to Master Sean, “not a philosopher. Now let’s take ten minutes to freshen up, and then go down and let our landlord buy us drinks. I could use one.”
    Master Sean knocked on the connecting door ten minutes later. “Are you ready, my lord?” he called.
    “Come in, Master Sean,” Lord Darcy replied. “I’ll be prepared to go downstairs in a second.”
    Master Sean opened the door just as Lord Darcy pulled his green dress tunic on. “I thought I’d better look the part,” Lord Darcy explained. “Our landlord seems to have expectations of us.”
    “I wanted to ask you about that, my lord,” Master Sean said, lowering his voice. “What is going on? Yon landlord seems like a nice enough fellow, but what is he prating about? He knows of our past cases better than I remember them myself. If I were of a